[Ski]

#1070685

The thyroid uptake results really don’t indicate how sick we are, or even how hyperthyroid we are ~ the only measure of that is our thyroid hormone levels.

The scan/uptake serves a couple of purposes. First, the doctor can confirm Graves’ by the pattern of uptake (high uptake across the entire gland), and second, they calculate the best RAI dose based on the uptake percentage, because that tells them how much of the original dose will remain inside the thyroid. The rest (the percentage that does NOT go into the thyroid) will be excreted.

It’s not surprising that your percentage is higher now than it was years ago ~ the antibodies have continued their attack, and have involved more of your thyroid tissue in the process.

The only "must" with Graves’ is that you get SOME form of treatment. RAI is not the only way to go, you have all three choices available to you, and the ultimate decision is YOURS, no one else’s. Barring anything that would keep you from using one or another (for example, a hemophiliac would be ill-advised to have surgery), you can do meds, RAI, or surgery, whatever your preference. If your doctor is pressuring you for one specific treatment, ask why. Have a frank discussion, ask everything that comes up for you, take in the information your doctor has to share, and then make your own decision. We’ve heard of doctors who have told their patients "if you don’t do what I say, I will not treat you." My answer to that? Fine, I wouldn’t want you treating me, if you don’t even care how I feel or what I want. [This advice, obviously, is NOT applicable if the doctor is telling you things like "I think this treatment will be fatal for you." That’s the kind of statement doctors hate to make, so if they are willing to go out on that kind of limb, you must face reality.]

Remember, we pay the salary of whichever doctor we see, either out of our own pockets or through our insurance carrier. If we do not like the treatment we are receiving, we are well within our rights to stop paying that salary and start paying for someone who will treat us right.

As I said, the ONLY thing you must do is have SOME treatment, and get those thyroid hormone levels back into the normal range. It is critical for your future health. The damage just continues exponentially if left untreated. And beta blockers are not treating your thyroid hormone levels, they’re just keeping you comfortable. The damage goes on.

[sickofgraves]

#1019302

I just did my Thyroid Uptake Scan and my 6 hour was 45% and my 24 hour was 67%. They are obviously on the Hyperthyroid side, but I am wondering how they compare to others who have had this test.

These results were higher than the test I had in 2001. I have an appt. with a Radiologist for a consultation next Tuesday. I did get an appt. with an Endo for the first week in July. I am on beta blockers and will watch my diet and I basically eat a very natural foods diet anyway, so I will just be more careful. I am hoping not to have to do RAI.

[Hopeful23]

#1070686

at 24hrs i was at 99.8%. lol. crzy huh.

[sickofgraves]

#1070687

Yep, I’ve hear of those really high numbers. I am going to try and do Tapozole again and stay on a better diet. What’s your diet like now?

[npatterson]

#1070688

Good morning,

Ski gave you an extensive response. I can send you some information about the treatments. e-mail lme at "nancyngdf@bellsouth.net" and I can attacvh them in a reply.

As for numbers on uptakes, that involves an interpretation that is made by the actual test, the radiologist, and the doctor. It figures into many other facts relating to your thyroid.

There is no special diet. Eat healthy, period. Taking iron supplements will cause your thyroid to make more hormone, which is the opposite of what you need.

I wish you well on your journey,

[sickofgraves]

#1070689

Thanks Nancy. I E-mailed you.

[ewmb]

#1070690

I had 70+ the first time I had an uptake and then 9 months later it was around 40 so it changed quite a bit but was still high both times.

ewmb

[paloma]

#1070691

On thyroid uptake and scan, Tech impression: 1. NORMAL THYROID NUCLEAR MEDICINE SCAN WITH NO EVIDENCE FOR HOT OR COLD NODULE 2. ABNORMAL THYROID UPTAKE. 4 HOUR AT 35% (NORMAL RANGE IS 5.3) The tech gave me the impression that results weren’t very good. My doctor didn’t ask to see anything else. She immediately put me on beta blocker and 2 weeks later tamazole.
That same day, TSH was <0.01. Reference numbers range from 0.34-4.82 uIU/ml. T4 (FREE) was 4.6, reference numbers range from 0.8-1.8 ng/dL.
I also had a thyroid ultrasound. Tech’s impression: 1. BILATERAL HETEROGENOUS AND HYPERVASCULAR THYROID LOBES. 2. RIGHT THYROID LOBE MID POLE SHOWS A SMALL COMPLEX NODULE.
Hope this info helps someone out there.

[Mickey65]

#1070692

Mine was 60% when they did the scan and I took the RAI about an hour later.

[Valinda]

#1070693

Hi Guys I’m new to this and would love any input possiable
i just found out that I have Graves and also my test came back i was at 60% and have taken the Radiation pill now just waitin till the 7 days are up so I can kiss my babies!!!
I am scared to death about the eye problems also
my email is :
slumberparties_by_valinda@yahoo.com
If ya can send me an email!
Thank You !
Valinda

[julies]

#1070694

For all,

The eye thing with is poping out of your head! This only happens to a very small precentage. How many individuals on this support net work had their eye pop out? Please never let the internet scare you into rushing into some treatments. Educate youself, talk to others.

Julies

[Author]

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