How long did you have to be in isolation after RAI - Thyroid UK

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How long did you have to be in isolation after RAI

loopyboo profile image
6 Replies

I'm about to have radio active iodine after TT for thyroid cancer and have a young daughter. I'm just wondering how long people had to stay away from family members etc and how they coped with it?

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loopyboo profile image
loopyboo
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6 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

Loopyboo, why don't you contact the nuclear physician at the hospital and ask for a copy of the quarantine discharge restrictions to be emailed to you.

dusty2 profile image
dusty2

I was told 3 weeks before any close contact with children.

alison0822 profile image
alison0822

Hi

21 days. I was in isolation for 5 days. Make sure you bring plenty of things to distract from boredom. Emotionally it can be difficult, if you allow it. It's important to realise you have the capacity to get through it and you will. Help your child to understand what's going and don't be afraid she can't handle it. Children are very resilient and don't want to be kept in the dark which can be more harmful cause they will think it's something they've done.

Best wishes ,

rubyred profile image
rubyred

Hi after RAI I was sent straight home. My mind was so fuddled I knew some stayed in and some sent home. I had no idea why. I am assuming it's down to different trusts. I was told I was to have minumul contact with adults and to be over a meter away. I was told this was for two weeks and where children or pregnant women were concerned I was told three weeks. I had a young grandson and a pregnant daughter. Even though it's hard to stay away you know it's for their good that you have to do it. As the RAI which has a half life can affect the young or unborn child's thyroid. When you have the RAI some places seem to give a capsule I was given a drink in a lead cup with a straw. I have to say I was scared if what it was going to taste like and it really only tasted like water. When I drank it I heard a beeping and I thought it was a bleeper for the chap with me. It was only when leaving that I realised it was the Geiger and it was going off because of me. It all felt a bit surreal. I hope all goes well for you. Xx

nickym1 profile image
nickym1

Hi, I was kept in isolation in the hospital for 4 days, then had to keep a distance from my husband and 17 year old son for 48 hours. Couldn't be in the same room as my 15 year old daughter for a further day or two.

It's hard, but you just get through it.

Good luck with your treatment.

reta2 profile image
reta2

My cat was until they (doc) tested levels, and they were low enough to be safe for discharge. Then it was still keep distance.

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