[Tezzla]

#1060621

I’m 48 years old and was diagnosed with Graves’ at 25. I was treated with carbimazole for a while, then had one round of RAI which eventually resulted in being hypoactive. I’ve also suffered from three bouts of Depression. I’ve recently been exploring how diet and lifestyle can help with health and was wondering if your Graves’ has been treated with RAI, would your autoimmune disease be considered to be in remission or still active?
Thanks!

[Kimberly]

#1183687

Hello and welcome – hopefully, others who have had RAI will chime in with their experiences.

“Remission” is a word that is often used in different ways when it comes to Graves’. It’s most often used for patients who previously took anti-thyroid meds (like methimazole, carbimazole, etc.) and have since been at least 12 months with stable levels and no medications.

It can also be used to describe patients whose Graves’ antibodies have completely disappeared. I’ve seen one study that covered a 5-year period post-RAI that showed average antibody levels remained elevated during the study period; however I’ve not seen a longer-term study that looked at this issue.

[Tezzla]

#1183688

Thanks for your prompt reply, Kimberly! I would love to hear from others too. I’ve been eating a Paleo diet for about 3 months and feel heaps better, but I’ve just been researching Sarah Ballantyne’s autoimmune protocol and she recommends cutting out even more foods unless your autoimmune disease is in remission. So I’m just trying to clarify. I’m assuming my hypothyroidism is not an autoimmune condition as it’s a result of treatment, not Hashimoto’s? It’s a very complex subject I’m finding!!!

[Kimberly]

#1183689

Hello – Yes, it’s a very complex subject with no clear-cut answers. It’s certainly possible that the Graves’ antibodies (TSI, TRAb) are still in your system.

Also, TPOab and TGab are “markers” for autoimmune thyroid disease. They are very common in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, but a certain percentage of Graves’ patients (even those who do not have HT) test positive for them.

I would also check with your primary care doc in terms of diet recommendations. If cutting out certain foods gives you symptom relief, great, but you don’t want to end up missing out on important nutrients!

[Author]

Posts