[Anonymous]

#1024331

I had my RAI today as I had been on ATD (Tapozole) for about 3 months. I had a reaction to the Tapozole just over a week ago and broke out in welts everywhere. My endo had me stop them immediately and encouraged RAI which I agreed to as there seemed no other choice. What I am wondering is this….I understand that there is a period of time where you go hyper shortly after RAI. My endo says this doesnt always happen and if it does to simply use the beta blocker he has prescribed ( Propanalol ) He told me I can just see him in about 6 weeks time and then he will check my levels. ( he says it takes at least that long to go hypo ) and sometimes even 12 weeks ….The trouble is just prior to having the allergic reacton to the Tapozole I had some blood work done and they now see I was likely getting a little too much of the ATD and I am told I was a “little low ” ….Well I was SOOOO tired and washed out, depressed, and ached all over …felt like I was at least 80 yrs old….( am 51 ) I could hardly function….I am concerned about when would be the best time to have my blood levels checked since having the RAI so this doesnt happen….when is it safe to begin syntroid ? can being prescribed too much syntroid cause you to go hyper ? I feel kind of like I am at the mercy of a body that could do just about anything from day to day, especially after having RAI now… any advise from anyone would be comforting…has anyone simply had RAI and recovered nicely without any huge hurdles ? I know I will get through whatever but I am trying to be as well informed as possible so I can take an active role in this recovery. Thanks

[Anonymous]

#1088324

Hi, Lonnie. I am sorry you are currently feeling so awful.

What many newcomers to the disease fail to understand is that being hyperthyroid makes us very, very tired too. The drug you were on was interfering with the production of new thyroid hormone. When you went off it, you became hyperthyroid again. While hyperthyroid, your body does not get adequate rest for the amount of “work” it is doing. So fatigue can be a very significant factor.

Five or six weeks is a typical, and early, call for blood work after RAI. Some doctors have their patients wait longer. It sounds like yours is planning to be on top of things. And, yes, it does take time for the RAI to work and for the TSH system to accurately report what the level of thyroid hormones are. It is not a completely efficient system.

As for your question about synthroid/replacement hormone. These are real thyroid hormone, chemically identical to the body’s own T4. It is extremely dangerous to prescribe them without knowing that they are needed. Yes, they do make us hyperthyroid again if given in sufficient quantity, too soon, etc. And they can produce exactly the same nasty effects of hyperthyroidism that is “naturally” caused. So, you want to be careful to use them properly, and, no, the doctor cannot just begin to prescribe them in anticipation of you going hypo. It would be nice of there were a better way to handle things, but there is not at this point in time.

Five weeks after my RAI I felt wonderful. And I was, at that point in time, hypothyroid. Yes, I was a bit fatigued, but not like I had been while hyperthyroid. I was able to sleep. I love being able to sleep. I could get exercise and feel energized, not ruined. It helps to keep perspective, I think. By comparing things to how I felt hyper, I had a sense of progress, even if things were not absolutely OK yet. I recommend it.

Bobbi — NGDF online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1088325

I will be having my RAI done in 4 hours and needless to say I am very nervous. I will be home from work until Tuesday. Is this enough time for someone to recoup? As it is, it has been a struggle to make it out of bed every day at 5am to get ready for work. Any advice??

Also, my endo has told me to see him in 10 weeks. That seems like a very long time. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

#1088326

I will be thinking of you today and hope that everything goes well. The procedure itself really isn’t that big of a deal…just a little weird. I remember when they brough my radioactive pill in a metal box and I was thinking, “they want me to swallow that?” The nurse wouldn’t even touch it with her hands, she used tongs or something to get it out. I was freaking out a little at the time but now I think it’s funny. It’s very important to keep a sense of humor about these things. I joked with my husband few two days after swallowing the pill that I was “glowing green”, which is of course total nonsense, but we had a good laugh which kept my spirits up.

Taking the day off until Tuesday sounds great. Rest as much as you can, your body has a lot of recovering to do from being hyper. Don’t expect too much too soon but in a few weeks you should start to notice that you are beginning to feel better.

10 weeks does seem like a long time, but don’t let that stop you from calling your doctor before that if you have questions or if you start to feel badly. I saw my doctor 4 weeks after RAI and my levels had dropped some but I probably didn’t really need to see him so soon. Study the symptoms of being hypo and when you notice them coming on that is the time to call the doctor even if it hasn’t been 10 weeks yet. Have a restful and pleasant weekend!
~Joni

[Anonymous]

#1088327

Thanks Joni for your words of encouragement. Knowing everyone on this board has “been in my shoes” makes it comforting to discuss the issues concerning GD. My bosses (all males) and my co-workers have the attitude that it’s really no big deal. If it were happening to them I think it would be a different story. I’m going to try to start taking care of me for the first time in 51 years–everyone else has ALWAYS been first.

Thanks again!

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