I read your list of vitamins all NINE of them, and the only thing I could think of is NO! Center for Hormonal Health and Well-Being, Information for patients administered radioactive iodine (I-131), Fact sheet: guidelines for patients receiving radioiodine I-131 treatment. Then PCP wants B/P readings and daily weights. This distinction is actually quite important. You might need contrast when you are having an X-ray, CT, MRI, or ultrasound exam. When you are given radioactive iodine, it is taken up by cancer cells and destroys themincluding those that have spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The good news is that you can fairly easily identify these symptoms and you can order tests to determine how well your thyroid is functioning. Receiving intravenous iodinated contrast (iodine "dye") may also cause hyperthyroidism. This is an FDA and EMA approved drug used for the treatment of thyroid cancer refractory to radioactive iodine treatment, renal cell carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To decrease the spread of radioactivity: If possible, use a separate bathroom. My weight seems to be of no concern to him as long as my blood work looks okay. These effects include a warm, flushing sensation, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a brief headache, or nausea. Will you be able to maintain your current weight? I had severe and sudden weight loss along with many other troubling symptoms. Radioactive iodine therapy is a type of internal radiotherapy treatment for thyroid cancer. I have not lost any weight. Hi,I have awhile to have enough hair to dye.I also have another 4wks. 20 I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. I have been battling back and forth with weight gain and hair loss, mild As a result, it isnt uncommon for some patients to suffer from persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism (meaning that they dont have enough thyroid hormone). This ThyCa has kicked my Gluteus Maximus but good! There are 37 known isotopes isotopesA form of an element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in the nucleus, giving it a different atomic mass. Thanks look forward, Yes! Is it 10 days? 2022 Dr. Westin Childs | Thyroid & Health Supplements That Work Built withGeneratePress and powered by Kinsta. My question is even though my thyroid is dead, should the T3 and T4 level be tested as well? Be particularly careful around infants and children, who are especially at risk for exposure complications. I have been asked to transport a friend who is having Radioactive Iodine treatment both the day of and a couple days later for her followup scan. Men should sit down when urinating. Hello, not sure if this post is still active. (Pat). So, if I go to bed earlier, I have to set my alarm clock to get up to take the damn pill, then have a hard time to get back to sleep, then just when I do fall into slumber, its time to get up and going for the day, and take a list of other meds, and monitor VS and glucose readings. I feel more like a ping pong ball being bounced back and forth! I go to great lengths to help my users better understand their health; however, the content you see here is not a substitute for medical advice. I am 67 years old and just wonder how many years I may have either way. ordinary table salt and sea salt. This isnt always true, but it is true for MOST people. I dont feel like I have gone back hyper after being off my meds for 4 weeks. While we are on the topic of thyroid medication we should also spend a few minutes talking about other symptoms you may experience. Can Hashimotos Be Reversed? Can you tell me about when I will start medication, or should I be tested first? can i color my hair after radioactive iodine. If you have questions regarding your health you should seek qualified information from a medical professional or your doctor. TSH. I am considering following up with the endocrinologist in the morning. Here is my story: A year ago I felt a bump on the right side of my neck, so on a routine follow up visit with my PCP for diabetes, I mentioned it to him. Can You Eat Soy If You Have a Thyroid Condition? the tests after 3 weeks showed my TSH to be 12.920 and now she wants to increase the meds to 175. Sleep apart from adults by at least six feet (a separate bedroom is recommended) and avoid sexual activity. Hi , I just had ROI treatment done a little over a week ago . People who do have hyperthyroidism tend to have a fast metabolism, but the treatment for hyperthyroidism (the medication you are taking) slows down the metabolism dramatically which leads to weight gain. Everybody tells me that my thyroid being killed should have nothing to do with the heat affecting me like it does. This can delay subsequent use of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy because the iodine can compete for uptake. Theres a higher risk that the cancer comes back but its also a way to preserve some thyroid function. It is worth pointing out, however, that some other tissues can take up the radioactive iodine such as the beta cells in your pancreas (2) though it isnt clear how much damage exists (if any) in these other cells. https://www.restartmed.com/weight-loss-after-thyroid-removal/, Hello I had the rai treatment 33 years ago and I have never felt good since then , more recent they ultrasound my thyroid gland and the lady who did the ultrasound kinda freaked out saying to me where is your thyroid gland hat did they do it it, I was in the hospital with pancreatitisNo dr has told me there could be a reason for getting pancreatitis with hypothyroid and how can my blood tests say my thyroid is producing hormones and is low which means high . Foods to Avoid if you Have Thyroid Problems: Ive found that these 10 foods cause the most problems for thyroid patients. It sounds like you are being underdosed based on your TSH level. 