What Can I Do?

[M. Vawdrey]

I am a 52 yr old woman. I was diagnosed with Graves in 2003. After a couple of years on Methimazole I went into remission. I was again diagnosed in December of 2009 after losing my mother earlier that year. TSH - 0.008; FT4 - 3.34. I started Methimazole again at a rate of 5 mg 2xday.

After approx. 4 weeks on the drug my tests were TSH - 0.01; T3 - 115; FT4 - 1.3 and I felt great. But my liver enzymes were elevated AST - 88; ALT 200. I was taken off of ATD and left to free fall - which I did. I have been miserable.

I changed endos and my labs 1 month later were FT4 - 2.5; AST - 17; ALT 20. Of course my new endo says RAI is the only answer left. They put me on Propranolol 40 mg 2xday which has helped a lot with the palpitations, etc. I asked if I could go for a month and see how I did and they said that was a great idea. (Great idea - but still pretty miserable.) I have been having acupuncture 2 x/week and taking Chinese herbs for about 2 months.

When I was tested again after a month my FT4 was 2.1 and my liver #'s were still fine. My endo says no ATD ever. I was feeling better at 2.1 but then almost immediately after the dr. visit I slipped back into super anxiety mode.

I am now ready to do the RAI since I don't feel that I have any other real choices - and although the Acupuncture seems to help some - it isn't saving me from this suffering. I have no quality of life - don't even know who I am anymore.

So my questions - who has had RAI? Are you glad or do you regret it? What do they do to keep someone like me from a Thyroid Storm? I feel like I can't emotionally survive the roller coaster ahead. How bad is it? What were the preparations and what did you go through?

[Crockie]

I am a 52 yr old woman. I was diagnosed with Graves in 2003. After a couple of years on Methimazole I went into remission. I was again diagnosed in December of 2009 after losing my mother earlier that year. TSH - 0.008; FT4 - 3.34. I started Methimazole again at a rate of 5 mg 2xday.

After approx. 4 weeks on the drug my tests were TSH - 0.01; T3 - 115; FT4 - 1.3 and I felt great. But my liver enzymes were elevated AST - 88; ALT 200. I was taken off of ATD and left to free fall - which I did. I have been miserable.

I changed endos and my labs 1 month later were FT4 - 2.5; AST - 17; ALT 20. Of course my new endo says RAI is the only answer left. They put me on Propranolol 40 mg 2xday which has helped a lot with the palpitations, etc. I asked if I could go for a month and see how I did and they said that was a great idea. (Great idea - but still pretty miserable.) I have been having acupuncture 2 x/week and taking Chinese herbs for about 2 months.

When I was tested again after a month my FT4 was 2.1 and my liver #'s were still fine. My endo says no ATD ever. I was feeling better at 2.1 but then almost immediately after the dr. visit I slipped back into super anxiety mode.

I am now ready to do the RAI since I don't feel that I have any other real choices - and although the Acupuncture seems to help some - it isn't saving me from this suffering. I have no quality of life - don't even know who I am anymore.

So my questions - who has had RAI? Are you glad or do you regret it? What do they do to keep someone like me from a Thyroid Storm? I feel like I can't emotionally survive the roller coaster ahead. How bad is it? What were the preparations and what did you go through?

Hi M. Vawdrey,

I was just diagnosed with Graves a week ago so I am afraid that I can't offer you any advice. I can however offer you a word of encouragement. You are not alone and there are so many wonderful and knowledgeable people on this board. You've come to the right place for answers.

Hoping you will be on the road to recovery soon.


Crockie

[Phoenix]

Hi M. Vawdery,

Unfortunately, I have not been where you are, and have little personal experience I can share with you. I know others will be along shortly to help you though. The link below might be helpful:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/graves-disease/

Besides RAI, surgery is another option in some cases. There are pros and cons to both treatments, and hopefully there will be someone who can give you advice from both perspectives.

I hope things turn around for you soon, so you can beguin to feel better again.

Welcome to the forum,

Hugs

Phoenix

[GD Women]

I had RAI 13 YRS. Ago and haven't regretted it. Treatment was very uneventful.

