They wanted to give me more RAI IV for test, but I refused and I know I would have died had they done that. Yup, the pain and numbness Dx CTS, that was put on the back burner for a while, as it wasnt all that troublesome at the moment. Receiving intravenous iodinated contrast (iodine "dye") may also cause hyperthyroidism. When the gadolinium is injected, it is normal to feel coolness at the site of injection, usually the arm for a minute or two. This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Westin Childs and is for educational and information purposes only. Radiation can be measured around your body and I-131 is present in your skin oil and sweat. Because of this, people who undergo RAI (meaning those who destroy their thyroid gland) need some type of thyroid hormone replacement. I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To lighten hair dyed that is too dark with vitamin c powder, mix together 1 tablespoon of vitamin c powder with 1/2 cup of water. The majority of radioactive iodine, therefore, will be absorbed by any remaining thyroid cells. A small portion of radioactivity will be found in your saliva and sweat. I had RAI treatment for severe Graves disease in 1993. Hives. Thank you. 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) Youll still need to get those but the supplements can be used in addition to them. 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. I had RAI treatment nearly 2 years ago, and deeply regret it. I had this feeling when I went into surgery last Tuesday, but shrugged it off as just my fears in over time. menopause etc. Then too, my annual eye exam with dilation is due now, that appointment is upcoming, as well as further dental with my regular dentist now that I have the one impacted and rotted tooth extracted. I feel horrible. Is there anything I can do to protect myself as I am driving her. rice and dries pasta. depression, brain fog and other symptoms for years now. Fact sheet: guidelines for patients receiving radioiodine I-131 treatment. My weight seems to be of no concern to him as long as my blood work looks okay. The answer is maybe, and it depends on the person, how much damage was done to their thyroid, and other factors that arent always in your control. Just have my RAI 2days ago. Potassium iodide (KI) is a type of iodine that is not radioactive and can be used to help block one type of radioactive material, radioactive iodine (I-131), from being absorbed by the thyroid. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. Neck tenderness and swelling. If you are unable to get ahold of them then it may be necessary to go to the ER. New study findings show an association between the dose of a common treatment for hyperthyroidism and risk of death from solid cancers. 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. The radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU) is also known as a thyroid uptake. When we are deficient in this nutrient, the health of our hair is affected, leading to hair weakness or even total hair loss. The thyroid is equipped with an active system or "pump" for moving iodine into its cells, where it is concentrated as iodide. And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. You can obviously survive after RAI (otherwise they wouldnt do the procedure) but I want to teach you how to thrive afterward. No ill effects have been noted in the children born to parents who received radioactive iodine in the past. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it in for 20 minutes. Theres no way to tell if your eye symptoms are related to your thyroid without first trying to optimize your TSH (which should be your next step). About 25 years ago they killed my thyroid with radioactive iodine. A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed. If it was, then you will most likely need to start thyroid medication relatively soon (within the next days to weeks). Additionally, there is also a hypersensitivity reaction. This keeps the radioactivity from destroying other cells in your body and only allows for the destruction of your thyroid gland. My biggest fear is loosing my hair, my identity as a woman. One doctor wants a monitor of pulse five times daily, hes concerned about para thyroid damage. Image: Shutterstock. So, I have to laugh at your 80 to 90% back to a normal life. I'm Dr. Westin Childs. The last person put me on methazolo and I read the awful side affects. The list includes optimal ranges, normal ranges, and the complete list of tests you need to diagnose and manage thyroid disease correctly! <0.01 I would say many of your symptoms are unusual but this article highlights some of the routine side effects that may be experienced. Your concerns should be taken seriously and evaluated. There isnt a specialist in the area of hormone balancing but you can use the resource above to help you find someone who can help you. I have my EMG the end of the month and take things from there. Shower once a day to rinse away the leftover radioiodine, but make sure to scrub the shower well after using it. 