[Anonymous]

#1075922

Hi Sharon,

RAI can sometimes have an effect on the eyes, but statistically there is NO effect to the eyes if the patient takes a concurrent course of steroids. Still, steroids carry their own side effects, so that is something to consider very carefully.

If you haven’t achieved continued normalcy on the anti-thyroid drugs, it’s definitely time to try SOMETHING else, because you need to reach normal and REMAIN at normal in order to start healing from the hyperthyroidism.

Remember, surgery is a third option that doesn’t carry the risks of further problems with your eyes OR steroids.

All the treatments have their pros and cons, but your focus should really be on getting well. Discuss this carefully with your doctor when you see them. Write down all the questions you want to ask, and take a note pad to jot down the answers. You’re worth it.

~Ski
NGDF Assistant Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1020073

Hello fellow readers/posters. I have a dilemma and was wondering if anyone would be able to help me. Please. I’ve been an anti-thyroid medication for almost a year now and my thyroid really hasn’t been normal, always up or down, I think that I’ve only had a normal reading for about 4 or 5 months straight. I go back to see my endocrinologist in March. I was wondering if radioactive iodine would be the best option for me now. I would also like to note that I have had decompression surgery to my right and left eye and I had heard that having radioactive iodine can have a great effect on eyes and I would hate to have more decompression surgery.

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what I should do, stay on the anti-thyroid meds and see what happens or have the radioactive iodine. If you want you can e-mail me your thoughts/suggestions. sbarthel@sbcglobal.net

Thank you for your time.

Sharon

[Anonymous]

#1075923

Just to underscore something Ski said — to emphasize it a bit more. All things being equal (i.e., unless your doctor has told you that you cannot do anything but antithyroid drugs), if the ATDs are not “controlling” your thyroid hormone levels, if you experience constant swings on them, then it is time to look into another treatment option. The goal of treatment — and it is typically an achievable goal — is to get controlled, normal levels of thyroid hormone.

So, please do talk with your doctor.

Bobbi — NGDF Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1075924

We have an excellent bulletin about the three treatment options for Graves’disease. We can all give you our opinions, but in the long run, that’s what they are–opinions. It is a decision for you and your doctor The better informed you are, the better the decision. Give me a call at our toll-free n8mber and leave your mailing address, and I will pop it in the mail for you. 1-877-NGDF-123.

[Anonymous]

#1075925

I have been on ATDs for over a year. I will admit that it is a total of 50 mg a week, a very low dose. My Endo is not worried about me talking it, as long as my blood level are ok, not talking TSH here. After the second increase (4th month), he started lower it. Until this last time and he inceased it by 15 mg for a week. If I stay steady at this low dose, is there a problem?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

#1075926

That is a really good question for your doctor. Unfortuntely, no one online is qualified to answer it for you. You need to discuss it with your doctor.

Bobbi — NGDF Online Facilitator

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