RAI or Surgery????

[DanteNXS]

I was wondering if any of you HU members could weigh in on this topic for me?

I am doing some research into the Pros and Cons of RAI or Surgery. So anyone who has had one of these, please give me your honest feedback.

Thanks,

DanteNXS

[radd]

Dante,

I thought your thyroid noodles were SMALL and you are going for an FNA ? ..

What is going on ? ? // ...

[DanteNXS in reply to radd]

The nodules are small ( I guess) but they are pretty sure that the largest one is HOT and causing my symptoms. They mentioned RAI and Surgery, which I know nothing about, so I figured I'd ask the group.

Also found out that the reason I went so hyper after the iodine supplement was due to the HOT nodule. I guess they don't play well together. LOL

[radd in reply to DanteNXS]

Ahhh.. ... yes ... they often produce excess amounts of thyroid hormone, and eventually result in the development of hyperthyroidism ... BUT almost always noncancerous ? ? ? ... .

All this is out of my perimeter Dante .... but I wish you (much) WELL...

[BadHare]

Hi Dante,

My best friend had RAI for Graves. She now feels more ill than before, as the dose killed her thyroid completely, as well as damaging her throat & stomach, which are constantly painful. She's very unhappy at being hypo, cold, & tired.

M*

[dusty2]

Hi Dante, I had RAI & had no problems with it.

[bantam12]

I had surgery and RAI, no problems with either. Surgery op was a partial, no thyroid meds needed afterwards, 20+ years after op Graves returned so I opted for RAI and was hypo within 6 weeks, that was 15 odd years ago, have been on Levo since with no problems.

[DanteNXS]

Through my research I have found that RAI is highly successful with people who have not been on meds for hyperthyroidism, and also tested negative for antibodies. Both apply to me.

They say that the chances of going hypo are minimum, if the above are true.

[Clutter in reply to DanteNXS]

DanteNXS,

If you opt for RAI there will be 21 day contact restrictions with under 18s, pregnant women which can be a problem for those with children plus 21 days restrictions on attending cinema, restaurant, pubs/bars, hairdressing, dentist visits.

[DanteNXS in reply to Clutter]

I am pretty much a hermit these days and have been since this mess started. I am not sure if RAI is my best option, but I appreciate your feedback my friend.

Information is the key.

[Clutter in reply to DanteNXS]

DanteNXS,

My Graves hyperthyroid sister had RAI and was hypo fairly soon after. It worsened her thyroid eye disease but she had no other adverse symptoms. As you don't have Graves RAI shouldn't be a problem.

I had thyroidectomy and high dose RAI to ablate remnant cancer cells followed by a lower dose RAI. Subsequent to RAI I have had some mouth dryness and intermittent taste disruption but that may be due to the high dose I had.

With surgery there is a risk of loss or damage of parathyroid glands and damage to vocal chords.

[DanteNXS in reply to Clutter]

There are risks with both, which is my reason for posting my question. I want to get as much feedback as I can, in order to make the best choice.

Thanks for your feedback.

[jude44]

I took RAI my first big mistake second was going alone to see the consultant. i did and became hypo basically they nuked my thyriod and I found out 8 years after I was diagnosed that I was hyper and not hypo on initial diagnosis imagine that. now I am trying to treat my adrenal glands thanks to Dr. Peatfield and trying to get back to what is considered normal these days. Best of luck though.

[jude44]

P.s my cousin was told to take R.A.I she refused she is still hyper but doing well on levothyroxin

[DanteNXS in reply to jude44]

I didn't know you could take levo if you're hyper?