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. These are just a few of the questions that I want to answer in this article. of iodine, and only one is not radioactive (Iodine-127). I had RAI 20 plus years, I am 56 and my numbers are good. I have a quick question. I wish I had found it weeks ago, but I didnt so I have to move on. Although hair dying can be an artifact on the postablation . Most of the radioiodine in your body will come out through the urine and stool. 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. This is my story. It doesnt appear that the first treatment was sufficient to destroy the hot nodules (or there is some other issue). You usually take radioactive iodine as a capsule that you swallow. 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. Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging. Radioactive iodine treatment is a type of radiotherapy is used to destroy the cells in the thyroid gland, reducing the amount of hormones it can produce. the tests after 3 weeks showed my TSH to be 12.920 and now she wants to increase the meds to 175. I can barely eat . Contrast distinguishes, or "contrasts," between organs, tissues, bones, or blood vessels during your imaging exam. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a7703e5f38024655a2d5bbdddbfa13ec" );document.getElementById("bc952adef4").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Hey There! Prior to my RAI my level was .03. I have the symptoms of hypo not hyper, is she wrong? and my being a nurse, Im researching and learning all I can. Thank you and God bless! U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Your hair should be colored before a BK treatment. If you have questions regarding your health you should seek qualified information from a medical professional or your doctor. The good news is that this radioactivity does fade over a short period of time (usually 5 to 7 days) but the bad news is that you need to stay under certain precautions during this time. Thanks look forward, Yes! We know that that still leaves lots of options if your heart isn't already set on a color. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment. American Thyroid Association. What can I be looking at regarding weight gain. In your case, these would be best: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroidectomy-rai-bundle/. Yes, radiation therapy causes hair loss. Hi You can find some tips and tricks on how to find the right type of doctor here: https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-doctor/. But it does increase your risk of weight gain if you have the procedure by about 2 to 3 times. Now the top of my hair is thick and fine and the back of my hair is thick and curly it has a little bit of wire feeling to it. In earlier forms of Iodine contrast, people with Myasthenia gravis faced an increased chance of exacerbation of the disease. So, I ate what I could and left the rest. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) My TSH is very low but my free T3 indicates my body isnt using T3. If your overactive thyroid symptoms persist 6 months after treatment, you may need a second dose. Strange I know. He may be the one with that piece of paper that says he can prescribe and administer that damned pill, but I have a gut feeling hes too cavalier about it all. relative viscosity of nylon 6; predictive index cognitive assessment answers; why do baseball players spit so much Because the hair is sealed off during the BK treatment the color might not be able to penetrate into the cuticle. 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. I welcome Barbara Lougheed, author of the book Tired Thyroid: From Hyper to Hypo to Healing - Breaking the TSH Rule. But over the past month I see my weight dropping a half to a pound daily. So far I feel strong and as I did before. Endocrine Today | A 25-year-old woman was referred for radioactive iodine remnant ablation for multifocal micropapillary thyroid carcinoma. Radioactive iodine is a type of iodine that is radioactive - iodine 131 (I-131). The majority of radioactive iodine is taken up by your remaining thyroid cells, since the thyroid normally uses iodine to make thyroid hormone. Like the effects of chemotherapy, hair follicles and new hair are more delicate and prone to . 8.1, Because I began feeling very unhealthy this week further blood tests were done. 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. Is it 10 days? Hair follicles, which can influence hair shaft structure, length, and color, are known to respond to hormones including TSH. 2 Capsules of Thyroid Adrenal Reset Complex daily https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroid-adrenal-reset-complex/ Thyroid Ultrasound: A thyroid gland impacted by Graves' disease is often enlarged and may have increased blood flow; both of these elements can be visualized by thyroid ultrasound. However, it affects only the body part that is being treated with radiation. Another problem Ive faced is I ask one doctor about this or that feeling Im having and I get told that doctor doesnt deal with that have to tell the other doctor, I tell the other doctor and they tell me I have to tell another doctor because they dont deal with that issue. Radioactive iodine (often abbreviated RAI) is a therapy used to treat hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. meat. Here are 4 ways you can get more help right now: #1. This usually means that you are being overtreated and are being put into a state of hypothyroidism. I would take a look at this article for more information on why people gain weight after RAI: https://www.restartmed.com/hyperthyroidism-weight-gain/, You can also find some tips for weight loss in this article (even though it is more specific to thyroidectomy): https://www.restartmed.com/weight-loss-thyroidectomy/, After the treatments, How fast do the weight begin to add in the pounds. I had my RAI 3weeks ago and they did not gave me a pros and con what to expect after. Doctors use nuclear medicine to diagnose, evaluate, and treat . One of the more surprising aspects of getting RAI done is the fact that you are quite literally radioactive after your procedure. Do not share any towels, razors, toothbrushes, cups, spoons, forks, or dishes. Will you be able to maintain your current weight? Family Medicine 59 years experience. Its drastically changed my life. The relationship between your thyroid to your hair growth aside, iodine . Doctors made me think it was my only option at the time. You probably will not feel sick during this time, but these precautions are in place to prevent you from accidentally harming another person! 2022 Dr. Westin Childs | Thyroid & Health Supplements That Work Built withGeneratePress and powered by Kinsta. I am gaining weight! Warren Janowitz Radiologist Miami, FL. This is usually put into pill form for patients to ingest. I was exercising and my nutrition intake is organic most fruits, vegetables, meets grass fed etc. Total testosterone was :10.47(7.60-32) low It may sound counterintuitive, but youll understand why you might want to after your procedure. Its even more important to test free thyroid hormone levels if you no longer have a thyroid gland. Its often a far better use of your time to find a new doctor than try to convince an old doctor to change what they think: https://www.restartmed.com/how-to-find-a-doctor-to-treat-your-thyroid/. I expect to be back to probably about 60 to maybe 70% and that is pushing it. Add black tea to the darker colors above to help the color last longer. Hello, not sure if this post is still active. Please give me your thoughts. SHBG :43 (16-55) Thank you! People may take RAI . Life has been very difficult as I basically go very few places now and live a life with little social contact. There is nowhere else to go tricare insurance is awful. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. The thyroid gland relies on iodine to make the hormones necessary for the growth of healthy hair, teeth, and bones. If it doesnt go away then you have your answer, and if it does go away then you also have your answer. You usually have radioactive iodine as a capsule or a drink. Now they are suggesting a second treatment at a higher dose. And Ive become Flat with my emotions now. If you drive home after your appointment and there's another . Anna Thomas. The connection between your weight gain and hyperthyroidism is explained here: https://www.restartmed.com/methimazole-weight-gain/. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, your . And that training tells me I wont be ready to go back to work that afternoon. Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. So, I need to have an exercise program, vitamin and minerals that may help, food intake regulated to progress to increasing bone mass and weight loss. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism presented themselves very quickly and I was very sick when I had the ablation. 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 is a procedure that is often used to treat hyperthyroidism. You can omit the leptin resistance rx if weight isnt an issue (but it tends to be something that many RAI patients struggle with). Restoring your metabolism will have more to do with your dose of thyroid medication than anything else. No, you won't lose your hair after a radioactive iodine treatment. More important than how the procedure works is how it will affect you afterward. 1. I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. Or longer RAI is a form of radioactive nuclear medication that permanently destroys thyroid tissue. There is a paucity of literature on the minimum interval between contrast administration and RAI therapy. I am in the military, stationed in Fl. Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which uses it to make the thyroid hormones. Then she said I would have to have iodine radiation if these pills didnt work. Severe reactions occur in 0.04% to 0.02% of people receiving contrast, with a death rate of one person in every 170,000. 