nodules

[Emerald1953]

hello,

Can anyone tell me, if it’s preferable or advisable to have the radioactive iodine therapy, if thyroid has nodules? Apparently I have a few small nodules on mine, I have been taking 1, 2.1/2mg Carbimazole a day, since June last year, I’ve had no problems being on them, bloods all fine, now it’s been suggested I have the RAI, I was wondering if this is normal procedure, why suggest this if all is now normal…

Appreciate some advice and thanks 😊

[PurpleNails Administrator]

You have a nodule which overproduces enough to raise FT4 & FT3 and lower TSH to abnormal levels. A very low dose of carbimazole pauses production to keep levels in range.

Doctors view hypothyroidism much easier to manage, so if the hyper isn’t going to resolve they suggest this irreversible treatment so the GP can manage replacement. Instead of hospital specialists monitoring you on anti thyroid.

I have same issue, RAI was brought up at my first appointment. I never proceeded and always said I wouldn't sign form at this stage. I’m well & staying on carbimazole for now. I delayed so many times my specialist said they wanted send me to GP for monitoring & to be referred back when ready to proceed. I refused at first but later agreed as I look at my own results & tell the doctor if dose need adjusting.

If your currently well on low dose carbimazole say you want to wait. Drs sometimes emphasise there can be side affects, but these are the same today as they will be tomorrow or next year. If drs imply there is a limit to length of time carbimazole can be taken, this is protocol to aim for eg 18 months. It doesn’t become unsafe after a set amount of time.

[Emerald1953 in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks for that.

I had a call from thyroid nurse last week, she arranged an appointment for RAI 25th Feb, no explaination why, as I’m thinking I’ve been doing just fine since June, so saw GP this morning and explained to her and she’s arranged a phone appointment from endocrinologist, as I’ve never seen a Dr. only thyroid nurse, I would’ve thought I’d have another scan at some point, to monitor nodules, I’ll see what Dr has to say, got a feeling he’ll try to persuade me to go ahead with it.

[Hedgeree]

Hi Emerald1953,

I've just had a quick read through your previous posts. Did you ever get any blood test results from your nurse? It would help those that reply to you if they could see some your test results and the ranges from when you were diagnosed.

Many people have nodules and they seem to develop as we get older and are not aware of them; I myself like others on the forum also have them.

I read the forum regularly and am surprised to see people being misdiagnosed by the medics involved in their care. I'm not saying that's your issue but it would be useful if you could post your results for other members to have a look at before you decide on having RAI treatment.

Members here have considerable experience and knowledge of all things thyroid.