[Anonymous]

#1076551

Hi Anna,

I took ATDs, AntiThyroid Drugs for almost three years. Twice my doctor lowered my dose to see if my levels would stay the same. Each time the dose was dropped my levels increased.

I looked into thyroidectomy and RAI. I was not keen on the surgery aspect of it so decided to do the RAI. It was a simple thing to do. Go to the hospital, take a pill, go home and keep at least 6 feet away from my family and pets for three days. A few other precautions like flushing the toilet three times to make sure it was diluted and eating on paper plates and plastic utensils.

In hindsight, I would have done the surgery. In my case it took my thyroid over two years to quit functioning. So for two years I fought fluctuating levels, from high to low and anyplace in between. It was hell to keep functioning. But then again that is my story.

I run the local support group here in Melbourne Fl. I have at least 15 in my group that had the RAI and had no problems with fluctuations while the thyroid died off.

I do not regret the RAI, it worked for me. I think the thyroidectomy would have been faster to get regulated. All in all, looking back to 12 years ago when I was diagnosed, I feel great. Life has been back to normal for eons and I have done well.

I continue to work missed no major work time during the whole process and have found I have an ability to write. I co-wrote “Graves’ Disease In Our Own Words” with our director Dr. Nancy Patterson. I have written three other books since then and they are selling great. I dance men’s traditional dance at the Pow Wows in Florida. I make and play Native American flutes. We travel, play and work like we used to. Well OK not exactly like we used to but then again I am 12 years older.

A Full 90 % of people who are treated for their Graves’ disease via RAI or thyroidectomy go on to lead fully normal and happy lives. So press on and you will have a great life. Just do us one favor. Come back every now and then and tell the others that there is a great life after Graves’ disease is treated.

Jake George
Facilitator
Co-Author “Graves’ Disease In Our Own Words”
Author “The Red Man In Me”
Author “Grandfather’s Song”
Author “A New Dawn”

[Anonymous]

#1020270

I talked to the docotor yesterday and made plans to have the RAI this Friday. I have mild Graves and according to him I will still need treatment pills or RAI. My TSH was 0.01 so my brain doesn’t even send signals to make thyroid hormone but the GD does and I am hyper 2.7 The pills do not appeal to me and I guess I don’t think I will be one to have spontaneous remission as I am pretty sure I have had this for some time but have just been walking around. I still feel very undecisive and confused. Part of me wants to ignore this. I actually did as I had the blood test done in Feb. of this year and then last week finaly the thyroid up take test. How did you get to your decission as what route to take? How did you feel about it once you decided? Anna

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