My experience with RAI was fine. You don't actually really feel anything except a sore throat, that type of thing. The point of RAI is to make you hypothyroid and to treat the hypothyroid symptoms. So in that instance, the RAI worked. Yes, I'm glad I did it. I would choose that route again, it's easy with few complications and the end result of TT and RAI is still hypothyroid. You have to select the right route for you based on your particular situation.

Thanks Beazer I'm glad to hear you had a good outcome with RAI and don't regret your decision. I'm leaning toward having the RAI as well and pray I don't regret it. It's such a scary decision!!

Be sure to have your eyes evaluated before the RAI because RAI can affect Thyroid Eye Disease but there are measures you can take to protect them. That's what I mean by "particular situation." Information can help you beat the fear of RAI or surgery. BTW, I have TED and I didn't take any steroids before the RAI, my eyes have been evaluated and very recently I had another CT scan and there is now no evidence of TED, I'm 5 year's post RAI. Just keep learning, reading and asking questions until you're comfortable with your decision. There are no guarantees with anything. Best of luck in your search.

My eyes have been bothering me a lot lately. My doctor says they are not buldging out so they are fine. What type of test is done to see whether or not you have TED? You said something about a cat scan? Is there another way to find out if you have it or not? I have an appointment with a new doctor tomorrow and will be sure to ask him what he thinks?

Thanks again,
Tina

My eyes have been bothering me a lot lately. My doctor says they are not buldging out so they are fine. What type of test is done to see whether or not you have TED? You said something about a cat scan? Is there another way to find out if you have it or not? I have an appointment with a new doctor tomorrow and will be sure to ask him what he thinks?

Thanks again,
Tina

My only prob was with the thyroid medication I was on. I found something that worked better tho. I had RAI several years ago and was fine with it.

I had RAI in 2001....dont regret it at all. Im very happy I did it.

I had RAI treatment late last year and I must say that not only am I very happy with the outcome I have at no time suffered any ill effects from it. I recall even my throat did not get very sore at all so all in all a very pleasing result. But in saying that I keep up my regular visits to my endocrinoligist just to ensure I continue on the right path.

Thanks so much everyone who has replied to my question. I appreciate what you all have to say very much. I am pretty sure RAI is the route I am going to take to kill off my thyroid as it has wreaked so much havoc on my body. I can't wait to start feeling normal again!!!

Thanks again,
Tina

My Doc asked Me today if I would consider RAI
because of the heart issues I have now and then, I almost said yes.My eyes are fine so far
so that should be fine.I read that after RAI chances for cancer increases is that true?I read that on Elaine's site.Have any of you had heart palps before RAI and are they gone now?
Also has anyone developed eye issues after but never had them before RAI?

I did have the treatment. I am 38 yrs old ..my heart and blood pressure 180/103 couldn't take it any more so I had know choice..What scared me the most was the paper you sign stating this treatment is to save my life I was so shocked I didn't know it was that bad...my throat did hurt alittle..but on the positive side my hair grew back thick.. my nails are growing and the heart palpitations stopped but the treatment took 8 months (Jan 2010 till Aug2010) to work .I have muscle ache everyday ,headaches, stomach problems, trouble sleeping but when it all comes down to it I'm alive and get to raise my 3 boys...my blood pressure is still high but my heart feels great all the palpitations have stopped which is a good feeling in itself that's a scary feeling I guess you can say I'm still getting use to the after affects of the treatment and my med needs to be adjusted ..My eyes hurt alot and my left eye see's every other line blurry ....can't get an answer for that one..but I wish you the best of luck stay strong....Tara

Hi junkski:

I thought you were on very teensy weensy doses of ATD or very close to remission??? Heart palps happens for me when I dip hypO. When I am in the 'right' ranges for the Free Ts or even hypER, I didn't have the palps.

{{{hugs}}}

I am back up to 5mm because my t3 is high again
and i get these heart flip flops..

Oh okay, gotcha. Wouldn't taking a beta blocker be a better choice if your Free T3 is higher than normal? When my FT3 did rise high the one time during the 7+ years of using the wee doses of MMI, under my doctor's guidance I went back on a small doses of Atenolol twice a day and by the time the year was up, I was off of them from doing the gradual weaning downwards.

{{{hugs}}} :-)

I had RAI about 9 weeks ago now. I feel physically MUCH better. I'm not yet hypo. For now - no regrets.