i've just been diagnosed with Graves' disease and my dr. has ordered radioiodine treatment. i trust my dr. but i've succombed to researching the internet and now i'm worried with all the different opinions i'm coming across. has anyone gone through this?
I understand that there is a surgical option as well. Hyperthyroidism left untreated can be dangerous....
My name is D. and I have Graves disease. I just found out that I have it almost 4 months ago, the same time I found out I was pregnant...so I cannot do the radioiodine treatment yet. I have heard that other methods might not be as effective or may take a very long time to work. But who knows what will be best for me after having this child.
p.s. I have a an almost 18 month old son
My sister was just diagnosed with it and her endo also pushed the RAI treatment. After doing research, she opted to try the medication first. She was told that there was a 50/50 chance of that being successful. With the RAI, they can't adjust the doses, so it does work, however, many people then develop hypothyroidism. webmd.com has a good pro/con to each treatment.
Hi K.,
I was diagnosed in February with Grave's and was told to get the RAI right a way. I had done a little research before going to the doctor so I knew I did not want to do it. I also have a 2 year old at home and when you have the RAI treatment you can not be around anyone...toliets have to be flushed twice, you can not share plates or cups. You have to lock yourself away from everything including pets. I was told it was for 4 days, but I read the pamphlet that goes with the dose and it says 11 days and after that you can't be within 5 feet of someone (how do you tell a 2 year old - sorry mommy can't hug you and I can only wave from across the room).
It is not for everyone and some do have to have it done. The reason you have to stay away is that the rays that you give off goes right to the thyroid, so if you are standing next to someone you are effecting their thyroid.
Having the RAI will not get rid of the auto immune part of the disease and you will become hypo which means meds for the rest of you life. Doctors in the U.S. jump right on the radioiodine band wagon, I was told in europe and Japan that they try other options and won't even think of the RAI.
Have you had all of you antibodie levels done? There are different blood test that will tell you how bad your is. I was lucky my thyroid level went in the normal range in 5 weeks of taking meds and I feel much better. The doctor wanted me to have RAI with mild Graves. I also want to have more children and with the RAI you have to wait over a year before it is out of all you tissue.
It is a very hard decision. Educate yourself and ask a million questions.
If you have any questions please send me an e-mail ____@____.com are some support sites I have found.
http://thyroidhost.proboards30.com/index.cgi
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/graves_support/
Hope this helps.
R.
