Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which uses it to make the thyroid hormones. I'm Westin Childs D.O. Dr.DanielleWeiss is the founder of the Center for Hormonal Health and Well-Being, a personalized, proactive, patient-centered medical practice with a unique focus on integrative endocrinology. Radioactive iodine is a treatment for papillary and follicular thyroid cancers. Radiation can be measured around your body and I-131 is present in your skin oil and sweat. People who do have hyperthyroidism tend to have a fast metabolism, but the treatment for hyperthyroidism (the medication you are taking) slows down the metabolism dramatically which leads to weight gain. menopause etc. But Im not a pretty woman, rather plane, and frumpy. I think that she was supposed to maint. I had RAI treatment 4 weeks ago 29.9 mci due to hyperthyroid hot noduals. Hi Dr. Childs, So, when I get up at Midnight unless I stay up that late, I get a full set of VS plus my glucose readings, and take my Levothyroxine. Dont let this be of major concern to you, though, because in most cases these symptoms can be managed. The real concern with radiation exposure to others in your family has more to do with them coming into contact with actual contamination. But my surgeon palpated three nodules and pathology report confirmed PTC, so a completion surgery was scheduled and performed this past April, and that lobe also showed cancer nodules on pathology report as well as some tissue purposely left because some cancer nodules had invaded my vocal chords. A high uptake of radioactive iodine suggests Graves' disease. I had my RAI 3weeks ago and they did not gave me a pros and con what to expect after. biotin or a hair and nail vitamin might be good. I used to be bubbly, and interactive with people. My exercise routine has been reduced because of back injuries and arthritis. I feel horrible. This is usually put into pill form for patients to ingest. Rinse your hair with warm water and shampoo it. Radioactive iodine is created when the unstable atoms of radioactivity is piggybacked onto iodine so it will be absorbed by the body. P.S. I have been asked to transport a friend who is having Radioactive Iodine treatment both the day of and a couple days later for her followup scan. Methimazole Side Effects You Should Be Aware Of (What to Expect), Hashimotos vs Graves Disease: Differences & Similarities, read more about my own personal health journey, free thyroid downloads, resources, and PDFs here, https://www.restartmed.com/hyperthyroidism-weight-gain/, https://www.restartmed.com/weight-loss-thyroidectomy/, https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-doctor/, https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-hair-loss/, https://www.restartmed.com/hormone-mastery/, https://www.restartmed.com/methimazole-weight-gain/, https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-daily-essentials-thyroid-multivitamin/, https://www.restartmed.com/product/t3-conversion-booster/, https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/, https://www.restartmed.com/product/leptin-resistance-rx/, https://www.restartmed.com/normal-thyroid-levels/, https://www.restartmed.com/how-to-find-a-doctor-to-treat-your-thyroid/, https://www.restartmed.com/levothyroxine-thyroidectomy-patients/, https://www.restartmed.com/weight-loss-after-thyroid-removal/, https://www.restartmed.com/hypothyroidism-diet/, https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroidectomy-rai-bundle/, 3 New Thyroid Support Supplements: Thyro Fuel, Thyro Biotic & Hashimotos Ab Rx, The 50 mcg Levothyroxine & Synthroid Medication Hack. So, if papillary or follicular thyroid cancer has spread to any other part of the body, we can still use this therapy to find and destroy it. I am 70 years old and I am beginning to worry. Radioactive iodine ( 131 -I) is a radioactive isotope that is administered orally, in a liquid or capsule form. No social life, have to check VS and glucose readings so often. I have my thyroid ablated about 20 so years ago. Another doctor wants my temp and glucose readings, temp shes ok with once or twice during the day. . Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman's ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. If you drive home after your appointment and there's another . One of the more surprising aspects of getting RAI done is the fact that you are quite literally radioactive after your procedure. These effects include a warm, flushing sensation, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a brief headache, or nausea. