Hi Bobbi. I was diagnosed in ’91 and controlled well with PTU. I must
have a mild case of GD because, other than graying hair and fast pulse,
I really haven’t had other symptoms. I guess for me the fear of RAI is
that it is inexact, and permanent. Once tissue has been destroyed you are totally
at the mercy of drugs. Based on my experience, which was being weaned
off of PTU and euthyroid for 18 months, I am not yet ready to relinquish
contol to the point of swallowing radioactive iodine. I am committed
to trying every other avenue first, for myself, so that if it comes to
RAI being a must, I will know I have done every other thing possible.
I have gone off caffeine, and am going to try one other thing before I
see my endo for the first time in Feb. (I’ve seen an internist up to
now, but she is referring me.) Up until now, I have had viable options
in treating my GD, and I guess I am not yet ready to give up having
options. Have you heard from anyone else as to why they are reluctant
to take RAI? I’d be interested in what others think. Thanks for
sharing your experience – I am trying to get as many opinions as I can!
Barb