I was wondering if anyone has had gone through the radiation procedure for removing the thyroid? I was diagnosed when I was 15, and am currently 22. I have been told that radiation is the best way to go. However, I have a lot of reservations about it. If anyone has gone through this, I would appreciate an honest answer. Thanks!
I have not gone through it. I have heard from others that they never feel very good on the replacement Levothyroxine. Apparently some people do well, however.
I refused RAI then a year later it came out that those who have had RAI are at a higher risk for thyroid eye disease. I already have double vision so they stopped recommending the RAI for me.
After about 2-3 years on Methimazole, I went into remission, so I have my thyroid and don't have to take any thyroid medication at this time.
That makes sense. I have heard the same thing, though doctors are pretty insisting where I am from.
Yes the doctors were very insistant here, too. But I simply flatly refused. They can't make you do anything if you refuse. Or you can simply delay deciding. Do you know the results of your last blood test?
Hi, I had RAI treatment in July, it was quick, painless and had worked by September and am now on levothyroxine. It's taking a while to get the dosage right but am being monitored with regular blood tests. No adverse reactions to tablets except weight gain, which will hopefully sort itself out when get dosage right.
I have not had radiation but know people who have and they struggle more following radiation not least because they are not properly or adequately treated with thyroid hormone replacement.
It is difficut to advise you since we are not suffering your symptoms but there are alternatives. Years ago large doses of Iodine were given, methimazole is another treatment. the benefit is you keep your thyroid; once it is radiated that it is!
Educate yourself and think carefully. If necessary keep reviewing your symptoms; it is always an option but try everything else as alternatives firstly.
Best of luck.
You are lucky and long may it continue for you. Many find Levothyroxine doesnt ease their hypothyroid symtpoms adequately; you weight gain may be part of this. Perhaps you were very thin and can afford some increase but if this continues there are alternatives which work better for some hypothyroids. T3 added to your T4 may help. T3 alone. Or another alternative is NDT. Educate yourself about these if you find any problems with your current situation.
Hi, I've just had radioidine therapy. ..6 weeks ago..few side effects such as nausea and neck still aches a little. .will hsve blood tests in two weeks to see how well it's working. .but overall I feel a lot better!
Hi. I am having radiation week Thursday. I am a little nervous but thought it was the best way to go even though I have been diagnosed with graves. They can't control it with meds so apart from surgery this was my only way. So fingers crossed all goes well.
Hi don't worry too much you simply pop a pill and take precautions about being around people for a few days..hopefully you won't have any side effects. .good luck!
There are alternatives, you can put Graves into remission with natural treatments. Don't get pushed into RAI or surgery.
Take control of your own health & research all you can.
Remember it is not your thyroid that is the problem, removing it or killing it just removes some of the symptoms, it is your immune system that is out of balance, until you fix that your run the risk of developing other auto immune conditions. It's not easy and will require a lot of commitment, its not cheap either but you cannot put a price on good health.
Good luck
Hi carol, had my treatment yesterday, touch wood I feel fine just a little tires as I felt very dehydrated during the night so was up all night drinking and peeing lol. Fingers crossed all works well, I had to have an injection to make sure it was working then had the drink which was bout 20ml at a guess. Anyway thanks for the support.
Glad all went well, I have had a slightly aching neck but nothing too bad..I think people get a little over critical of this procedure. . It seems to be doing the job...feeling much better..hope it does the same for you
Hi, I haven't had radiation treatment yet but my consultant thinks it's the best solution. However like you I don't feel comfortable about it and will put it off as long as possible. I am 57 and have had hyperthyroidism for about 18 months taking 10mg carbimazole daily and feel pretty well on it although low mood and energy levels. I have recently consulted a homeopath who has prescribed 2 remedies for 'underlying support' which has certainly helped with fatigue symptoms and puffy eyes but she said that if there's pathological damage to the thyroid that cannot be treated homeopathically. So I intend to carry on as I am for the time being. My feeling is that radiation is a last resort but if I do have to resort to it I think it is quite safe! Good luck x
Yes i agree, there's no going back! I take 10mg carbimazole daily for hyperthyroidism and have heard about taking an iodine supplement but wasn't sure if that's recommended for hyper or just hypo. I agree the need to research alternatives too, one supplement i do take helps to absorb heavy metals. I'm convinced chemicals are part of the problem. Think positive!
You make good points, it's the cause you should concentrate on not just the symptoms, if only alternative treatments were available for everyone on nhs. Our GP's offer acupuncture, which is a start! Not that I've ever considered acupuncture for thyroid disease?!
I think this will be the next step for me my major reservation about RAI is the possible weight gain when I am hypo. Any thoughts on this? Regards Emily
I had a partial thyroidectomy in 1993 and soon after became hypothyroid and started taking thyroxine. A few years later it regrew!!! I then had rai which then made me become really underactive and my thyroxine dose changes several a year. Last summer I was taking 150 mgm thyroxine and am now taking 225mgm. Today I have noticed a swelling on my neck just above my thyroidectomy scar and am feeling a bit anxious about it. I will get an urgent appointment with my gp on monday to find out what is going on.
good luck! That is quite a change. how has your mood affected you?
same to you. Thanks! I do agree with the last possibility.