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Thyroid Health: Is it Safe to Use? The cold also affects me if its too cold I really get cold but thinking back I pretty much think I was always like that with cold. 2. Well since this journey has began Ive lost almost all of my hair and gained a ton of weight. They are planning radioactive iodine in the future. It is also called radio iodine. Most of the radioiodine in your body will come out through the urine and stool. meat. Are you thinking about getting radioactive iodine treatment? Since then, each year various GPs have looked at my thyroid function test results, focused solely on the low TSH reading and have now reduced my levothyroxine down to 100 despite my arguments to the contrary. It is worth pointing out, however, that some other tissues can take up the radioactive iodine such as the beta cells in your pancreas (2) though it isnt clear how much damage exists (if any) in these other cells. Here is my story: A year ago I felt a bump on the right side of my neck, so on a routine follow up visit with my PCP for diabetes, I mentioned it to him. Radioactive Iodine. After rai treatment I had blood test results was :freet4 was 13.3pmol/L (11-23)free t3 was 4.30pmol/L it was normal (3.1-6.8) I was happy and I had another blood test 26 July 2017 and results was TSH was 0.01 (0.35-4.94) freet3 was 16.32 pmol/L (never ever high like this before) (3.1-6.8) my freet4 was 46.3 pmol/L (11-23) I was shocked how this happened after RAI treatment Sir ? I cannot take anything other than porcine thyroid with rice flour as filler (compounded). Please give me your thoughts. I read your list of vitamins all NINE of them, and the only thing I could think of is NO! I have the symptoms of hypo not hyper, is she wrong? She is the author of "The Thyroid Diet Revolution.". Ive certainly seen some patients reduce their total dose of thyroid medication by undergoing some natural therapies to help restore thyroid function after RAI (but the number of patients Ive seen in this category is somewhat limited). So far I feel strong and as I did before. And to key to getting there is to understand what happens to your body after this procedure and how it influences your thyroid function. my RAI, i have rough horsey voice also for a month . These are just a few of the questions that I want to answer in this article. And how can I persuade my GP to think about more than a TSH reading? Hi doc! I know this post is older but I am considering radiation! Five years later I was diagnosed with a severe case of Graves and the doctor said RAI was the best course of action and convinced me of that. While I was taking Levothyroxine Will you be able to lead a normal life? Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging. Thank You. (I also bought a digital scale to get the most accurate weight) Then my full set of VS and glucose readings. Anna Thomas. Life has been very difficult as I basically go very few places now and live a life with little social contact. I had the motto: Ive never met a stranger, they are just the friends I havent met yet. Now, I would rather not talk to anyone, and if Im forced to, I keep it to bare minimum. I eat three meals with three snack times. You can obviously survive after RAI (otherwise they wouldnt do the procedure) but I want to teach you how to thrive afterward. If I have all of these symptoms and have had levels increase so much, is it worth seeing another dr due to my history or do you think this is normal? My blood work prior was They are basically useless here, Ive been to two, and I am actually SCARED for the first time in my life. They said it was American Thyroid Association. My hair has always been my pretty part of me, the one thing that makes me feel like a pretty girl. what is the normal amount of time a person needs to be off thyroid supplemental medication before the radioactive iodine treatment is done? Any advice . The best course of action is to contact the doctor that was responsible for your procedure and let them know about your symptoms. One thing I didnt see in your article is the correlation of Thyroid to Diabetes and CTS. I have tried everything and it is frustrating. Within the first 2 years I gained 15 pounds with no diet/lifestyle change. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, your workplace. So I had the ablation without much research on my own, and now Im at the highest weight of my life and miserable. Hi, I have spoken to my doctor about it but he doesnt care. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your body produces too much thyroid hormone so the treatment is to destroy your thyroid gland and stop that production. Hives. Therefore, it may be found in varying amounts in all food and beverages. that I need doesnt come in one pill so Im taking 100 mcg one day and 75 on the other. Receiving intravenous iodinated contrast (iodine "dye") may also cause hyperthyroidism. You can expect to live a fairly normal life after radioactive iodine treatment but your life will probably not be exactly as it was before your procedure. You get it in liquid or pill form. Theres a higher risk that the cancer comes back but its also a way to preserve some thyroid function. Like the effects of chemotherapy, hair follicles and new hair are more delicate and prone to . Restoring your metabolism will have more to do with your dose of thyroid medication than anything else. Approximately 90% of people who take radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism need only one dose, although it may take up to 6 months for it to fully work. He also told me something about an injection of something, as well as being on some sort of thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the remainder of my life. This comes