[currietm]

#1174725

Radio active uptake scan to prove Graves? My doctor just said I had it due to my symptoms and levels. The surgeon said he is going to perform this test before surgery along with an ultrasound so he knows what he’s looking at before surgery.

[cmac]

#1174726

The uptake scan is SOP for diagnosing or confirming a GD diagnosis. It’s just like an MRI, except you take a radioactive pill the day before the scan, then you return in 24 hours and have the scan. Takes about 1/2 hour, not constant, different angles are done with waits between them. Some places have you take the pill early in the day and hang around for 4 hours, and then do the scan same day. The cost here in NE was about 1100, and another 120 for the radiologist to read it. I got a discount because I am self insured and a self payer. Your doc will get the results soon in a day or two. The radiologist will describe the thyroid, its shape, characteristics. Most importantly, whether or not the test suggests cancer or just a benign enlargement

[mlb0603]

#1174727

My advise—-find another Endo.

I have had years of going from Dr to Dr to always hear, “we can’t find anything, you are fine, change your diet and exercise.” I have had my thyroid levels checked every 6 months for the last 12 years and they ALWAYS come back normal. I went for the RAI uptake scan last Wed., 10/24, I have Graves. The only way they found this was because I kept pushing and pushing until more was done. Don’t take no for an answer.

[Kimberly]

#1174722

@davidkang106 – All I can tell you is to keep being persistent until you find a doctor who will listen to you…BUT also make sure that you are dealing with someone who is board certified in endocrinology. I removed the link above, as our forum’s policy is to only post links from established organizations (American Thyroid Association, National Institutes of Health, etc.) and from well-established, peer-reviewed journals.

I am not familiar with the doctor you mentioned, but there was a huge scandal a year or so ago, where a chiropractor from the Denver area was pretending to be an endocrinologist and charging patients literally thousands of dollars for treatment. Not only that, but he put out a video showing other chiropractors how they could make boatloads of money by preying on thyroid patients! (As I recall, his quote was something like, “It’s like shooting fish in a barrel”).

So please keep fighting until you can find some answers…but also be very careful who you put your trust in. And be very wary if you find a doctor who charges ridiculous fees and/or wants you to sign a contract for a specific number of visits.

As for the RAIU uptake & scan, yes, this can be used to differentiate the various causes of hyperthyroidism: Graves’ vs. overactive thyroid nodules vs. thyroiditis. But since your levels are currently normal as opposed to hyperthyroid, I’m not sure how valuable this information would be.

Take care — and keep us posted!

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