Thyroid storm after RAI is variable because of variations in the regimens of RAI, in patient selection, and in the use of thyrostatic medications before and after RAI. The overall incidence is low and in one series only one patient out of 525 patients treated RAI developed thyroid storm. Many practitioners prescribe anti-thyroid drugs and/or beta-blockers for their patients who are about to undergo RAI in order to prevent this thyroid “storm”

Preparations may vary.

I was to avoid contact with others and animals for the first 4/5 days.
This applies especially to children and pregnant women. While brief contact with a person after treatment is acceptable, sleeping together, watching television, going to movies, long care or plane trips should be avoided for approximately 11 days after the treatment.
The last 3/4 days I was to stay a distance of three feet between others, especially children and pregnant women.
Sharing food and utensils, including glasses, bottles, cans of soda, water, beer, etc., should also be avoided. Dishes and eating utensils should be rinsed before being put with those of the rest of the family. Paper plates and plastic utensils should only be used if they are immediately disposed of outside the home. Cooking is fine, as long as the utensil used to taste the food while cooking is not re-used before rinsing.
Drink lots of liquids, void often, and flush twice. Drinks lots of liquids, especially water, to help remove the RAI from the system, flush the toilet twice after using it, and be sure to thoroughly clean up any spilled urine. Laundry need not be washed separately unless the treated person has sweated heavily, such as after exercise.

After the treatment symptoms of the disease will improve slowly, beginning about two weeks after the treatment. Muscle strength improves, tremors and irritability lessen, heat intolerance improves, and sleep is sounder.

I had a slight sore throat.

There really is nothing to it in general. So try not to worry too much. You'll be alright! Good luck not that you'll need it.
Keep us up dated and if you have more questions or just want to talk or vent, feel free, we are here for you.

[Andros]

I am a 52 yr old woman. I was diagnosed with Graves in 2003. After a couple of years on Methimazole I went into remission. I was again diagnosed in December of 2009 after losing my mother earlier that year. TSH - 0.008; FT4 - 3.34. I started Methimazole again at a rate of 5 mg 2xday.

After approx. 4 weeks on the drug my tests were TSH - 0.01; T3 - 115; FT4 - 1.3 and I felt great. But my liver enzymes were elevated AST - 88; ALT 200. I was taken off of ATD and left to free fall - which I did. I have been miserable.

I changed endos and my labs 1 month later were FT4 - 2.5; AST - 17; ALT 20. Of course my new endo says RAI is the only answer left. They put me on Propranolol 40 mg 2xday which has helped a lot with the palpitations, etc. I asked if I could go for a month and see how I did and they said that was a great idea. (Great idea - but still pretty miserable.) I have been having acupuncture 2 x/week and taking Chinese herbs for about 2 months.

When I was tested again after a month my FT4 was 2.1 and my liver #'s were still fine. My endo says no ATD ever. I was feeling better at 2.1 but then almost immediately after the dr. visit I slipped back into super anxiety mode.

I am now ready to do the RAI since I don't feel that I have any other real choices - and although the Acupuncture seems to help some - it isn't saving me from this suffering. I have no quality of life - don't even know who I am anymore.

So my questions - who has had RAI? Are you glad or do you regret it? What do they do to keep someone like me from a Thyroid Storm? I feel like I can't emotionally survive the roller coaster ahead. How bad is it? What were the preparations and what did you go through?

I do believe the better option would be surgery but you as the patient must decide. No one can decide this for you.

I had to have RAI 3 times as my thyroid was very very resistant. So, be prepared for that.

As far as dumping is concerned, I don't know what to say? I was offered nothing at the time. I also know that w/ surgery, you can be put on Lugol's Solution prior to prevent that very thing during and after surgery.

Others will be along to help you weigh pros and cons. And yes, serious liver damage can occur from long-term ATD use.

[hillaryedrn]

I'm glad folks who have had the RAI have answered you as I don't have any more advice for you other than a kind word. I know you have been miserable and I am so sorry for you!! I'm glad you've found us as these folks here are amazing!

[M. Vawdrey]

Thanks to all of you for caring. It can be very lonely and scary just sitting here waiting for an Endo to call you back.

