Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

Because you're "touched."

Presumably your doctor gave you some compelling reasons for why it would be a good idea? That it will help with the many health problems you've been having, for example...?

IF it is the best option (I know nothing about this subject), it seems like a weekend of physical separation is nothing compared to the possible benefits.

I don't know anyone who has had it, or much about it. I do know people who have taken tablets of some sort for a thyroid condition for many years. I think it would be good to speak to your doctor more about the pros and cons of this so that whatever you do you feel right about.

Does DH get a dosimeter?

He suggests this but I am scared to death.

I had never heard of this so I googled it to find out more

Thyroid Foundation of Canada

Diabetes and Hormone Center

Endocrine Disorders

Do you definitely have an overactive thyroid?

"Even if thyroid function returns to normal after radioactive iodine, there is a high likelihood that the thyroid will eventually become underactive. Therefore, people treated with radioactive iodine must remain under the care of their doctor indefinitely. "

No doctor ever got sued for malpractice for scaring his patients too much.

Have you gotten a second opinion?

I had to go for a scan and the doctor at the hospital confirmed that my thyroid was 27% larger than it should be. No cancer. Regular doctor did blood tests and found elevated thyroid numbers. Endocrinologist did blood work and found elevated thyroid numbers. I am fairly confident in the diagnosis. The treatment is the most common for Grave's Disease, which is what I have. But it still scares me and I want to talk to those who've had it done.

National Graves Disease Foundation Bulletin Board

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/gravessupport/

http://www.mediboard.com/graves



That last one looks like it might be a good place.

Thanks you guys.

you have been touched by his noodly appendage and you shall glow..


Hehehe..

Honestly, given all the problems you have, resting heart rate of almost 100.. you cant eat ENOUGH to keep your self satisfied, mood swings.. etc.
this may be a small sacrifice to get some well needed normalicy to yourlife.
Things have beenvery hard for you.. this could be the perfect solution.
At least, I hope it is.
I want to hear that you get better and that you can live a happy life instead of being scared of your body all the time. :-(

MIL had her thyroid removed. She's doing well on meds, aside from being a complete bitch.

I was reading some of the stuff in one of the forums you linked me to DD, and I am not sure if RIT is right for me.....I don't know if I can go through with it.

Did you go in and chat on the mediboard? It looks like they don't appear to be fans of RAI.

Ah yes, I see you in there getting some info ... good stuff. Seems like the RAI is such a permanent and not completely satisfactory solution that medication might be a better starter point for you. Good to know that these gals are experts and can help you.

I am so freaked out now. It feels like my doctor wants to cut off my arm because my finger got infected. I have to wonder if my doctors diagnosis of GD is right....RAI is too permanent to be guessing.

Isn't it a shame that doctors don't give us all the information we need to make a decision? That's the troubling part of this. At least you now know that you want to try medication first and use RAI as a very last resort, if at all.

Go back to your doctor and tell him/her you have done some research and want to discuss medication as a next step. If he/she is not on the same page, ask for a referral to a specialist or start looking for a new doctor for a second opinion. I certainly wish the medical profession would not put all their eggs in one basket in the sense that they favor one particular treatment for all, especially when we are individuals and the same treatment is not always the best for everyone. Thank God for the internet, eh? Where we can go do our own research! Where would we be if we took doctors advise or instructions as gospel, never knowing there are other options or perhaps they've got it wrong? Yikes!

The good news is that he said he'd do whatever I wanted....but then used the scare tactic of "but I strongly recommend" to coerce me into RAI.

Thanks all!!

As Noddy would say:

"Hold your dominion"

Ooh, running before she gets here and smacks me!