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...
Ran across this explanation from a Dr why patients feel they are rushed to RAI and why Endos seem so short and snobbish:
I asked him why he thinks endocrinologists so often push for RAI ablation right away? Says Dr. Shames:
A diplomatic answer might be that they sincerely feel that other choices have yet to be proven as safe and effective. My personal hunch is that many are simply following this nationwide "standard of care" that would best protect them from future hassles or even malpractice claims. But also RAI is quicker, easier, and much more cost-effective (for the doctor). Medical doctors can charge insurance companies much more for procedures than for educational office visits or writing prescriptions. Also, in today's busy endocrinology practice, it would take an inordinate amount of time to properly educate patients about all their options, and to help each patient decide which might be right for them.
Given the shortage of endocrinologists, and the brief amount of time a patient may have during an appointment, (sometimes as little as five minutes), I wondered how patients can get their doctors to stop and consider alternatives, versus the standard "rush to RAI." According to Dr. Shames:
Whether it's my patient in front of me or I'm coaching someone on the phone, I tell them here's a way that you can avoid or postpone RAI while getting the help you need from your doctor. Remember that endocrinologists as a group are heavily overburdened, often with very ill diabetes patients. Thus, they are generally very busy, straightforward, and have low tolerance for what they consider "nonsense." Therefore, your job is to be short, sweet, and logical. This means saying, perhaps over and over, that you are certainly willing to do the "right thing" (which in their minds is RAI), BUT right now you just want to try the antithyroid drugs Tapazole or PTU first.
According to Dr. Shames, patients should stay away from trying to educate a busy endocrinologist about the possible benefits of an integrative approach to hyperthyroidism -- combining antithyroid medications with more holistic approaches such as acupuncture, homeopathy, specific anti-thyroid supplements, improved nutrition, mind-body techniques, and other useful alternative therapies.
Full article :
http://thyroid.about.com/b/2008/07/24/can-hyperthyroid-patients-avoid-radioactive-iodine-rai.htm
I asked him why he thinks endocrinologists so often push for RAI ablation right away? Says Dr. Shames:
A diplomatic answer might be that they sincerely feel that other choices have yet to be proven as safe and effective. My personal hunch is that many are simply following this nationwide "standard of care" that would best protect them from future hassles or even malpractice claims. But also RAI is quicker, easier, and much more cost-effective (for the doctor). Medical doctors can charge insurance companies much more for procedures than for educational office visits or writing prescriptions. Also, in today's busy endocrinology practice, it would take an inordinate amount of time to properly educate patients about all their options, and to help each patient decide which might be right for them.
Given the shortage of endocrinologists, and the brief amount of time a patient may have during an appointment, (sometimes as little as five minutes), I wondered how patients can get their doctors to stop and consider alternatives, versus the standard "rush to RAI." According to Dr. Shames:
Whether it's my patient in front of me or I'm coaching someone on the phone, I tell them here's a way that you can avoid or postpone RAI while getting the help you need from your doctor. Remember that endocrinologists as a group are heavily overburdened, often with very ill diabetes patients. Thus, they are generally very busy, straightforward, and have low tolerance for what they consider "nonsense." Therefore, your job is to be short, sweet, and logical. This means saying, perhaps over and over, that you are certainly willing to do the "right thing" (which in their minds is RAI), BUT right now you just want to try the antithyroid drugs Tapazole or PTU first.
According to Dr. Shames, patients should stay away from trying to educate a busy endocrinologist about the possible benefits of an integrative approach to hyperthyroidism -- combining antithyroid medications with more holistic approaches such as acupuncture, homeopathy, specific anti-thyroid supplements, improved nutrition, mind-body techniques, and other useful alternative therapies.
Full article :
http://thyroid.about.com/b/2008/07/24/can-hyperthyroid-patients-avoid-radioactive-iodine-rai.htm
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So planning on doing the radioactive iodine soon. Any suggestions on what to do for 3 days in isolation?
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So I want to have kids in the future. Methimazole causes birth defects. If you remove your thyroid, there are still immunoglobulin that can cross the placenta and cause hyperthyroidism in the fetus. Has anyone got pregnant after being diagnosed and had a healthy baby?
I feel that a Endo isnt just going to Jump on RAI or TT without offering ATD's IF they are an option for the people at the time. I feel that with the #'s the Endo went to school to know what is the best treatment for different people. There are a few examples I have heard but due to malpractice , etc. why would they go right in and do RAI, without considering every option. I dont think this is true. I think theu are educated enought o know the difference and how to treat people accordingly. If this isnt the case see another Endo. get second opinions. At last we are our own Advocates. I feel if you arent getting the right treament you arent LOUD enough.
Kelly
Nonono- thats a great post thanks so much for sharing that.
Take care...