[jrusin70]

#1018233

HI, I was just diagnosted with Graves and my doctor wants me to do the RAI. I"m worried that since I will by hypo after that I will gane tons of weight. I have always been hypo and strugged for years to lose weight and am afraid I will gain it back. Can anyone share with me how they did after they had the RAI? Thanks

[Bobbi]

#1063440

Hi, and welcome to our board.

You’ll probably get lots of answers — and they’ll be all over the map. Some folks claim they cannot lose weight. Others have no problems. But the bottom line is that weight issues are NO reason for avoiding treatment for your Graves. Hyperthyroidism is dangerous. It causes us to lose bone and muscle. In fact, a good part of our weight loss while we are hyperthyroid has less to do with "raised metabolism" and more to do with lost muscle (muscle weighs more than other tissues). Keeping a good muscle base, a strong muscle base, keeps us weighing less than we would without it.

Also, you will not "be" hypothyroid after RAI or surgical removal of your thyroid unless you are not taking an adequate amount of replacement hormone. Yes, we do typically "go" hypothyroid. And then we regain normal levels of hormone once we take our replacement pill every day. It’s not perfect. Having a well-functioning thyroid would be perfect. We lost that, unfortunately. But our replacement pill is a really good second best.

Wishing you good luck with your treatment decisions.

[Kimberly]

#1063441

Hello – Keep in mind that there are three different treatment approaches for dealing with hypERthyroidism caused by Graves’: Anti-Thyroid Drugs, Surgical Removal of the thyroid (thyroidectomy) and RAI. All three treatment options have pros and cons, so you will definitely want to do your own research as well as consult with a doctor before making a final decision.

As for the weight issues, if you do a search on this board for "weight", you will see that many patients do struggle with weight issues, regardless of which treatment option they use. I don’t know if this is because of reduced muscle mass…or if our resting metabolic rate actually changes. But many of us have to be extra, EXTRA vigilant with our food intake after treatment.

For now, your #1 priority right is to stabilize your thyroid levels. Otherwise, uncontrolled hypERthyroidism can cause complications such as bone/muscle wasting and heart problems – and occasionally thyroid storm, which is a very serious condition. Choosing a treatment option and getting your thyroid levels under control will get you on the path to good health again.

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