1 Week Post RAI Question/Symptoms?

[PurpleButterfly7]

I received the treatment dose of RAI 8 days ago and had my full body scan on Thursday. I experienced severe swollen glands for a day after treatment and now no sense of taste - very bland taste always in my mouth.

I woke up in the middle of the night last night very dizzy. I got up to get a drink and I was so dizzy. I thought I may have gotten up too fast and laid down with my feet up, but it did not go away. It lasted for about two hours. Even when I laid down the room felt like it was spinning. It was so scary. I took an Ativan pill and fell asleep sitting up.

I feel okay now. My blood glucose was really low on my last blood work. My doctor said to eat more protein at breakfast. I do not have any other conditions besides thyroid cancer. Wondering if the RAI treatment has anything to do with this. I also have a lot of stressful events happening now but this doesn’t not feel like my usual anxiety symptoms.

Anyone else experience this post RAI? Does anyone have any idea what would cause this?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Looking at previous posts

You’re on 100mcg levothyroxine

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

When were bloods last tested

ESSENTIAL to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 as well

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Common after thyroidectomy to need to supplement to maintain optimal vitamin levels

If Ft3 is too low, you will need addition of T3 prescribed alongside levothyroxine…..or NDT

[PurpleButterfly7 in reply to SlowDragon]

The only vitamins I am taking are D, Magnesium, and Calcium. I occassionally take joint support and vitamin C as well. I had my levels checked prior to RAI but my endo said my next check will be in February.

I am wondering if it is vertigo - I had a pretty bad ear infection when I had CoVid about 6 weeks ago and it has never completely cleared up.

All these random symptoms can be quite scary. I get used to feeling one way and then something else shows up. Hoping for as close to normal as I can get soon.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

You had TT some months ago how much Levo do you take?

Have you had blood test recently testing TSH, FT4, FT3 & and after surgery and a medication treatment nutrients can be vastly affected. Folate, ferritin B12 and vitamin D?

The swollen glands and affect on taste are often side affects of high dose treatment given & expected to improve.

The dizziness sound severe Doctor could be more helpful.

[PurpleButterfly7 in reply to PurpleNails]

I take 100 mcg 8x/week. I had bloodwork prior to RAI but not after. My doctor said not until February. I am sure I can ask her for the tests though. She is very accommodating and understanding.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to PurpleButterfly7]

Suggest you get full thyroid and vitamin testing done