Graves and RAI: Hi diagnosed three years ago with... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,244 members166,495 posts

Graves and RAI

ali56 profile image
2 Replies

Hi diagnosed three years ago with Graves' disease. Have been on Carbimazole on and off for the three years different doses to try and bring me into remission. Saw consultant today he said my levels are not stabilising. Asked me would I consider RAI.

Am not keen as when on block and replace levothyroxine did not agree with me. I am right in thinking that if I had RAI I would go hypo and therefore would have to take levothyroxine. Anyone would like to share their experience of RAI.

Alison

Written by
ali56 profile image
ali56
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
2 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

Ali,

Radioactive iodine is contained in a small capsule which is swallowed with water. I had high dose RAI for thyCa and was quarantined at the hospital for 4 days. Little sis had RAI for Graves and was allowed home but had restrictive precautions to adhere to for 3 weeks.

RAI will make you hypo within a couple of months and Levothyroxine (T4) is the replacement hormone you will be prescribed although there is an alternative ie Liothyronine (T3). I was ill on T4 only but am well on T4+T3 combination. I would certainly discuss your post RAI treatment options before agreeing to it.

RAI can be contraindicated if you have thyroid eye disease (TED) and can make TED worse. Surgical thyroidectomy may be better than RAI ablatement.

Before having RAI I would certainly try going 100% gluten free and see if your thyroid antibodies calm down after being on the diet awhile.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Graves and rai

Hi, hope you don't mind me jumping straight in. I was diagnosed with graves in October 2014 and at...
Tilib74 profile image

Rai

Hi everyone looking for advice regarding the above have been on carbizole for the last three years...
dynamic1 profile image

Graves Post RAI

Good Morning, I was wondering with the members here who had RAI to treat their Graves, How often...
Shaf3938 profile image

Graves Disease - RAI 2005 - long term consequences.

Hi there, thank you in advance for reading the following :- Why would I experience symptoms of RAI...
pennyannie profile image

Anyone here had RAI done for Graves?

I was diagnosed with Graves on july 2016 and took carbimazole for 3 months only. I was on remission...
Marlowe86 profile image

Moderation team

See all
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator
Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.