thyroid nodules

[vikki222]

I have had a FNA, and it came back inconclusive...my question is if I have nodules on each side of my thyroid, will radioactive iodine, help me?  What happens to the nodules? Do they disappear? Im confused...also, when I was in my 20's, I had kidney stones and was given Iodine w/ serious effects, does the radioactive iodine pose the same threat?
Please I have put off the treatment, because I am afraid of the effects

[redheadaussie]

Was the Radio iodine recommended as a treatment? Often this is used for Greave's Disease and some cancers.
Yes often the dye used can cause serious allergies. My sister had a reaction to it and had to be given it differently.
  Being inconclusive on a FNA is not grounds to do RAI. That is rather drastic. It just means there were either not enough cells present or the cells taken were not identifiable. Personally I would ask for another FNA.

[nissah46]

I had RAI in Oct. 2006 for thyroid cancer. I felt fine after receiving a fairly large dose. My taste buds were off for about a month, this is normal.  About 6 months later I started having blocked saliva glands, another side effect. It lasted a couple of months, and now I have a lack of saliva.  I was in isolation in the hospital for 2 days and another week at home.  Separate bathroom and bedroom, couldn't prepare food for others, washed my dishes and clothes separate from the rest of family.  It is most important to keep away from small children and pregnant women.  I have calcium issues as a result of my thyroid surgery.  Two parathyroids were removed and the other two were "stunned", and have not resumed working.  I take 2000mg of calcium supplements daily with 1000iu Vit D, to help with calcium absorption.  Is your doctor suggesting RAI or surgery to deal with your nodules ,or do they want to keep watching them for changes?  Good luck.
Trish

[vikki222]

thank u so much, for that info...i think the radiologist should know the side effects of the iodine, i was told our body make iodine and its the same form w/ the radioactive iodine, i think the allergic reaction came from the dye in the iodine used for diagnostic purposes. did u have RAI? if so, how did u feel? days and weeks after...were u in quarantine away from ur family? any issues w/ calcium levels?

[nissah46]

RAI would destroy your thyroid, nodules and all. You would then have to take synthroid for life.  I don't know about the side effects you mention. You would have to discuss any possible allergies to iodine with your doctor.