[Bobbi]

#1067205

I was told dumping takes place at "give or take" a week after RAI. Whether it is sooner, or later, for you, it is good that your doctor gave you instructions for how to increase the beta blocker during that time. They can make you feel more comfortable.

I had RAI the week before Thanksgiving, about 13 years ago. I remember that I was feeling pretty decent by Christmas, although a bit tired.

Wishing you good luck, and good health soon,

[babs]

#1067206

Yeah for "so far, so good!" Would love to hear updates on how you are doing – hope you continue to feel great! My daughter will be getting RAI in two weeks. Do you know what dose you got? And what your uptake was? Is it a relief to have it over and done with?!

[hyperteacher27]

#1018797

Hello All,

I had my Radioactive Iodine pill today and so far so good.

I don’t feel any different.

My Endo said the dump would happen within the first few days so she suggested that I take a few extra doses of my beta blocker this week. What I had been reading previously is that is happens later? More like two weeks. Any thoughts?

Anyone have RAI approximately 4 weeks ago? I am wondering if I will be feeling better for Christmas! I have high hopes.

Thanks for all the posts to my earlier question. This board is great.

Peace.

[hyperteacher27]

#1067207

Hi Babs,

Day 2 and I’m still feeling fine. I hope to start feeling "better" (as in relief from hyper symptoms) soon.

My dose was 12.9 mCi and my uptake was around 75% when I got the initial scan.

I live with my fiance and we are being as careful as possible regarding exposure. He works during the days so I’ve just been hanging out my segregated area on the couch and the bedroom. He has the guest bedroom and the kitchen and the other side of the couch! I’m using throw away utensils, cups, plates, and paper towels instead of hand towels. I drank a TON yesterday and probably urinated at least 8 times, which I think it is good. We only have one bathroom so I have been flushing twice and wiping the seat, handle, and sink down with Lysol wipes every so often.

Hopefully he won’t develop a weird thyroid problem because of this; I would hate to do that to him! It is scary to think that my treatment could harm him, but I think it is the best thing I could have done.

I will definitely keep updating everyone with my progress as the treatment continues to do its job.

THANKS!

[enough3]

#1067208

Glad that you are feeling fine:)

I’m almost 4 weeks post and I’m feeling good. I have not gained a pound! (But-I have been running a little and walking a bunch)

The past 3-4 days I have been very tired. But, when it’s time for bed…I can’t seem to fall asleep. I think the reason is b/c I quit drinking caffinated drinks when I was hyper…and picked up the habit again 2 weeks ago b/c I do not have the heart palpitations anymore…So, I think my sleep issues are related to my new found pleasure of drinking good coffee..lol

I had my first labs done this afternoon and will not get my results till tomorrow. I have a feeling that I’m starting to head down the road of hypo…just have the sluggish feeling coming on…especially the past couple days.

My goiter is starting to shrink, too..which is great. Much easier to breathe laying down.

All in all I’m SOOOOOO glad I had RAI. It is so nice to not have to eat right away in the morning (which I had to do when I was hyper), drink regular coffee, go running, and not feel like I’m choking when I get my heart rate up.

The only negative things that I have had are: dry hair and skin. My eyes feel a little gritty..red..and dry. But, things will get better over time..I know it:)

I’m sure you will be fine!!! No worrries:)

[hyperteacher27]

#1067209

Thanks! Glad to hear that 4 weeks post treatment you are feeling better! I definitely plan to start exercising regularly again. Before I was diagnosed I found the joy that is ZUMBA! It is so much fun and such a great workout; I can’t wait to start up again.

I have to ask. You mention something about not having to eat once you wake up anymore. Why did you before? Was it because you were so hungry? Was it because you were nauseous?

I am hungry ALL the time and because I eat all the time now, I am so much less nauseous than I ever have been in the past.

Did your insatiable hunger go away after treatment?

Thanks again and be well! ” title=”Smile” />

[hyperteacher27]

#1067210

Hi All,

So it has been one full week since my RAI treatment. Definitely feel like my "dumping" happened fours days post treatment. I am feeling much less jittery today, and not sweaty at all! I actually wore a long sleeve shirt today! shocking!

Now I am not complaining at all, just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience. While I am feeling like some of my hyper symptoms are slowly fading, I also just came back from my PCP and she diagnosed me with a yeast infection and a sinus infection. WTF? I don’t feel all that bad, but had a scheduled follow up with her (she referred me to my Endo back in October) and I figured I would mention the few things that were ailing me (dry cough, post nasal drip, slight ear pain and then some classic yeast infection symptoms, subtle but there)

Is this normal to be open to infection easier post RAI?

Any thoughts would be great. And sorry if I gave TMI. You all have been wonderful!

[Ski]

#1067211

The likelihood is not that your sensitivity came from the RAI, but from the hyperthyroid state prior to the RAI ~ hyperthyroidism weakens our body overall, and keeps it from effectively fighting off infections. One week past RAI, you’re hardly even out of the hyperthyroid range, and chances are that these infections started taking hold even before your RAI treatment was done. Once your thyroid hormone levels come down (and stabilize), there should be no "extra" infection issues for you.

[hyperteacher27]

#1067212

Hi all and Happy New Year!

I just wanted to give an update as tomorrow will mark five weeks since my RAI.

I am feeling the best I’ve felt since my symptoms of Graves’ came on abruptly in August 09.

The biggest perks have been that my itching is almost completely gone. I’m not insanely hungry anymore. My pulse is no longer racing. I’m sweating right now, but mostly because I’ve been cooking meatloaf and the heat in my apartment is way too hot, but the sweating has gotten SO much better. I am sleeping better. I’m more focused and my tummy feels better!

The BEST news is that I had blood work on Dec 15th, which was only 2 weeks post RAI and three out of four tests came back saying I was in normal hormone level range. I’m sorry I don’t have numbers.

I know this counteracts a lot of what has been said here, but my doctor told me my dumping would take place within a few days of receiving the treatment and so far that first week of the treatment was when I felt the WORST. Ever since then, it has been only getting better.

My doc said she was a bit surprised how fast it was working on Dec 15th and that when I see her in January she wouldn’t be surprised if I had gone a bit hypo. The good news is that right now I am not lethargic, I’ve only gained 3 lbs and hey it’s the holidays! and I’m not colder than anyone else around me here in Boston!

I hate to sound like I am gloating, but I really do think people need to hear good news to keep their spirits up and stay hopeful about remission. Graves is a truly taxing disease on mind, body, and spirit and I am so thrilled that I found this message board along with a great doctor who helped me choose, apparently the right path of treatment.

Be well everyone and best wishes to you in 2010!

[enough3]

#1067213

Hyperteacher,

Sooo glad RAI was a breeze for you. That post was really encouraging and I’m sure many others will benefit from it!

It is amazing so see how everyone responds to RAI. My dr. told me that the first couple days was when the dumping occured, but I never felt it, either.
I REALLY felt the dumping between week 6-8..and still feel it:( My t4 moved slightly down last week..so hopefully in a month, I’ll feel much better. My thyroid just doesn’t want to surrender…LOLOL

All in all, I think RAI is worth it…moving on and forward with life:)
Happy New Year and a great year of health for you!!

[Author]

Posts