Graves' Disease Support Group
Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...
Well against what most people think. After three endo and one consult I had the RAI on Feb. 13. So far good I was given a lower dose to see how things worked. I'm sleeping great no dry eyes yet. Had a sore throat for about a week on the third week but it passed. I appreciate all your advice and i considered it carefully and made this decision. I believe that either way I will always have problems of some sort. The last endo and the last consult do not believe I have graves. They said a toxic thyroid of unknown origin. I still want to say here in this group. I have been watching it for along time just did not respond cause of the way mostt people feel about RAI. I forgot to tell you at UAB I was switched from my old endo to a new one and internal medicine. At 58 after a lot of blood work , stress test and MRI I was told that other than my thyroid and being overweight I was in pretty good shape. Things are for now looking up I can walk now without my legs killing me.I bought a stretch video and have been using it on the truck. I have truly valued all your advice and hope to remain here. I forgot to get my last blood work for you but I go back May 5 and I will get it then.
Just curious- so they think you may not have graves? Did you have Trab and TSI testing?
I am glad you are feeling better. What matters is you chose the treatment that was best for you. You are right about there being not much support for those who have had rai or are considering rai. I hope you continue to feel better and keep a positive outlook.
Godspeed
My close friend suffered from hyperthyroidism for a year when she was in her early 30's. She thought she was just stressed out and didn't go to the doctor. When she was finally diagnosed, she immediately had RAI because she had two aunts who were doctors and they told her RAI was her best option. It took a few years before she became hypo and dependent on levothyroxin (?) but she felt sooo much better and normal again just three months post-RAI. Based on her very positive experience, she actually advised me to go for RAI.
Thanks to this forum, I learned we all have options, and it's a matter of choosing what's best for us. I'm very very happy you're feeling better now.
Take Care
I had RAI last July. So far I have no adverse effects. I am also on a thyroid cancer board because my daughter has thyroid cancer with Hashimoto's. The people on that board, generally speaking, do not object to RAI as that is what is done after cancer.
The amount of radiation they gave my daughter was massive. She was hospitalized and they used HASMET procedures to keep her isolated. After she went home she had someone keep her service dog for a few days as a precaution for the dog. She has no adverse effects from the RAI.
Betty
Thank you for posting. I've been wondering about you and how you were doing. As has been stated here, you tried the atd's and you did your homework before making an informed decision. Granted the drs were being very persuasive but in the end it sounds like a great choice for you. I wish you continued good health and so glad you are able to be more active. That is a a great feeling isn't it?
Take care and please stay in touch.
I can only echo what's been said already......and I invite you over to the hypo forum if/when you start thyroid hormone replacement.
Best of luck to you moving forward!