It is very nice to hear from everyone.

[M. Vawdrey]

GD Woman - Were your FT4 numbers high when you had the RAI. I guess that is what I am the most worried about because I cannot take the anti-thyroid drugs and I am worried about hormone dumping and and TS.

[GD Women]

Yes my FT-4 was high, but as in Graves' disease the FT-3 is even higher and thee level to worry about. I didn't have a computer my first two years after treatment so I knew nothing about dumping/thyroid storm or anything else, a good thing for I didn't have anything to worry and up set me. My first appointment after treatment my blood pressure sky rocketed, so doctor put me on Inderal and by the next appointment doctor took taken off because
blood pressure went back to normal. Are you able to take beta-blockers? If so, ask doctor about putting you on a beta-blockers just before RAI and right after. I have my thoughts about such an evasive treatment as surgery unless absolutely necessary for it is not without its issues as well. RAI dosage is not an exact science and some peoples thyroid is much tougher than others so it can have its issues as well.
However, its your choice which treatment is best for you and your life style.
You will make the right choice and you will be alright.

[Andros]

Yes my FT-4 was high, but as in Graves' disease the FT-3 is even higher and thee level to worry about. I didn't have a computer my first two years after treatment so I knew nothing about dumping/thyroid storm or anything else, a good thing for I didn't have anything to worry and up set me. My first appointment after treatment my blood pressure sky rocketed, so doctor put me on Inderal and by the next appointment doctor took taken off because
blood pressure went back to normal. Are you able to take beta-blockers? If so, ask doctor about putting you on a beta-blockers just before RAI and right after. I have my thoughts about such an evasive treatment as surgery unless absolutely necessary for it is not without its issues as well. RAI dosage is not an exact science and some peoples thyroid is much tougher than others so it can have its issues as well.
However, its your choice which treatment is best for you and your life style.
You will make the right choice and you will be alright.

You are wise to have pointed that out. Both choices have their concerns and issues.

I am glad we are here to furnish our experiences and hopefully credible information so the patient can chose what is best for them re their life-style, their personal needs and feelings on the subject, level of help they might need, insurance constrictions, no insurance......................the list goes on.

[M. Vawdrey]

GD Woman - I am on Propranolyl now so that has been addressed. I plan on staying on it until after whatever I end up doing.

I spoke with my Endo today and he says as soon as I decide he will write the order and schedule it with radiology. I have asked about surgery and he is willing to make me an appointment to meet with a surgeon - but says that he doubts they would be willing to do surgery when this is much less risky. (He has been good to not push me when I originally objected to radiation).

I am trying to make the decision this weekend - but it is the hardest decision of my life. I have been struggling with this for the past 4 months and I want the suffering to end. Knowing that it will not end soon whatever my decision is difficult. Since I cannot take the ATD's I don't see any other option but a permanent one - I can't really count on anything to help me into remission.

I think that I probably know too much. It is hard to choose to destroy part of your body - forever. Anyway - enough whining. I just need to decide whether to step up and get it done.

[Andros]

GD Woman - I am on Propranolyl now so that has been addressed. I plan on staying on it until after whatever I end up doing.

I spoke with my Endo today and he says as soon as I decide he will write the order and schedule it with radiology. I have asked about surgery and he is willing to make me an appointment to meet with a surgeon - but says that he doubts they would be willing to do surgery when this is much less risky. (He has been good to not push me when I originally objected to radiation).

I am trying to make the decision this weekend - but it is the hardest decision of my life. I have been struggling with this for the past 4 months and I want the suffering to end. Knowing that it will not end soon whatever my decision is difficult. Since I cannot take the ATD's I don't see any other option but a permanent one - I can't really count on anything to help me into remission.

I think that I probably know too much. It is hard to choose to destroy part of your body - forever. Anyway - enough whining. I just need to decide whether to step up and get it done.

I have no regrets about booting the thyroid!! After that, the healing pathway was in front of me and I am just great today many years later.

