3 Anaphylaxis is a type of allergic reaction. No one said it could be from my low thyroid, but I found clinical trials that mentioned it was rare but could affect eyes and should be treated aggressively. My supplements can help but they will not take the place of thyroid medications like levothyroxine. What Is a Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test? How to Lighten Hair Dyed Too Dark? 9 Methods That Work My last blood test shows TSH of 0.02 and I have been asked to go for a follow up test. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Some doctor told me to move to the mountains, which I did to avoid toxic chemicals. Oh, my CTS now has to be taken care of too, and ortho doc has me on Vit B6 for the nerve damage, also the CTS has gone into my elbow, shoulder, neck and back now too. You wouldnt want to use a steroid on it unless you know what it is. You can eat the following foods because they contain very low levels of iodine: fruits and vegetables including potatoes. The risk of developing a secondary malignancy due to radioactive iodine therapy . And Ive become Flat with my emotions now. Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman's ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. The permanency can be seen as a benefit as patients condition will become stable and symptoms can be more easily controlled. This isnt always true, but it is true for MOST people. A small portion of radioactivity will be found in your saliva and sweat. Most people who get radioactive iodine treatment do so because they are considered to be hyperthyroid (sometimes people get RAI for thyroid cancer (5) but most people get it for hyperthyroidism). The I-131 leaves your body through your urine primarily. I cant find anything suggesting these are expected symptoms after RAI. They also found that nearly 1 third of all patients (31.2%) moved into the overweight or obese category from a lower weight category (based on BMI charts by the CDC). 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 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. Please help! She said I am normal and not to worry. The best course of action is to contact the doctor that was responsible for your procedure and let them know about your symptoms. I know I shouldnt be so vain, but honestly I am on this. Check out my own personal health story. Some people also feel flushed. #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. Iodine - Consumer - National Institutes of Health As I am not a doctor, my specific question is why does the level of levothyroxine I require change if my thyroid was destroyed? This is my own journey with battling cancer and by any means not meant to scare or offend anyone, but to get my story out. And in addition to going back to surgery for the left lobectomy, to expect to be on the Radioactive Iodine therapy. Hi,I have awhile to have enough hair to dye.I also have another 4wks. While I was taking Levothyroxine My only option for help is the ER which is somewhere I dont want to go with all the crap a going around. 2. After you get the dose, the scanner checks your entire body for signs of radioactivity. I am worried the medication or added T3 (Armour)is making that happen and it could be hurting my heart. By Mary Shomon Will you be able to lead a normal life? Then I get up at 7AM and during that first hour get my daily weight after I void and empty my bladder, and strip down for a true body weight. There's no medical indication to support this as a benefit, and as we mentioned above, excess iodine could cause much bigger problems in the long run. Do not share any towels, razors, toothbrushes, cups, spoons, forks, or dishes. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. Looking forward to your feedback . The thyroid is equipped with an active system or "pump" for moving iodine into its cells, where it is concentrated as iodide. Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days. Any help will be appreciated. Since then I have suffered most every day with severe chemical sensitivity. This can delay subsequent use of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy because the iodine can compete for uptake. The real concern with radiation exposure to others in your family has more to do with them coming into contact with actual contamination. Just have my RAI 2days ago. It was not and I have been searching for help ever since. The entire goal of the procedure is to put radioactive iodine molecules into your body with the sole purpose of destroying your thyroid gland. Not to mention the radiation! In this procedure, you are intentionally given Iodide, I-131, which emits radiation. I am a former Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (no longer practicing) that now focuses on producing the information you see here while also formulating some of the best supplements on the market (in my HUMBLE opinion) :). Hi! Now I cant stand the heat and I used to go to the beach all the time. Tips for Eating and Cooking While on a Low Iodine Diet. And I cry at the drop of a hat now too. I had severe fatigue, sweats etc and they did labs and said my count was high 5.4 and referred me to a civilian provider. