[Anonymous]

#1040318

hey Keith,

i am very much struggling with rai choice. my symptoms are hyper and my blood shows hypo. the hair loss is flipping me. 2 endos and 2 gps are encouraging mr stringly to rai. its only been 7 months on ptu. whats your take on this situation?

[Anonymous]

#1129577

Hi kieth,
I just wanted to add also what you wrote that one of the BEST things I have found on this site is that we “Graves patients/warriors” finally have place to go where we are listened to AND BELIEVED!!!!!!! That is what saved me.
Wonderful support and true caring.
Take care,
sharon/Breathofsighs

[Anonymous]

#1129578

Hi all. Would like to find out some things now that Im feeling somewhat normal. yesterday was a rough day with my heart racing/palpitations and hadnt had that since 24 hours after my RAI therapy/treatment. It came back during work (which I absolutely love my job and nothing bothered me whatsoever there) with a vegence. I did call my endo and he personally called me back and told me to double my Atenolol (was taking 50mg and now will be taking 100mg per day which I can split during the day). Is this somewhat normal? If so, when can I look forward to seeing myself weened off Atenolol? I also go in for an EKG (gosh I hope that is right) to make sure the long term effect of my heart palpitations (have had them for years) hasn’t damaged my heart yet. I see the end in sight with recovering and leading a normal life, and this is because I am eating healthier, and I am enjoying life instead of always rushing. I also want to know when people have been able to start exercising again as my endo said “NO” with alot of emphasis until I go see him April 2nd. Just wanted to read others experience in these questions. Thanks

Kim

[Anonymous]

#1129579

Hi Kim,

You’re right at the point where you can experience what we call “dumping.” This happens to some patients when the destroyed thyroid cells “dump” their stored thyroid hormone into the bloodstream, and it typically comes on a couple of weeks after RAI (if it happens ~ I missed it). For a little while (a few days at most) the patient can feel more hyper than ever, but relief can be given just by increasing the beta blocker for a short time (as your doctor prescribed) because it’s a transient symptom. It doesn’t mean you’re going hyper again.

You may not have to take the Atenolol much longer, but it’s one of those things that’s different for everyone. You want to make certain that you are not subject to irregular heart rhythms due to thyroid hormone imbalance. Once that’s determined, you will probably be able to wean off Atenolol rather quickly.

I’m so glad you’re starting to see the end in sight! Keep that in focus.

~Ski
NGDF Assistant Online Facilitator

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