in the form of a simple hormone medication that you can take each and every day to help normalize your thyroid hormone levels. Doctors made me think it was my only option at the time. I ordered the dutch test so have those results but I cannot read it and I am not sure what it all means. And if the color is hash on the . For more details, see our Privacy Policy. It was not and I have been searching for help ever since. Your Doctor will be able to help determine how much of your gland was destroyed. I have Graves disease and recently have a hyperthyroid flare up after being in remission, I went back on my meds but was recently taken off to see if I can do radiation. My hair has been a part of me for many years, it is waist length, and Im wondering if having it cut off and sent to make a wig for myself would be best or just wait and see if I do in fact loose my hair. Repeat the process if necessary. The thyroid gland is the only tissue in the body that takes up and holds onto iodine. Learn which foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease of any type. the tests after 3 weeks showed my TSH to be 12.920 and now she wants to increase the meds to 175. If you have heard of this before is there a natural vitamin or something that will help me control the heat in my body? Eat breakfast. People may take RAI . But, if I was being honest, I think that most people should not rely on the possibility of restoring much thyroid function after their procedure. Prior to that, I always weighed in the 125-130 lb range (normal for my height). Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a treatment method for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Reply. The recommended timeframes are based on the size of the dosage you are receiving, so discuss the specifics with your healthcare provider prior to treatment. can i color my hair after radioactive iodine. All my life my hair was thin and fine. Thyroid Hormone Resistance: What is it & How to Diagnose it. Because your thyroid gland concentrates and stores iodine in your body. My GP at the time liked to keep me on that level despite blood results as he said it was better for patients to be at the higher end of the scale in case they needed a metabolic boost when ill. Just realize that you will always be in a sensitive category and you will be more likely to gain weight compared to people with their thyroid intact. I had RAI treatment for severe Graves disease in 1993. Last week labs getting better with a methylpro supplement. Very small amounts of radioactive iodine may be absorbed by your salivary glands, and the lining of your stomach, which may cause side effects such as a sore throat or hoarseness. Radioactive iodine is a type of iodine that is radioactive - iodine 131 (I-131). She is the author of "The Thyroid Diet Revolution. What will you really expect after your RAI, side effects The majority of radioactive iodine is taken up by your remaining thyroid cells, since the thyroid normally uses iodine to make thyroid hormone. The good news is that not every single person who gets RAI will necessarily gain weight. This is an extension of what weve already discussed but its worth spending some time on this specific point. Your hair should be colored before a BK treatment. My endocrinologist said RAI didnt work I need surgery or second RAI treatment my other hormone results was :FSH 5.3(1.5-12.4)LH:8.8(1.7-8.6) I know it Hass to be because it started affecting me as soon as I Started losing weight and before I had been diagnosed. Follow me on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks, videos, and more. <0.01 My eyes improved for a while but now seem to be getting worse. Dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese . 1. But, I am having a lots of rashes all over my neck and scalp, it got swollen and bumps. Or longer Because your thyroid has been ablated, you will most likely need thyroid medication for life. 12 noon, lunch and VS with glucose readings. I am now living in the Midwest originally from Iowa. Yes I took the radation iodine pill five days ago what can I take for itchy skin I got some cortisone will that help. Now I cant stand the heat and I used to go to the beach all the time. Will destroying your thyroid gland have long-term consequences? My only option for help is the ER which is somewhere I dont want to go with all the crap a going around. That may not be the best decision, but I was becoming very depressed. FSH was :4.33(1.50-12.40) Symptoms of a moderate or severe reaction that require urgent medical care include: Severe vomiting. I know I shouldnt be so vain, but honestly I am on this. So I stopped going. Keep Your Distance. You might need contrast when you are having an X-ray, CT, MRI, or ultrasound exam. So, do your research, make sure RAI treatment is right for you. However, it affects only the body part that is being treated with radiation. Gadolinium-based Contrast Material. . Small amounts of I-131 may also leave through your saliva, sweat and feces. #1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22914564, #2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5413587/, #3. