[mvk]

#1059072

Good Morning Everyone,

I am one month post RAI and just went to the lab for my first blood draw. I have an appointment with the endo next Wednesday. I have a couple of questions. What are the important things for me to ask next week at my first visit post RAI? What should I look for when I see the lab results? I’m feeling a lot better for the most part. I still need my betablocker and still have a right hand tremor. When is that going to end? My energy level is much better for the most part. My weight has stabilized. Not losing anymore but staying the same. I know for sure I am going to ask her about starting to exercise again. Thanks for any help.

mvk

[Kimberly]

#1171950

Hello – Hopefully, you will get some responses from others who have had RAI, but just a note to make sure that your doc is aware of the latest guidelines from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association when it comes to post-RAI follow up:

“Since TSH levels may remain suppressed for a month or longer after hyperthyroidism resolves, the levels should be interpreted cautiously and only in concert with free T4 and T3 estimates.”

You can check out the full guidance document in the “Treatment Options” thread in the “Announcements” section at the top of the forum.

Wishing you all the best!

[beach45]

#1171951

Hello,
I am almost 3 weeks post RAI and I see my endocrinologist next Wed. I have blood work this week as my endocrinologist wants to start with blood work every 3 weeks post RAI. I ask him what are the levels he keeps patients at post RAI such as TSH, Free T3 and Free T4. I already know he wants to keep my TSH between 2-3 although I know some endos who prefer between 1-2; also depends on the patient. I already asked him average time people go on thyroid hormone (T4)which he said 6 months; some sooner, some later. I will ask him the frequency of patients having to take RAI again. I was not happy when a friend who is having TT instead of RAI said her surgeon’s nurse who has 20 years seeing TTs performed said there are people who come to them who had RAI 2, 3,4 and 5 times.

My endo goes by numbers only not symptoms. I had the shaking and fast heart rate (over 100 bpm resting) and right hand tremor too although no beta blocker and my heart rate has stablized in the high 70s / low 80s since this past weekend. Energy level is terrible; no more sleep problems right now though. No weight loss or gain since RAI as I gained 20 lbs being on Methimazole 20 months. My endo is connected with a Medical University and seems up to date on things. I find lots of patience needed as two people I know took 1 year before they got balanced post RAI yet everyone is different.

Good luck!

beach45

[Bobbi]

#1171952

I think it helps a lot to keep your focus on what is “better.” It takes time at normal levels of hormone for our bodies to heal, but focussing on what is better helps tolerate the wait. ; )

About five weeks after my RAI, my TSH showed that I was very mildly hypo. I felt terrific. My doctor told me that that was the “worst” I would feel, and she was correct.

I understand that TSH lags. From what I’ve read, it is supposed to lag a bit. But I believe it lags in BOTH directions, and that is just the way things work.
Being mildly hypo, in my opinion, is significantly better than being hyper.

Be sure to ask both your doctor and your pharmacist about the correct way to take replacement hormone. This includes not taking it within four hours or so of other supplements (vitamins or calcium for example).

[mvk]

#1171953

Thank you for your replies. Every bit of encouragement helps. I went to the doctor this morning and I am improving slowly but surely. My T4 is now 2.1 (was 3.6) -range is 0.8-1.8 and my TSH is now 0.01 (was 0.02) still way too low. She said the TSH is the last to react to RAI. I have to do labs in one month or sooner if symptomatic and see her in two months. She also said I need a sonogram in Sept./Oct. to check the nodules, lowered my betablocker and if that works, I can go off it. The only thing negative she said is no vigorous exercise for one more month but I can walk. She seems to think everything is going OK for now. I am 5 weeks post RAI and still think I made the right decision for someone my age – 62 years young next week! Hope everyone is feeling good today.

mvk

[Bobbi]

#1171954

Hey, mvk. I will be travelling next week, so Happy (Early) Birthday.

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