[GD Women]

The sooner you make your decision and act upon it, the sooner to wellness you will be. In most cases RAI does not destroy the total thyroid in which people have this misconception. Of course it depends on the dose of RAI, but Graves' patient it is very low dose.
My thyroid still has some function. They gave me just enough RAI dose to stop my weight loss. However, dosing is not exact, that is, they just about guess on the dosage. Don't let that scare you, they know what they are doing and have administered RAI for years. RAI has been used for thyroid over 60 years and no adverse effects nor deaths have been reported due to it. Before there was Graves' treatment, 50% of Graves' patients died of it. Thank God for the three treatment options we have today.

You are a brave women! so you will be ok. We are here for you, feel free to ask any more questions or vent. Definitely let us know your decision.

There are no smilies hugs so (((hugs)))

[M. Vawdrey]

Thanks. You make me smile!

[M. Vawdrey]

So all of you that are post-RAI. I am confused. I read things about having all disposable books and crossword puzzles so you can throw them away, and then I read you can put your tv remote in a zip lock bag. I see people posting using their computers so I am guessing they can use them with precautions. (rubber gloves?)

Can I scrapbook? Can I touch dvd's to put them in the dvd player? I read on here that you can get horrible sunburns. Can I go outside if I stay in the shade? Will I feel that well? Can I talk on the phone or text? I wear hard contact lenses. Will I be able to wear them?

I know that the radiology department will be able to answer most of these - but while I sit and think about it this weekend - I would love to know what to start planning.

[GD Women]

You can wear rubber throw away gloves (throw them in the out side trash). You can read, be on the computer, write, do crossword puzzles, other hobbies, cook dinner, set the table, wash the dishes, etc. RAI won't penetrate through the rubber gloves. Can't answer on the contact lenses nor the sun. I would assume you could go out side, but no sunbathing. ;) I felt pretty well. The rest you'll have to ask radiology department.

[M. Vawdrey]

I am calling the Dr. this morning to schedule. I am still very scared. This is a disease of fear and I am playing into it well.

[GD Women]

kudos! (thumbs up)

I know it is hard not to be scared of the unkown, but please try not to be. Most of the negitive that you have read is not really true per se and some are very very very rare incidents. Taking a little pill and 1-2 weeks out of your life is not all that bad, plus you might not lose all your thyroid gland function, just the symptoms. It will be behind you before you realize it and on your way to healing. Keep us update and good luck (you won't need it through:winking0001: ).

:hugs:

[Andros]

So all of you that are post-RAI. I am confused. I read things about having all disposable books and crossword puzzles so you can throw them away, and then I read you can put your tv remote in a zip lock bag. I see people posting using their computers so I am guessing they can use them with precautions. (rubber gloves?)

Can I scrapbook? Can I touch dvd's to put them in the dvd player? I read on here that you can get horrible sunburns. Can I go outside if I stay in the shade? Will I feel that well? Can I talk on the phone or text? I wear hard contact lenses. Will I be able to wear them?

I know that the radiology department will be able to answer most of these - but while I sit and think about it this weekend - I would love to know what to start planning.

I found this. It's been so long for me,I was not sure I remembered or if they changed the rules...........

Precautions After RAI Scanning or TreatmentIn addition to all the special preparations prior to an RAI scan or treatment, there are also precautions to follow afterwards. Although only a small amount of radioactivity is involved with this scan, it is still important to follow these simple precautions in order to minimize radiation exposure to your family members and friends. Since the radioactivity is excreted through all bodily fluids, mainly urine, as well as feces, sweat and saliva, it is essential to isolate these fluids. After you've had your I131 scan/treatment, you should:

Always wash your hands with soap and water after you use the bathroom. Dry your hands thoroughly with a towel that only you are using.
Separate all towels, washcloths, and bed linens. Wash all of these items separate from the family wash.
In order to dilute the amount of radiation in urine and feces, always flush the toilet at least two or three times after using the bathroom.
Wash the bathroom sink, shower, bathtub and bidet after each use.
Separate your plates, silverware and drinking cups. Better yet, use paper plates and plastic cutlery, so you won't have to wash your dishes separately from the rest of the family.
If you are cooking for the family, remember not to taste any of the food with a spoon that will be used for food preparation. Once it touches the saliva in your mouth it is considered to be contaminated and must be washed separately.
Sleep in a separate bed from your partner. Avoid open mouth kissing and all sexual contact.
Radiation exposure is directly related to the amount of time you spend with another person as well as how intimate and close your contact is with them. Avoid prolonged intimate physical contact with babies, children and pregnant women. You may perform all essential duties such as changing diapers, if no one else is available to help you. Wash your hands before and after these tasks.
In order to flush out the radiation faster, keep yourself well hydrated (preferably with water) so that the radioactive iodine will be passed out of your body through your urine.
These precautions should be followed for three days after the I131 test. After this period of time, the radiation exposure to other people is negligible and you do not need to follow any additional precautions.


http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/raiprep.html

However; absolutely follow instructions given to you as I am not sure how updated this site is.

[M. Vawdrey]

Thanks again to you - my new friends. I am waiting to hear from Nuclear Medicine to set up my RAI. I find myself afraid of the disease and afraid of the cure. Anyway - need to get it done.

The restrictions are not as bad as I had previously assumed - but I have 2 pregnant daughters and a third with a new baby - so I guess I will be keeping a distance from them for longer. I am thinking that most people will just avoid being around you rather than taking the chance that you might give them some radiation anyway.

Do any of you remember needing to wait a couple of weeks before going to movies, church, etc.?

[GD Women]

Hello brave lady:winking0001:

The first 5 days (thereabouts) I had to stay completely away from people and animals. The last 3 to 4 days (thereabouts) I could be around people but no closer than 3 feet. In other words couldn't get closer to people than 3 feet. So I went to the drug store and got a prescription, but, I was still careful. I worned people (strangers) that I was loaded with radiation and not to get close to me. Ha!Ha!

:hugs:

[M. Vawdrey]

That had to have gotten you some strange looks. Did you have thyroid cancer? I am thinking that the doses are higher with that, correct?

[GD Women]

No, I didn't have cancer, just Graves'. And yes RAI is given in higher doses for thyroid cancer.

Better to have strange looks then to affect someone. :jumping0047:

[M. Vawdrey]

Okay. That is longer than I have heard from others. Oh well, I will find out sometime. Did you have a hard time being alone?

[GD Women]

No I was alone any way with the exception of my two dogs. Was easy for me. I didn't need to worry about wearing rubber gloves or exposing anyone except for my dogs, although I was careful with them.

Each state has their own regulations, so time exposure and restrictions might differ.

[jackson2348]

I had RAI in November 09, These guidelines that Andros posted are what I was given.

Precautions After RAI Scanning or TreatmentIn addition to all the special preparations prior to an RAI scan or treatment, there are also precautions to follow afterwards. Although only a small amount of radioactivity is involved with this scan, it is still important to follow these simple precautions in order to minimize radiation exposure to your family members and friends. Since the radioactivity is excreted through all bodily fluids, mainly urine, as well as feces, sweat and saliva, it is essential to isolate these fluids. After you've had your I131 scan/treatment, you should:

Always wash your hands with soap and water after you use the bathroom. Dry your hands thoroughly with a towel that only you are using.
Separate all towels, washcloths, and bed linens. Wash all of these items separate from the family wash.
In order to dilute the amount of radiation in urine and feces, always flush the toilet at least two or three times after using the bathroom.
Wash the bathroom sink, shower, bathtub and bidet after each use.
Separate your plates, silverware and drinking cups. Better yet, use paper plates and plastic cutlery, so you won't have to wash your dishes separately from the rest of the family.
If you are cooking for the family, remember not to taste any of the food with a spoon that will be used for food preparation. Once it touches the saliva in your mouth it is considered to be contaminated and must be washed separately.
Sleep in a separate bed from your partner. Avoid open mouth kissing and all sexual contact.
Radiation exposure is directly related to the amount of time you spend with another person as well as how intimate and close your contact is with them. Avoid prolonged intimate physical contact with babies, children and pregnant women. You may perform all essential duties such as changing diapers, if no one else is available to help you. Wash your hands before and after these tasks.
In order to flush out the radiation faster, keep yourself well hydrated (preferably with water) so that the radioactive iodine will be passed out of your body through your urine.
These precautions should be followed for three days after the I131 test. After this period of time, the radiation exposure to other people is negligible and you do not need to follow any additional precautions.