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed. Radioactive iodine linked to higher risk of cancer death - NCI Is it 10 days? Hi doc! #3. They ran many tests including an cerebral angiogram to check for a brain tumor which I doubted. Homocysteine down to 11.5, methlymalonic acid down to 257. It is not common in the United States to hospitalize patients after RAI, but if you are receiving a particularly high dosage of iodine 131 and have no way to protect children or babies, it may be an option. Free T3. I am going in for radioactive iodine treatment next week and wanted to ask what the best diet plan is that can stop me gaining more weight and help me to reduce my bmi. To keep my glucose readings at or below 120, the desired reading by my PCP and endocrinologist, I am strict to my vegan/plant based diet, and consume 600 to 800 calories per day. FSH was :4.33(1.50-12.40) Follow me on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks, videos, and more. They said it was Radioactive iodine works by taking advantage of the physiology in your body (1). Iodine & Hair | Healthfully Since the science is inexact there are two ways of approaching the treatment. For most people, this means that you can expect to live at 80-90% of your 'normal'. One of the more surprising aspects of getting RAI done is the fact that you are quite literally radioactive after your procedure. Well since this journey has began Ive lost almost all of my hair and gained a ton of weight. Radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine) Therapy for Thyroid Cancer 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. Your doctor should monitor you for symptoms of hypothyroidism after RAI treatment. Men should sit down when urinating. If it doesnt go away then you have your answer, and if it does go away then you also have your answer. Im so confused my gp has no explanation my hair is falling out I dont eat anything only 3oranges a day and pure fruit juice now I have moderate atrophy on my pancreas and I cant get into a specialist for 1-2 years ., can h explain whats really going on, Please see this article for more information on managing hair loss with thyroid problems: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-hair-loss/. Flush the toilet two times after each use. When they injected RAI contrast dye through an IV for the test, I went in shock and they stopped the testing until later that day. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, infants and children should ideally stay outside the home for the recommended period. Radioiodine treatment avoids surgery, anesthesia, and anti-thyroid drugs. My throat is killing me and outside of my neck is swollen. Answer (1 of 9): I have direct experience with this question because my wife had radioactive iodine treatment for her thyroid cancer and she was supposed to stay away from me and our parrots for 3 days until the radioactive iodine dissipated from her system. Although hair dying can be an artifact on the postablation . Will it . Because it changes how you should be thinking about your medical condition, it changes the types of natural treatment options that may be available to you, and it changes your treatment. This is an extension of what weve already discussed but its worth spending some time on this specific point. Iodine is found naturally in some foods and is also added to salt that is labeled as "iodized". Radioactive iodine is a procedure that is often used to treat hyperthyroidism. I read your list of vitamins all NINE of them, and the only thing I could think of is NO! Repeat the process if necessary. Many thanks in advance for any help. A high uptake of radioactive iodine suggests Graves' disease. I also noticed my left leg larger than my right, so I do a daily measurement at mid calf before I eat or drink anything. No, you won't lose your hair after a radioactive iodine treatment. The radiation will pass out of your body through your urine within days. How to Clean After Radioactive Iodine Treatment - wikiHow I have since been on a roller coaster ride with the levels fluctuating up and down and not sure why. Importance: Patients who undergo radiographic studies with contrast receive an enormous bolus of iodine. So far I feel strong and as I did before. Anna Thomas. I cannot take anything other than porcine thyroid with rice flour as filler (compounded). Radioactive iodine therapy | Cancer treatment - Cancer Research UK Information for patients administered radioactive iodine (I-131). 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. I dont have any definitive results/reports as yet, however, I do have that gut feeling. You can find some tips and tricks on how to find the right type of doctor here: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-doctor/. 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. I had RAI 1 month ago. My TSH is very low but my free T3 indicates my body isnt using T3. 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 . 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. Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Cancer - webmd.com These are just a few of the questions that I want to answer in this article. 