[GravesRookie]

#1060339

I was just diagnosed with Graves last week and had a consultation with my Doctor yesterday, he recommended RAI. I am completely comfortable with RAI by the way. I have read some good as well as not so good results and do understand it is not a ‘quick fix’. From my understanding it depends on the individual and their particular chemical make up. It can take weeks or months to get everything back in order….I hope I am correct on all this, as my name implies, I am a rookie.

At any rate, I have been doing research as though I was writing a thesis and now have brain overload with information.

I recieved a call to schedule from the hospital where I will do the theropy and all the sudden became apprehensive….I am sure I am not the only one in this entire network that this has happened to, so please……share your experiences.

I know I need to get this treated and on to recovery and hopeful remission

Thanks in advance

[Kimberly]

#1182020

Hello and welcome! The “Treatment Options” thread in the announcements section of this forum has two nice links that go through the pros and cons of each of the three treatment options (RAI, anti-thyroid drugs, surgery).

The primary concern with RAI is an increased risk of developing (or worsening of) thyroid eye disease. For patients with moderate-to-severe or sight-threatening eye involvement, anti-thyroid drugs or surgery are the preferred treatment options.

Also, RAI is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, and women are cautioned to delay pregnancy for 6-12 months after treatment. Also, antibody levels can spike post-RAI, which in rare cases can be passed on to the fetus, even after the 12-month mark. (The latest medical guidance on pregnancy recommends antibody testing for all women with a past history of Graves’ at the 20-24 week mark, regardless of how they were treated.)

Glad that you found us…this is a wonderful place to get information and support as you make this difficult decision.

[GravesRookie]

#1182021

Thanks very much for the welcome and the recommended reading. I have combed this site, part of the reason for my brain overload. I have made my decision and will be doing RAI Monday with home recovery. So maybe I will be doing some post while I am in my self
imposed isolation ……..share my experiences if that’s ok

[Kimberly]

#1182022

GravesRookie wrote:

So maybe I will be doing some post while I am in my self
imposed isolation ……..share my experiences if that’s ok

Absolutely! Many posters here will create a single thread to share their experiences post-RAI or thyroidectomy. It makes for a great resource for others who are looking for info on the different treatment options.

[obnursenh]

#1182023

Pretty new here too – just got a confirmed dx on 1/9 and started on methimazole on 1/10. Since it seems I may have an allergy to the med I may have to consider RAI sooner than later.

Wishing you the best of luck. Will be anxious to read of your experiences!

[PattiMeg]

#1182024

Hi GravesRookie,
Welcome to the forum! You will find some valuable information here , along with kindred spirits with whom you can share your fears, ask questions , and celebrate good health! Because, as our forum friend Shirley likes to say, you WILL get better.
I had RAI about 3 years ago and never looked back. I had a great doc who kept his eye on my TSH so I never went hypo. It took some tweaking to get to the sweet spot but overall I have never had big swings in my thyroid levels and I did get better! One suggestion I would make is to find a good opthamologist who is familiar with Graves and thyroid eye disease (TED) to get a baseline assessment. A very small percentage of people with Graves have some eye involvement so it is important to find a good eye doctor.
I understand your anxiety, Google can be your best friend or worst enemy when you are first diagnosed. That’s why I stick with this forum. I think that the diagnosis can also be a time of reflection for you in which you can commit to really being kind and patient with yourself. It will take some time but you will be well again. Good luck to you! keep us posted on your progress.
Patti

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