[mwhitney]

#1059765

Hello, I’m newly diagnosed with Graves.
I’m taking anti- thyroid med – methimazole. So far a week into it seems to be going well, no side effects from the meds.

I was wondering for those who have done RAI about what your doctors told you about the radiation exposure to those around you.

I live with my mother who is a 13 year cancer survivor, who cannot have any extra exposure to radiation, in case something else ever happens, seed implants would be her only option. And I worry that even what the guideline’s I have read sound like it could hurt that radiation limit for the future. I know it’s an unusual situation, so I was curious what your doctors explained to you. My mother is also my caretaker of sorts as I have an incomplete spinal cord injury and cervical dystonia in my neck, so avoiding her for a few days is not always possible.

My doctors keep pulling this “oh it’s no big deal” thing with me. But I’m not so sure. Otherwise I’ll go with surgery.

Thanks in advance!

michaela

[Kimberly]

#1177377

Hello and welcome – Usually, the guidelines require keeping a certain amount of distance between other individuals, rather than total isolation. However, due to your mother’s history of cancer, I would ask this specific question to a nuclear medicine specialist. Your doc should be able to refer you to the facility that they generally use.

The American Thyroid Association released some general radiation safety guidelines to be used following treatment with radioiodine therapy, which will give you a ballpark idea of what to expect. (Be sure to look at the tables for hyperthyroidism and not thyroid cancer, as patients with thyroid cancer receive a significantly larger dose). However, guidelines can vary from state to state, so ultimately, a nuclear medicine specialist in your state would be the best person to consult.

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://thyroidguidelines.net/sites/thyroidguidelines.net/files/file/thy.2010.0403.pdf

Honestly, all three treatment options have risks, so this *is* a big deal! Do your research (from credible sources, of course) and please don’t let a doctor downplay your concerns.

Wishing you all the best!

[snelsen]

#1177378

Hi Michaela,
I am wondering how you are progressing with your quest for knowledge and an answer regarding you, your mom, RAI?
I wish the best of luck to you. In the even that you decide on surgery, rest assured that there are lots of folks on this site who can be very helpful to you, including myself.
Shirley

[mwhitney]

#1177379

I have to wait a few more weeks to test my blood, before I get to see my Endo. again.

So far my meds seem to be going fine, I don’t notice any side effects from them (just the grave’s it’s self), so there’s won’t be a need for a change unless something happens with the liver. I’m hoping it doesn’t, but need to do my research incase we do have to take the next step.

I read the article you have posted and it further confirmed the things I was worrying about. Between my mother and the 2 birds and dog, and space in my house. Limiting my exposure to others would be difficult. And with my mother’s exposure to radiation at the max, it does sound like it would not be a good thing.

I will ask my doctor about the radiation exposure with the RAI the next time I see her. But she might give me the run around.

For those of you who have had RAI, is it just once dose? Or are there multiple doses and I was curious about the interval’s, how often you take it. Did anyone feel strange?

When I did my uptake test and scan, which was a minor dose- I ended up in a confused state, feeling strange and foggy headed, and so tired I could barely tell anyone what I needed. I did not like that feeling.

Again, thank you for your insight!

[Kimberly]

#1177380

Hello – Hopefully, you will get some additional responses from those who have chosen RAI, but it is given in a single dose.

The RAI takes anywhere from 6-18 weeks to do its work. If you are still hyperthyroid after that time, the original three treatment options are available: anti-thyroid drugs, surgery, or another dose of RAI.

Take care!

[Steph82]

#1177381

I wonder about this too. My doc is kind of pushing for RAI but I have 3 small kids, where would I go? Who would take care of them? My hubby has a business to run so it would be really hard!

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