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. While you cant control this side effect 100%, you can do your best to mitigate (or reduce) any weight gain by going into your procedure at a normal and healthy weight. There is nowhere else to go tricare insurance is awful. I am concerned. Along with a pain and numbness in my right hand. Need better symptom control? I live in Florida and I cannot stand enjoy the outdoors anymore because of the heat. Iodine is used in the care and feeding of animals and as a stabilizer and/or safety element in food processing. Foods to Avoid if you Have Thyroid Problems: Ive found that these 10 foods cause the most problems for thyroid patients. No social life, have to check VS and glucose readings so often. Having an Exam That Uses Contrast Dye? Here's What You Need to Know I have tried everything and it is frustrating. I eat three meals with three snack times. The presence of any of these symptoms AFTER your procedure (especially if you didnt have them prior to your procedure) may be an early indication that your thyroid medication is not optimized. Radionuclide Basics: Iodine | US EPA . She enjoys giving lectures and writing articles for both the lay public and medical audiences. Will you be able to maintain your current weight? I have spoken to my doctor about it but he doesnt care. Read More. The highest sources (and those to be avoided) are iodized salt, grains and cereals, some breads . Call (800) 542-1123 or visit www.labtechinc.com to learn more about protecting your home against radioactive iodine. You wont be able to sleep next to people, go to work, prepare food for others, go into public places, fly on an airplane, ride a bus, share utensils with others, sit on a public toilet, and so on for about 1 week (3). Um, Im a night shift nurse on a dementia unit in a nursing home, would you want me taking care of your loved one and have the brain fog, the jitteriness, the irritableness, and depression? The most common reason for RAI is the autoimmune condition known as Graves disease (6). I think that she was supposed to maint. I used to be bubbly, and interactive with people. Any idea Sir ? . Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Thyroid Health: Is it Safe to Use? In some radiation emergencies, usually nuclear power plant accidents, radioactive iodine may be released into the environment and enter the body through breathing or eating it. These are the questions that I want to focus on today and hopefully answer many of the current questions that you already have. Radioactive iodine is created when the unstable atoms of radioactivity is piggybacked onto iodine so it will be absorbed by the body. I have been battling back and forth with weight gain and hair loss, mild But you probably at least know a little bit about RAI or you wouldnt be here. I have to take my Levothyroxine at midnight, as in the morning it causes me to have a jitteriness and brain fog, that is bothersome, and to have it in the time frame away from other meds and meals, midnight is the only option. To help prevent thyroid problems that may cause hair problems, it's important to get sufficient dietary . The relationship between your thyroid to your hair growth aside, iodine . I had RAI treatment for severe Graves disease in 1993. I still have to work a few more years, so Im looking and applying for other jobs that arent as stressful, that are day shift Mon-Fri, with weekends, holidays and nights to myself. You might need contrast when you are having an X-ray, CT, MRI, or ultrasound exam. I had RAI back in 2010 For Thyroid nodules And I have been on hormone replacement ever since I get my blood tested every 3 months And Im either too high or too low So I keep getting switched from a 112 To a dose of 125 This is been going on for several year several years so now my doctor has me switch every other day Between the 2 doses to see if this will stabilize my levels My problem is the weight gain That came after the RAI treatment treatment.. #2. 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. that I need doesnt come in one pill so Im taking 100 mcg one day and 75 on the other. can i color my hair after radioactive iodine. Most of the radioiodine in your body will come out through the urine and stool. My Dr. stated that my MTHFH enzyme is blocked indicating a genitic issue. Radioactive iodine is a treatment for papillary and follicular thyroid cancers. Radioactive iodine therapy is a type of internal radiotherapy treatment for thyroid cancer. and my being a nurse, Im researching and learning all I can. Your article is quite interesting. If your overactive thyroid symptoms persist 6 months after treatment, you may need a second dose. But, I am having a lots of rashes all over my neck and scalp, it got swollen and bumps. Hyperthyroid Symptoms Checklist Do you Have an Overactive Thyroid? It is a measurement of thyroid function, but does not involve imaging. They are planning radioactive iodine in the future. It turns out, which should come as no surprise, that medications are not a 100% complete substitute for the activity that your thyroid gland does on a day-to-day basis. I am a female, and Im 60 years old, soon to be 61. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is a common disease of older cats. The problem is that once you destroy your thyroid gland you are no longer considered to be hyperthyroid. Strange I know. But what if you only destroy 30 to 40% of your gland function? Dr. Yash Khanna answered. The good news is that not every single person who gets RAI will necessarily gain weight. As a result, it isnt uncommon for some patients to suffer from persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism (meaning that they dont have enough thyroid hormone). This ThyCa has kicked my Gluteus Maximus but good! Yes, absolutely. You can get recommended amounts of iodine by eating a variety of foods, including the following: Fish (such as cod and tuna), seaweed, shrimp, and other seafood, which are generally rich in iodine. RAI effects on hair - Thyroid cancer - Inspire I eat a diet free of inflammatory foods and exercise 3-5 times a week, but I cant get my weight to budge more than 5-10 pounds.