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.2010.0090, #4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5455212/, #5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28545679, #6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3336179/, #7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851449/, #8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18832945. As so many of you, I too was very unaware of the many causes of having your thyroid removed can have on a person, or the underlying affects that can be caused by the I-131 RAI "therapeutic" radioactive iodine treatment. I was recently on Naturethroid for some years and it seemed to be a better choice for me, it was quite the battle to get the Drs to prescribe it. ", Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The following recommendations will give you an idea of precautions to take to avoid exposing other people (as well as pets) to iodine 131, which may be present in bodily fluids or occur as a result of close contact. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers develop from follicular cells, which absorb iodine. I felt well on this level. Many thanks in advance for any help. Use vitamin C powder. It is what it is. Improving gut function can be done through diet and supplements. For example, uranium has thirty-seven different isotopes, including uranium-235 and uranium-238. Thanks. It can be an iodine-based material, barium-s ulfate, gadolinium, or saline and air mixture that can be swallowed or injected intravenously. Ultrasound can also be performed if . Does Taking Thyroid Medication Cause High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? They wanted to give me more RAI IV for test, but I refused and I know I would have died had they done that. Is there anything I can do to protect myself as I am driving her. Many clinical studies have also confirmed that weight gain after RAI is a real risk. Researchers estimated a 12% increased risk for death from breast cancer and a 5% increased risk for death from . to covid weight, but now the hair loss! Consuming excess iodine: If you're at risk for hyperthyroidism and consume too much iodine (through your diet or medications), it can cause your thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. I was put on Levothyroxine 175, then when I met my endocrinologist, by that time TSH levels had dropped some so Levothyroxine down to 137. What is your life going to be like after radioactive iodine treatment? Doctors use nuclear medicine to diagnose, evaluate, and treat . I had a partial thyroidectomy a week ago, (Right lobectomy) With this my Dr. noticed hard bumps in the tissue, and sent to pathology and cancer was found. Reds that lean more violet or pink than red are also your best bet. If your head and scalp are exposed to radiation (usually after a brain tumor surgery), it can affect the hair follicles and cause hair loss while the rest of the body may be unaffected. Contact: NCI Press Office. Iodine and Hair Loss. What can I be looking at regarding weight gain. Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. You can eat the following foods because they contain very low levels of iodine: fruits and vegetables including potatoes. For most people, this means that you can expect to live at 80-90% of your 'normal'. It targets VEGFR, BRAF, and RET tyrosine kinase and inhibits the proliferation and angiogenesis of cancer cells. Havent met yet my endoc after the RAI. 8.1, Because I began feeling very unhealthy this week further blood tests were done. I have been tested and my doctor says that Im right where I need to be. I was experiencing heart palpations, diffuclty breathing while lying down, weight gain. My doctor has changed my meds 5 times I was doing better if my medication was a little on the high sideI had started to lose wait, had more energy & the best ever NO SWEATS, but she said no, WHY! https://www.restartmed.com/weight-loss-after-thyroid-removal/, Hello I had the rai treatment 33 years ago and I have never felt good since then , more recent they ultrasound my thyroid gland and the lady who did the ultrasound kinda freaked out saying to me where is your thyroid gland hat did they do it it, I was in the hospital with pancreatitisNo dr has told me there could be a reason for getting pancreatitis with hypothyroid and how can my blood tests say my thyroid is producing hormones and is low which means high . LH :4.12(1.70-8.60) Welcome to my website! Some people also feel flushed. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) If you are unable to avoid direct or indirect contact with infants and young children, ask your healthcare provider about the possibility of hospitalization. I wish I had found it weeks ago, but I didnt so I have to move on. depression, brain fog and other symptoms for years now. Unfortunately, the best way to prevent weight gain after RAI is to go into the procedure at a normal weight. It has to do with how important your thyroid is in regulating your metabolism and your weight. (former Osteopathic Physician). Fifteen years ago diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and had RAI.
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