[NLBatten]

#1058917

Had my first labs post RAI – 4 weeks – TSH same as before RAI .008 (range .3-5.1) / Free T4 1.73 was 2.06 (range .73-1.95) / Total T3 142.5 was 215.47 (range 90-200). I am feeling better but I suspect due to Atenolol (beta-blocker) which endo has told me I could now stop taking. No other med change. Repeat labs 6-8 weeks then go from there. Endo said I don’t actually have to see her again for 1 year. I will just get labs when instructed and she will communicate with me via email or nurse when ready to add Synthroid (and/or change as necessary).

All seems a bit to easy. Am I missing something or just very very lucky?

Nancy

[Kimberly]

#1170940

Hello – That’s great news that T3/T4 are back in the “normal” range. The next step will be to determine when it’s time to start replacement hormone. Keep in mind that your TSH can remain suppressed for quite some time, so this is *not* a good benchmark. Your Free T4 and T3 should guide your doctor in making this decision.

The body doesn’t respond to RAI on a set schedule, so if you start experiencing symptoms of hypO before the 6-week mark, definitely call your doctor’s office and ask to have labs done ASAP. Every patient is different, but common symptoms of hypo can include fatigue, joint pain, unexplained weight gain, constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, and slow pulse.

Hopefully, you will get some other responses from others who have had RAI, but I believe that most patients do actually see the doctor, at least for the first few visits following treatment. It’s important for the doc to know not just where your labs are, but how you are *feeling* as you work to find the “sweet spot” of replacement hormone.

Take care!

[NLBatten]

#1170941

Thanks for the response Kimberly! It does concern me a little that she doesn’t plan on seeing me for 1 year. Of course I can see her anytime, but just the idea that she would only be watching my labs not my symptoms, worried me a little. I’ll just have to be very aware of my symptoms and call her for an appt if I feel I need to.

I will be vacationing in Hawaii (woohoo!) for 8 days starting in 4 weeks (lasting through 5th week). Any advice in case I have hypO symptoms start that far away from home? Anything that I would need to go to an ER there that couldn’t wait for my return to my dr? My dr didn’t seem concerned but frankly, while I like her a lot, I have gotten much more info from the patients here, so any advice / warning signs is greatly appreciated.

[Kimberly]

#1170942

Hello – An ER or Urgent Care Center could certainly help if you experience sudden symptoms. However, my suggestion would be to call your doctor’s office and either ask for a referral to an endo where you are going to be in Hawaii or see if you can get another set of labs done fairly soon so that you can get the results before you leave.

Enjoy Hawaii — I’m jealous!

[Author]

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