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...

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/ Graves' Disease Support Group

Scan?

Maglady
Maglady
I should have asked this a long time ago, but I got to thinking. I'm going to see my endo in about an hour, and I know he's going to want to set me up with an Iodine uptake scan. Are there any reasons not to do it? Like does it raise anti-bodies alot or anything? Is there much radiation involved? Because I don't really feel like I need it done. Just treat me for Grave's for crying out loud.
cd3764
cd3764
There is no valid reason for an uptake scan - it doesn't even provide reliable information.

Accurate information can be achieved with a thyroid ultrasound and the TSI antibody test to confirm Graves'.

The scan exposes you to unnecessary radiation.

You are the consumer here and have a right to choose whether or not you will have certain tests.....just as you have the right to choose your treatment.
cd3764
cd3764
Here's what Elaine Moore has to say about uptake scans:

http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/19330/2901/3
deleted_user
deleted_user
I got the scan because my Endo told me it was the ONLY way to positively see if I had Graves'. She lied!!! I'm so furious to this day.. I was uneducated and gullable, and just listened to my doctor like a good little girl. I want to sue her, seriously.

Don't do it, there's absolutely no reason to, and nothing will come of it. Like cd said, you can easily get a blood test that will confirm (more accurately) if you have Graves' or not. Please don't do it!!! I still get worked up when I think of the fact that I had one. I think it triggered my TED.

Keep us posted!
Maglady
Maglady
See, that's what I think. All the antibody tests came back positive for Graves. but he says that it could still be post-partum thyroiditis, and since they're both auto-immune, then both can be positive for the antibodies. anyway, I think he's pretty good, and I trust him. I'm just leary of the scan, and now even more so. I managed to ward it off until Feb. He says the dose of radiation is very low for the scan. AC, why do you think it set off your TED?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am having my scan next week. My endo said that was the only way to determine if my multinodular thyroid gland was cancer or not. I already had an ultrasound and it should a bunch of nodules. He said it would show "cold" nodules if it were cancer. I don't think there is much question about whether or not I have Graves. I think he is just trying to rule out cancer as the cause.