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...
Hello,
I was diagnosed with Graves on July 2016. My lab results became normal after 3 months of taking ATD. I stopped taking ATD on Nov 2016(expecting to be pregnant). Fortunately I got pregnant but my graves came back and I did not take any medications as I know that ATD will affect my baby. My thyroid levels normalized after 12 weeks AOG (except for TSH) without medications and had a normal pregnancy. Gave birth last Aug 2017 and my Graves came back again on January 2018. Had my Doctor's appointment yesterday and suggested that I proceed with RAI. I am very confused! Is it too early for RAI? I don't have thyroid eye disease or goiter but have all the other symtomps of Graves.
If it were me I'd hold off on getting an RAI. Only because you have a baby and radiation can affect the people and children around you.
Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disorder which means one has it for life and there can be remissions. Getting an RAI only makes one hypO and the TSI antibodies can rise very high which is possible that thyroid eye disease could happen down the road.
Do the research and as I moderate at another thyroid board, www.livingwithgravesdisease.com you can research there at the thyroid 101 and research at other places from the links posted at the forum.
{{{hugs}}}
I agree with mmztcass. I would hold off on RAI. You can calm your thyroid and have it go into remission. Your thyroid is a major organ in your body. Don’t allow your doctor push you into having RAI because it sounds like it would be the easier thing to do. As mmztcass stated, this is an auto-immune disease, and even if you did RAI, you will still have other auto-immune symptoms to deal with. Take your time and take care of yourself. I understand that you are young and getting pregnant. I understand that ATD aren’t good for pregnancy. Please check to see if Bugleweed, Motherwort and Lemon Balm can be taken during this time - I know these are herbs but they have helped me tremendously with my GD. Good Luck!