[ewmb]

#1070346

Hi,
I’ve just been through RAI six weeks ago. I did have a few bad weeks but am much better now even though my numbers just came back and still say that I’m hyper. You can read posts from me if you search for my name ewmb. I was very nervous too but knew that RAI was the right thing for me.

ewmb

[inor]

#1019247

I am new to this site & this disease, tomorrow is my RAI treatment and I am very nervous. I am second guessing my decision to go ahead with this procedure. My heart is racing (even with a beta blocker) I am sure the anxiety of tomorrow isn’t helping matters. Is it true that the hyper symptoms get worse after RAI before they get better? Also can you tell me what to expect tomorrow and the days ahead? I know everyone is different but hearing other experiences be it good or bad will help me be prepared for what to expect.

Any feedback from those who have gone through this would be greatly appreciated.

[Ski]

#1070347

I guess you’re already resting at home after your RAI by now ~ for the most part, there are not really major changes to expect right away. In a couple of weeks you may experience what we call "dumping," which is due to the fact that as thyroid cells die, they release the hormone they’ve been storing, all at once. The effect usually just lasts a few days, and you can talk with your doctor about having the leeway to discuss this with the doctor on short notice and perhaps elevate your beta blocker dose temporarily, IF you feel these symptoms. Not everyone does. I didn’t.

It can take up to six weeks for the excess thyroid to get out of your bloodstream, so you may not feel dramatically different for quite a while. The RAI does most of its work in the first six weeks, but can continue to act (if the thyroid isn’t completely gone by then) for up to six months, so you’ll want to get a good handle on your symptoms in order to figure out when you may have gone hypo and then manage your replacement hormone effectively to get to your normal point as soon as possible.

A symptom diary can be very helpful. You may even want to start now, so you can see clearly anything that’s changing, and more importantly, so you can compare your symptoms now to your symptoms later. Doctors LOVE data. ” title=”Wink” />

Do some reading and learn more about your condition and the treatment you’ve had, and you’ll have an easier time. You’ll get there, we’re all evidence of that! ” title=”Very Happy” />

[Author]

Posts