3 weeks after I was taken off of PTU. NOT GOING TO TAKE MORE PILLS! Some on the list I cant take to begin with, iron is one, when I take it, no matter how strict I am about taking it so many hours before or after other meds and meals, I still puke it up about fifteen to twenty minutes after taking it. Flush the toilet two times after each use. I had severe and sudden weight loss along with many other troubling symptoms. So I have graves disease but was only diagnosed because I was actually gaining weight. Then PCP wants B/P readings and daily weights. I go to great lengths to help my users better understand their health; however, the content you see here is not a substitute for medical advice. I has RIT approx. It may take some trial and error but 80% of patients should approximate normal symptoms over a few months. I tend to have a high heart rate when I exercise it goes up to 130 righ away then may go as high as 174 at harder workouts. I am getting ready to have thyroid removed due to cancer. The best course of action is to contact the doctor that was responsible for your procedure and let them know about your symptoms. You should have your thyroid lab levels tested to see if you need medication. The risk of developing a secondary malignancy due to radioactive iodine therapy . But you probably at least know a little bit about RAI or you wouldnt be here. What Is a Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test? Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman's ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. If below 100 I will consider a snack of some nuts or piece of fresh fruit. As I am not a doctor, my specific question is why does the level of levothyroxine I require change if my thyroid was destroyed? If you are a man, just be sure to consider this before you get your operation. In the mean time, Im feeling worse about myself than with this original post. I am worried the medication or added T3 (Armour)is making that happen and it could be hurting my heart. Is there specialist out there that can look at your overall health history and help you get a regime that is right in regard to everything that is going on with you, i.e. 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. It Depends on These Factors, Add Back Therapy for Graves & Hyperthyroidism: When to use Levothyroxine, Hashimotos and Hyperthyroidism: Why it Happens & What it Means, How to Prevent Thyroid Surgery and Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy | Dr. Osansky and Dr. Childs. Read More. . My only option for help is the ER which is somewhere I dont want to go with all the crap a going around. To further avoid exposing others to radiation:. can i color my hair after radioactive iodine. I dont feel like I have gone back hyper after being off my meds for 4 weeks. 12 noon, lunch and VS with glucose readings. Iodine is found naturally in some foods and is also added to salt that is labeled as "iodized". My hair has always been my pretty part of me, the one thing that makes me feel like a pretty girl. The only other condition that causes heat intolerance that comes to mind is menopause and perimenopause. 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. Taking a safe nascent iodine supplement may boost hair health and growth in the . The doctor started me on .50 of Synthroid, and taking the first dose my eyes cleared the next day. By Mary Shomon The I-131 leaves your body through your urine primarily. 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. 1. I know, I know, I shouldnt be so vain. I used to be bubbly, and interactive with people. Therefore, it may be found in varying amounts in all food and beverages. Once your thyroid is destroyed, it will no longer work exactly as it used to. Im 60 years old, so its not like Ive got a full life ahead of me, not a big deal. 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. Call (800) 542-1123 or visit www.labtechinc.com to learn more about protecting your home against radioactive iodine. Use disposable dishes and place them in a specially marked plastic bag for disposal. My question is even though my thyroid is dead, should the T3 and T4 level be tested as well? 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. A high uptake of radioactive iodine suggests Graves' disease. 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. Because of this, people may experience symptoms that may lead them to want to restore whatever thyroid function they can. Findings from a study of patients who received radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for hyperthyroidism show an association between the dose of treatment . After Your Radioactive Iodine Treatment Getting home. Your body then takes up this radioactive iodine into your thyroid gland where the radiation proceeds to destroy thyroid gland tissue. For example, uranium has thirty-seven different isotopes, including uranium-235 and uranium-238. I felt well on this level. Thinning hair. Initially, before treatment I went to a renowned clinic due to having double vision. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply . If a person with a health thyroid intakes the I131, it will damage their . Radioactive iodine. You're given a drink or capsule that contains iodine and a low dose of radiation, which is . I had an RAI about three years ago, due to hyperthyroidism. 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. It does have effect : Radioactive dyes containing iodine of the iodide type can cause permanent thyroid damage and cancer. Hi,I have awhile to have enough hair to dye.I also have another 4wks. Is it healing and producing its own thyroxine now?