[Anonymous]

#1084405

If your blood tests show that you are hyperthyroid, you need treatment of some type or other regardless of what the scan showed. But since the doctor diagnosed you with Graves, the results of the scan undoubtedly showed that the entire thyroid had taken in the radioactive iodine in the test, and not just parts of the thyroid. Getting a second opinion, unless there is some extenuating circumstance not mentioned, is not likely to change the diagnosis, but if it would ease your mind of course get it. Just get it quickly. Being hyperthyroid is dangerous.

As for taking steroids with the RAI or not. The study which doctors seem to go by these days is one which showed that approximately 16% of patients who do RAI without steroids will develop some temporary worsening of their eye symptoms. The RAI will not cause the eye disease. But if there is eye disease present, it might increase the symptoms temporarily. In 16% of people. Now against this information our doctors weight the side effects of steroids, which are significant, and typically do not prescribe the steroids unless there is already significant eye disease present. The side effects of steroids are just too significant to prescribe steroids in 100% of cases to avoid 16% chance of temporary aggravation.

It is not at all typical to lose all muscle function as the RAI takes hold. We lose muscle while hyperthyroid. Becoming hypothyroid might make us feel somewhat weaker, too, but losing all muscle function is not anything I have heard about in seven years on this board.

You will be given a list of precautions for avoiding exposing others to unnecessary radiation by your doctors (your endo and the nuclear med doctor who gives the treatment). As long as they know the ages of your children, and other home situations (pets?) that might be pertinent, they will give you appropriate procedures to follow.

I hope this helps, and good luck for a speedy recovery
Bobbi — NGDF Online FAcilitator

[Anonymous]

#1022989

Hi! I found out I have Graves a few weeks ago and I decided to go for radiation. The appointment is next week.

Here are my questions:

1. My thyroid scan shows I have Graves – should you get a second option or is the diagnosis black and white from the thyroid scan?

2. My eyes are not bulging – so my endo says there is no need for steriods before the radiation – do you agree?

3. My cousin had Graves 13 years ago and had radiation – her thyroid took 6 months to die and when it did – she lost all muscle function at that moment – is that usual? Did that just happen because treatment was done 13 years ago?

4. I have two children – a 4 year old and a 6 month old. The doctor requested that I stay away from them for a week after radiation. Is there any other precautions I should take for the children’s sake?

Thank you, to everyone, that responds.

SAT

[Anonymous]

#1084406

Thank you so much – I tried going without my beta blocker and Tapizol yesterday to see if the Grave’s Disease symptoms went away. After being on the medicines for 3 weeks – I felt great. Needless to say, I woke up at 3am w/ my heart pounding and couldn’t fall back to sleep. With that and your expertise – I know I have to go for treatment next week to get better. This is a great website! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

#1084407

Hi SAT,

Just a comment — stopping a beta blocker suddenly can produce a rapid heartbeat and return of anxiety symptoms. It has kind of a “rubber band” effect, where it helps with those symptoms while you’re taking it, but if it’s removed suddenly, the symptoms return with a vengeance (sometimes stronger than the original symptoms).

I still believe you need to pursue treatment for your Graves’ symptoms, but I wanted to let you know that this may be the reason for your severe symptoms in the middle of the night. Tapazole is typically built up in the system over time, so missing one dose wouldn’t usually change anything dramatically in terms of your symptoms.

I understand patients wanting to feel some measure of control over this, but quite frankly, no medication should ever be changed, stopped or started without the full knowledge of your medical professional (including OTC supplements). Especially with Graves’ Disease. There are quite unexpected consequences sometimes, it can cripple the process to find normal levels because it muddies the waters, and sometimes it could be dangerous.

~Ski
NGDF Assistant Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1084408

Hi Ski!

Great info. I will follow medication directions. Next week is my radiation treatment. I am now looking forward to the treatment – even though I am alittle nervious.

Question about exercise – I stopped exercising all together because of my heart racing and the sweating. Is it safe to exercise? Should I exercise after my radiation treatment?

Thanks!

SAT

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