http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/raiprep.html

QUOTE]


Obviously, follow your Doctors instructions. Mine had me start on the 3-4 days, 3 feet rule. I did NOT have to completely isolate myself, although I did spend more time in our room, rather than with the family. I did come out and watch TV periodically with them, just sat on the other side of the room. No car trips, church, or movies that first weekend...I had it on a Thursday.

I did have some fairly major hyper episodes, which I assume was thyroid dumping, beginning about 2 weeks post RAI and continuing until about 6 weeks. I was miserable, but stayed on the propanalol and managed to get through it.

All in all, it was not too bad. My doctor and I are working on titrating my Synthriod now. I think if we could know in advance how our bodies would react to the RAI, it would certainly make the RAI/surgery decision easier! Neither solution is ideal, but it's what we have.

Best of luck to you in your decision and treatment.

[M. Vawdrey]

Thanks Jackson. Ya - that hyper state after is what I am afraid of. But I have already been doing that for 4 months - whats another 6 weeks - right? Was your hyper misery worse that what you were experiencing before the RAI?

Sorry to be so curious - but appreciate hearing your experience.

Hope that you are able to get your meds regulated well.

[M. Vawdrey]

Got the word today - 1st step of uptake scan on the 26th of April - RAI on the 27th.

Oh my - I didn't want to have to wait that long. Any suggestions of things to plan and get done before that date to make it better? I need to have something to occupy myself.

Also, anyone know what a typical dose of radiation is for Graves?

[GD Women]

The doses of RAI will be different for different patients.
Hyerthyroidism/Graves' Disease a low-dose of radioiodine is approx.
2 mCi.

Sodium iodide I 131(RAI) is available as a capsule containing 0.75-100 millicuries (mCi) of radioactivity per capsule. (A millicurie is a unit for measuring radioactivity.) It is also available as a liquid containing 7.05 mCi per milliliter in vials containing 7-106 mCi, or in vials containing 3.5-150 mCi.

[jackson2348]

Thanks Jackson. Ya - that hyper state after is what I am afraid of. But I have already been doing that for 4 months - whats another 6 weeks - right? Was your hyper misery worse that what you were experiencing before the RAI?

Sorry to be so curious - but appreciate hearing your experience.

Hope that you are able to get your meds regulated well.

Hi M,

Yes, it was much worse. Sorry :rolleyes:

I REALLY had to make myself remember that it was temporary. I was no fun, as I'm sure my husband and children will tell you. I hunkered down and stayed very close to home (thankfully I'm a stay at home mom). It was very much an "eyes on the prize" kind of thing. Keep in mind though, not all experience this. I do think its better to be prepared for all eventualities.

I'm glad you've made your decision. That's a big part of the battle!

Good luck to you!

[Andros]

Okay. That is longer than I have heard from others. Oh well, I will find out sometime. Did you have a hard time being alone?

If I recall correctly, it was a week for me. I guess the jury is out on that one but I know you have common sense so rely on that. You would not want to endanger anyone or even any pets.

[M. Vawdrey]

So true. Thanks for your help.

[M. Vawdrey]

Should my Dr. have checked my eyes before I have the RAI? I did see my ophthalmologist and he saw nothing to indicate any graves involvement - but my Endo doesn't know that.

[Andros]

Should my Dr. have checked my eyes before I have the RAI? I did see my ophthalmologist and he saw nothing to indicate any graves involvement - but my Endo doesn't know that.

I just don't know how to answer that except of course; if you have concerns and well you should. Some say a course of Pred prior and during helps to stave off the TED/GED.

However,I must tell you that nothing is a sure thing. Some who have had surgery and even starting on ATD report that this in fact trigged the eyes. So there you have it.

It would pay to get input from your ophthalmologist.

Please let me know. I like to learn stuff.

