I am having radioactive iodine next week how long will I have to stay away from my 24 week pregnant daughter and my 2 grandsons 9 and 6yrs

[Diskewen]

I am getting conflicting advice from Consultant and GP and am feeling very confused and, to be honest, quite scared about the whole issue! Would be grateful for any feedback anyone can give me. Happy New Year to you all too!

[shaws Administrator]

I would have thought you would have already been given instructions, but you will probably be given them next week. This is an article which may help

medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-D...

[Diskewen in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your reply. I was given some vague instructions by consultant but nothing specific re my daughter and grandsons. I have spoken to the hospital who have told me I can continue seeing them for no more than 10 mins at a time but then have seen other info on-line which says you should stay away for at least 5 days - really confusing! Thanks again for your reply.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

May I add to your confusion?

The American Thyroid Association's document on radioactive iodine ablation is available here:

thyca.org/ataradiation.pdf

or

online.liebertpub.com/doi/p...

I do not know how these will compare against your existing advice. At least it is something you might be able to read and take on board.

Inevitably I would suggest going for the more/most cautious option at each step. That cannot be wrong but might be excessively tedious/awkward/difficult.

Rod

[Diskewen in reply to helvella]

It certainly is confusing - will be glad when it's all over! Many thanks for your reply.

[Loopybird]

Hi Diskwen,

In the link that Shaws gave & the second answer by smilerdeb, actually mirrowed the Information sheet I was given in 2000 after my RAI....if I remember correctly the time frame was hand written in, so is dependent on dosage given..

Hope all goes well...

xxx

Loopy

[deb25426]

I has to keep away from pets, hubby, friends everyone for 5days!!!! I had to flush to loo twice after every visit... Even going home in the car I had to sit in the back as far away from hubby that I can!!!!!

[Susie05]

I would suggest you don't have it. I had it when I was 21 for an over active thyroid. My dosage was wrong and I was given too much . This damaged my purturity gland and killed too much of the thyroid which then went Underactive . The choice is yours, but you need to stay away from pregnant women and children under the age of 5 for 5 days and if sharing a toilet make sure you clean it after use.