My RAI Experience

September 10th, 2010
Its been three weeks since I had my RAI treatment. I had a few minor side effects from the treatment. About a week after the treatment my tongue and saliva glands swelled up and my neck was sore. The doctor did not tell me that I should have been sucking on hard candies to avoid the RAI going into my glands. However I was drinking a lot of water. I had a slight headache for two weeks, but not sure if i can contribute it to the RAI or allergies. I was also very tired the first week and had to run to the bathroom immediately after any food consumption again not sure if I can contribute this to the RAI or the fact that I had my monthly friend. I have also noticed that my hair is falling out more, but not in clumps just more strands then usual.  Also at this point I have not gained any weight. The good news is my anxiety and racing heart have diminished and I dont feel as if my insides are going at 200 mph.  However every once and a while for about an hour or two I do feel my anxiety and my heart racing. My moods have seemed to improve a little as I am not getting as upset over the small stuff like I use too. All in all the experience so far has been easy. I am happy I chose this route so far. I hope I continue to improve as the weeks go on. I will stay positive. 

August 20th, 2010
I had my RAI treatment today and I hope to be able to provide a positive experience as I know their are so many horror stories about RAI treatments on the internet. I will provide an update on my progress every couple of weeks. Overall the process was quick, easy and painless. On 7/24 I had my blood drawn to check my levels. As you can see I am in normal range, although I don't feel normal lol!!! I was told your levels have to be in normal range prior to receiving the RAI treatment.  On 7/17 & 7/18 I had my Thyroid Scan & Uptake.  I had to stop my Thyroid medication ten days prior to the scan and uptake. Today I was given my RAI treatment. My uptake came back at 53% and I was given 15 millicuries of Radioactive Iodine. After three days from the treatment I was told to starting taking my Methimazole again. I am scheduled for lab work and a doctors appointment the first week in October. 

Current Levels - 7/24/2010
TSH 0.71 - Range 0.40-4.50
T4 Free 1.3 - Range 0.8-1.8
T3 83 - Range 76-181
T3 Uptake - 1.16 - Range 0.79-1.16
I know a lot of people are against the RAI treatment due to the radiation exposure. However I feel differently! One or two doses are not going to kill you. If you smoke, are an alcoholic or do drugs don't you think those are doing more harm to your body then a small dose of RAI? Think about it. You are more likely to end up dying or end up with cancer due to those lifestyle choices, but then of course if you end up with cancer your first thought would be to blame it on the RAI and not the fact that you smoke, do drugs or drink. Just my opinion. Long term computer use, cell phone use and long term use of other electronics. What you don't think they let off radiation!!! Think again. It might be minimal but in the long run it maybe harmful. This is new to our generation so only time will tell what harmful affect will come from electronics. Again just my opinion. So before you freak out about RAI consider your current lifestyle choices and what you come in contact with everyday of your life. Those are most likely more harmful to you then a dose of RAI. In the end it does not matter anyways. God is the ultimate holder of your life, so regardless of all the precaution you take your life is already planned out for you.