[GD Women]

Thyroid eye disease (TED), is an autoimmune disorders with its own specific antibodies that attack the eye, although separate from autoimmune thyroid antibodies, they are close cousins. As of now they do not know what the specific antibodies are, so there are no tests presently available to confirm the diagnosis of thyroid eye disease. Unless you presently of the have the eye signs of the disease.

Thyroid eye disease TED can popup anytime, even 10 years after treatment including surgery.

The eye disease and signs can also be seen/associated with other autoimmune diseases as diabetes, arthritis and in rare cases myasthenia gravis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis Hashitoxicosis, or atrophic thyroiditis.

Thyroid eye disease does appear to be more common in smokers. Some people develop TED when they take animal-based extracts such as Armour, because the immune system react to foreign proteins found in glandular extracts. Synthetic meds. doesn't cause this problem.
For precautions you might want to heed the above.

Hope this gives you a little more helpful information.

[M. Vawdrey]

Had RAI today. 16 milc for Graves Disease. Should I start taking ibuprofen today? Will that help prevent the swelling and sore throat they say I will have tomorrow or does it make any difference?

Also - the sour candy - they say start in 24 hours, right?

This is so scary. I am so worried about worsening of my symptoms or storm. Anybody have any suggestions/comments/ideas for the next 6 weeks? I am scheduled to see my endo in 3 weeks.

[GD Women]

Congrats. Your are on your way to wellness.

I don't know about ibuprofen. Did your doctor give you instructions?

You can take the sour lemon drops as soon as you feel sore throat coming on or dryness in the throat to get the saliva going.

Just be aware of your body. Stay in tune with symptoms and if and when you feel off either call the doctor or if bad don't hesitate to go to ER. They all know how to handle thyroid storm. Caught in time you will have no problems. But I don't think you won't have any problems regardless - PERIOD.

I whizzed right through it and so will you, brave lady! Just hang in there - soon it will all be behind you.

From time to time let us know how your progress is going - share with us!

[M. Vawdrey]

Thanks GD Woman - I always appreciate your upbeat and thoughtful messages.

[CheleRose]

Hi, I have not gone through this myself, but I just wanted to let you know that there is another person here sending healthy wishes your way. I do know a few people who have gone through this, and they have told me the fear of the unknown was actually worse than the actual experiences they went through.

Congratz on starting this new chapter in your life.
-CheleRose

[Andros]

Had RAI today. 16 milc for Graves Disease. Should I start taking ibuprofen today? Will that help prevent the swelling and sore throat they say I will have tomorrow or does it make any difference?

Also - the sour candy - they say start in 24 hours, right?

This is so scary. I am so worried about worsening of my symptoms or storm. Anybody have any suggestions/comments/ideas for the next 6 weeks? I am scheduled to see my endo in 3 weeks.

Very good to hear from you!! Best ask your doctor about the Ibuprofen. Hope you just breeze on through this!!

[M. Vawdrey]

Thanks Andros. Dr. had told me to take the ibuprofen as needed - just wondered if it helped to take it ahead to control possible inflammation.

So far - so good!

[M. Vawdrey]

Tomorrow is 4 weeks since RAI. I went back to Dr. at 3 weeks and my FT4 was higher than when I was first tested. Dr. thinks this is dumping and not making new hormone.

I have had some really good days and some really bad ones. Today is one of the bad. I can't understand how it can change so quickly. Is it normal for me to be still having bad days?

Can a massage make my hyper symptoms worse? If so, any idea how long that will last? If anyone has any answers to these questions, would appreciate your help.

[GD Women]

Hey M! Congrats on your 4 week RAI anniversary:party0048:

I don't believe massage make your hyper symptoms worse. Stress can, so
don't be too rough on yourself. It takes time for the body to heal. You didn't get thyroid sick over night likewise your healing. Some symptoms take longer to heal than others. I still have my bad days but I have more good ones. Each one of us heals on our own systems genetic time line and no one can tell you what yours is. You just keep hanging in there and be as positive as you can. Think nice pleasant thought so the stress bug doesn't bit you.
Before you know it another four weeks will pass and then another and another and another - and there you are well again.:hugs: