[cathycnm]

#1075471

Wayne – Welcome! Unfortunately, this is not nuts. My endo was saying that in the city where he practices, the dump scans all trash and anything radioactive cannot go in there. So, he said if I was still menstruating and I bled much, I would have to put the kotex in a trash bag in my garage for 6 months – and let them de-radioactivate. Fortunately, I am menopausal. I have visions of dogs and other vermine in trash bags in the garage. I live in a semi-rural town about 1 hour south of my endo – no scanner here. I could throw out nuclear weapons and be OK – well, you know. If I lived in Denver, then my endo says that scanners at the dump are more sensitive and can actually tell you which isotope is in the trash can. They know I131 is medical waste and just put it in a seperate section of the dump. So, it is not just the hospital folks – this actually comes from dump regulations for your locale, as well. Or such is my understanding.

That said – I think it is horrific if this was not explained first or in a more humanizing way. I hope you can give them some constructive feedback about your experience – hopefully make things better for those who follow.

[wbwayne00]

#1019989

Well I was diagnosed with GRAVES two weeks ago. My Endo go tme in for the RAI just this past week. No change in how i am feeling at all as of yet I go back to him in 5 weeks. I am sure by then my levels will be much different than the 2 previous ones which were .0001 My symptoms I felt the most were hand tremors and the constant feeling of being worn out.
Now my big question..I am also incontinent. I went in for my RAI and right before leaving my diaper had leaked the person who had admnistered the RAI noticed and kind of freaked out a bit. I had a change of clothing and more diapers no big deal I thought, this unfortunately is a prety common occurence. Well she allowed me to get cleaned up and changed of course ina wide open room was not allowed to leave the room. The Doctor came in asked a few more questions was ready to send me on my way, when the person who had administered the RAI said he cannot throw his used diapers in his garbage. She went on to say that garbage companies scan garbage for radioactive stuff and that my diapers would set off the scanner and eventually I would have a visit from a Governmental Agency. The Doctor and her and then the hospital administrator are all in there with me discussing my more than personl issues as if I am not there, I finlly said I have an idea lets all discuss this and come to a conclusion. The Administrator and the Person who had administered the dose said I think he shoud be admitted for possible contamination issues. The were talkiing of me being isolated me being changed by hosptial personnel for 3 days. I said no way. Finally the Doctor said he can go home and I have to be careful when and where i change myself and i hag to take Radioactive/Biohazard bags home and for these 3 days contain them in these bags. So now i have to take all these used diapers back to them tomorrow. IS THIS NOT NUTS?? I am super nervous to go back tomorrow with these nasty things and have to explain to I am sure someone not in the know of my situation why i am gving them 5 bags of used diapers. Just super Humiliation!!! And to boot my 9 year old daughter is scared to death to be in the same room as me becasue of the RAI. I am sory to RANT but this has just been a horible weekend for my family and myself. Does anyone ahve any suggestions if I should actually take them back tomorrow or just risk throwing them in my garbage??

Thanks so much I have a million other questions but all this has consumed my whole weekend.

Thanks,

Wayne

[James]

#1075472

Wayne,

I too want to express my empathy as to what you had to endure through this process.

Even with the lower RAI dosage used specifically for diagnostic purposes (uptake scan), I was thoroughly briefed on the procedure as to what I could and could not do with the radioactive material. I had to sip the fluid through a straw, and the practitioner was VERY concerned about any spillage; spitting up and even how the sipping straw was disposed of. So as unfortunate as your experience was, it doesn’t surprise me.

Just wanted to add one more point of advice concerning air travel. If you are traveling by air in the next short while, please advise the security staff as to the procedure that you had and have a Doctors note in hand. There is very sensitive equipment at airports that monitors Radioactive material. It is extremely important in this age of heightened airport security, to ensure that you disclose this upfront. If by chance you set off the alarm, they are briefed and you won’t have to endure another not so pleasant experience. If you have any additional concerns regarding RAI and the do’s and don’ts, you should never hesitate to consult with your doctor as well.

Hope you are doing much better today!

Best regards,

James

[npatterson]

#1075473

Wayne,

I just wanted to say that I hope that by now you are feeling somewhat better. Please keep us posted on your journey.
It makes me want to apologize for the way things were handled in your case. It was simply NOT necessary, and violates most of what I believe about what medical care is to do: Provide comfort, dignity and safety–not to mention hope!

[Author]

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