20 yrs ago. Thyroid Hormone Resistance: What is it & How to Diagnose it. Keep Your Distance. Hair that is not being treated directly with radiation can be dyed. Radioactive iodine. Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment. 8.1, Because I began feeling very unhealthy this week further blood tests were done. Its often a far better use of your time to find a new doctor than try to convince an old doctor to change what they think: https://www.restartmed.com/how-to-find-a-doctor-to-treat-your-thyroid/. Ultrasound can also be performed if . Prior to radioactive iodine treatment, doctors create a hypothyroid state in your body. <0.01 So, do your research, make sure RAI treatment is right for you. Dr.DanielleWeiss is the founder of the Center for Hormonal Health and Well-Being, a personalized, proactive, patient-centered medical practice with a unique focus on integrative endocrinology. #4. What Is a Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test? Neck tenderness and swelling. In your case, these would be best: https://www.restartmed.com/product/thyroidectomy-rai-bundle/. For my surgery in April, I had a double whammy because a week prior to my surgery I had a molar tooth extracted with surgical dental sedation, and was still on a soft diet, so that was easy, they supplied me with baby food pureed fruits the entire time I was in the hospital. So, when I get up at Midnight unless I stay up that late, I get a full set of VS plus my glucose readings, and take my Levothyroxine. Severe reactions occur in 0.04% to 0.02% of people receiving contrast, with a death rate of one person in every 170,000. I was tested in 6 weeks and my thyroid numbers were still high so I was not tested again until Feb. 2019. I had RAI back in 2010 For Thyroid nodules And I have been on hormone replacement ever since I get my blood tested every 3 months And Im either too high or too low So I keep getting switched from a 112 To a dose of 125 This is been going on for several year several years so now my doctor has me switch every other day Between the 2 doses to see if this will stabilize my levels My problem is the weight gain That came after the RAI treatment treatment.. Hopefully, you're now a lot closer to figuring out what color you should dye your hair. Claim Your Free eBook Now. 12 noon, lunch and VS with glucose readings. And was doing well on a vegan/plant based diet. I had RAI 1 month ago. . If this occurs, it is usually goes away as the body heals. I think that she was supposed to maint. I used to be bubbly, and interactive with people. My symptoms include very dry skin, heart problems, severe pain, muscle problems, joint issues, sometimes brain fog, hair is brittle and dry, constipation, stomach issues, basically nothing is right since the treatment. Restart Medical LLC. I feel good, but still struggling with tiredness and some weight gain (some weight gain due to post menopause). The presence of any of these symptoms AFTER your procedure (especially if you didnt have them prior to your procedure) may be an early indication that your thyroid medication is not optimized. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism presented themselves very quickly and I was very sick when I had the ablation. He may be the one with that piece of paper that says he can prescribe and administer that damned pill, but I have a gut feeling hes too cavalier about it all. I had RAI treatment 4 weeks ago 29.9 mci due to hyperthyroid hot noduals. But what if you only destroy 30 to 40% of your gland function? My endo physician would not increase the dosage so I went to my G.P. You can read more about my own personal health journey and why I am so passionate about what I do. Your doctor should monitor you for symptoms of hypothyroidism after RAI treatment. Theres no way to tell if your eye symptoms are related to your thyroid without first trying to optimize your TSH (which should be your next step). I know it Hass to be because it started affecting me as soon as I Started losing weight and before I had been diagnosed. If you are a man, just be sure to consider this before you get your operation. After that they again were having the same symptoms. Free T3. After all, didnt the radioactive iodine work to reduce your overall thyroid hormone production? I eat a diet free of inflammatory foods and exercise 3-5 times a week, but I cant get my weight to budge more than 5-10 pounds. Is there anything I can do to protect myself as I am driving her. If your overactive thyroid symptoms persist 6 months after treatment, you may need a second dose. Any idea Sir ? You can drive yourself, have someone pick you up and take you home, or take a taxi or private car. I had this feeling when I went into surgery last Tuesday, but shrugged it off as just my fears in over time. A thyroid scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. Its impossible to predict how any one person will react to any given treatment or operation but the available research suggests that those who go into the procedure overweight are more likely to gain weight afterward. My supplements can help but they will not take the place of thyroid medications like levothyroxine. I have since been on a roller coaster ride with the levels fluctuating up and down and not sure why. Abnormal menstrual cycles. They may even preemptively schedule you to start thyroid hormone treatment within a few weeks of the RAI procedure, just to be safe. What should I do after this treatment to restore my metabolic functioning and gut biome? Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers develop from follicular cells, which absorb iodine. But why would you want to restore thyroid function to your thyroid gland if you had it destroyed because you were already producing too much? She said I am normal and not to worry. Radioactive iodine treatment is a therapy that your veterinary surgeon may recommend if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. This shouldnt stop you from trying natural therapies (as long as they are relatively inexpensive and not harmful) but you should have reasonable expectations as you do so. Muscle pain or weakness. Wash your clothes and dishes separately from your family's so you don't contaminate their belongings. The list includes optimal ranges, normal ranges, and the complete list of tests you need to diagnose and manage thyroid disease correctly! OR IT WILL BE GIVE ME PROBLEM? Information for patients administered radioactive iodine (I-131). Hi, doctor, I am in a lot of pain I stay cold 100 percent of the time with body aches sleepless nights. I cant find anything suggesting these are expected symptoms after RAI. This resource is dedicated to helping people with thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss problems get the help that they need. If you have any thoughts, I would appreciate those. not the treatment of choice for them. Read More. This particular visit, my HA1C was up to 6 point something, and caused alarm as I am strict with my diet, admit though at that time I allowed myself a free day to eat as much and all the treats I wanted or craved. We know that that still leaves lots of options if your heart isn't already set on a color. Need better symptom control? The permanency can be seen as a benefit as patients condition will become stable and symptoms can be more easily controlled. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. How can I speed up a metabolism if I dont have a thyroid anymore because of the RAI? This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Westin Childs and is for educational and information purposes only. Add black tea to the darker colors above to help the color last longer. The other 20% may require additional testing and the use of other thyroid medications which contain T3 thyroid hormone. Are those levels indicative of something going wrong? Catnip works for lighter colors. Thank you. Fifteen years ago diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and had RAI. Its even more important to test free thyroid hormone levels if you no longer have a thyroid gland. SPECT/CT scan can contribute to establishing a final diagnosis in patients being evaluated for atypical locations of radioactive iodine accumulation after ablative doses of radioactive iodine, distinguishing between metastases from DTC and false positive accumulations or artifacts. No. can i color my hair after radioactive iodine. Because of this . Im hoping I still have some thyroid function based on the fact that he kept lowering my dose of levothyroxine and I can just take your supplements and see some weight loss and feel a bit better. of radiation.But I wonder after that if I can dye my hair.Unforuntly it is coming back completly gray.I will be thankful to have hair.But I don,t look good with gray either.I know some people do.Someone said they thought you had to wait a year.I hope their wrong.Thanks for your replys. Welcome to my website! The relationship between your thyroid to your hair growth aside, iodine . It turns out that thyroid hormone is actually necessary to not only thrive in life but also to survive. Your best bet to AVOID weight gain after RAI is to go into your procedure with a normal weight and to maintain a healthy lifestyle both before and after. When the gadolinium is injected, it is normal to feel coolness at the site of injection, usually the arm for a minute or two. You can eat the following foods because they contain very low levels of iodine: fruits and vegetables including potatoes. I expect to be back to probably about 60 to maybe 70% and that is pushing it. Use disposable dishes and place them in a specially marked plastic bag for disposal. Improving gut function can be done through diet and supplements. I know this post is older but I am considering radiation! I had an RAI about three years ago, due to hyperthyroidism. 1. To keep my glucose readings at or below 120, the desired reading by my PCP and endocrinologist, I am strict to my vegan/plant based diet, and consume 600 to 800 calories per day. Read our, An Overview of Thyroid Disease Treatments, The Low-Iodine Diet for Radioactive Iodine Treatment, Society of Nuclear Medicine Procedure Guidelines (PDF), Practice Recommendations of the American Thyroid Association (PDF). 2 capsules of T3 Conversion Booster daily (important if you take T4 only medication!) Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. I keep telling them that I dont feel so good flaking nails, dry skin, fatigue, weight-loss resistant with brain fog. You usually have radioactive iodine as a capsule or a drink. I have noticed more and more symptoms within the past 5 years That lead me to believe i May have become hypothyroid. I still have to work a few more years, so Im looking and applying for other jobs that arent as stressful, that are day shift Mon-Fri, with weekends, holidays and nights to myself. The average thyroid patient gains about 15 to 20 pounds after RAI/thyroidectomy and this weight is more pronounced if the thyroid patient was overweight prior to the procedure. A better option might be to try just a partial thyroidectomy or to take out just the half of the thyroid with the cancer. #3. If you are unable to avoid direct or indirect contact with infants and young children, ask your healthcare provider about the possibility of hospitalization. Generally, yes. It's a highly effective treatment that can cure an overactive thyroid. Gadolinium-based Contrast Material. My last blood test shows TSH of 0.02 and I have been asked to go for a follow up test. I was being treated for hypothyroidism and graves . If you drive home after your appointment and there's another . LH :4.12(1.70-8.60) Im 60 years old, so its not like Ive got a full life ahead of me, not a big deal. Should you expect to live a normal life afterward? Please see these articles which explain why weight loss is so difficult after thyroid removal or RAI: https://www.restartmed.com/levothyroxine-thyroidectomy-patients/ After your treatment, you won't be able to go home using public transportation, such as buses, the subway, trains, or a plane. Hi! Because of this, people who undergo RAI (meaning those who destroy their thyroid gland) need some type of thyroid hormone replacement. My health is anything but wonderful. It doesn't matter where those cancerous cells might be. Its the working hard for absolutely nothing that I dont want to do! I am going in for radioactive iodine treatment next week and wanted to ask what the best diet plan is that can stop me gaining more weight and help me to reduce my bmi. Like the effects of chemotherapy, hair follicles and new hair are more delicate and prone to . I am in the military, stationed in Fl. They are basically useless here, Ive been to two, and I am actually SCARED for the first time in my life. SHBG :43 (16-55) Thanks. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it in for 20 minutes. Doctors use nuclear medicine to diagnose, evaluate, and treat . Prior to my RAI my level was .03. 3 days after that I started to become sick after I ate an unable to sleep. You get it in liquid or pill form. I can barely eat . In the mean time, thanks to the WWW. My throat is killing me and outside of my neck is swollen. After rai treatment I had blood test results was :freet4 was 13.3pmol/L (11-23)free t3 was 4.30pmol/L it was normal (3.1-6.8) I was happy and I had another blood test 26 July 2017 and results was TSH was 0.01 (0.35-4.94) freet3 was 16.32 pmol/L (never ever high like this before) (3.1-6.8) my freet4 was 46.3 pmol/L (11-23) I was shocked how this happened after RAI treatment Sir ? Does Taking Thyroid Medication Cause High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? The last person put me on methazolo and I read the awful side affects. The following recommendations will give you an idea of precautions to take to avoid exposing other people (as well as pets) to iodine 131, which may be present in bodily fluids or occur as a result of close contact. If we extrapolate out this data then it means that on average 30% of all people who undergo RAI can expect to gain some kind of weight. The trip will be about 45 minutes each way. How is this happening? To further avoid exposing others to radiation:. The researchers found that the proportion of overweight people increased from 9.6% to 18.5% (almost double) and the proportion of obese patients increased from 6.4% to 21% (almost quadruple) (4). 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. FSH was :4.33(1.50-12.40) If it was, then you will most likely need to start thyroid medication relatively soon (within the next days to weeks). Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which uses it to make the thyroid hormones. Avoid sleeping in the same bed with a pregnant woman, infant, or child for a period of six to 23 days. And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. https://www.restartmed.com/product/t3-conversion-booster/ Will it . You may also experience nausea and vomiting, as well as a decrease in appetite. Radioactive iodine does not produce hair loss. Oh, my CTS now has to be taken care of too, and ortho doc has me on Vit B6 for the nerve damage, also the CTS has gone into my elbow, shoulder, neck and back now too. Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a treatment method for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Thank you for any advice! And if the color is hash on the . Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Your Doctor will be able to help determine how much of your gland was destroyed. It is what it is. 2. Then, also there is the womens health portion of all this, and so I had my annual, and a polyp was found on my cervix, it was a rather large one, and thankfully no cancer cells on that, my PAP Im waiting for results. Thinning hair. Is this normal? Since the science is inexact there are two ways of approaching the treatment. A high uptake of radioactive iodine suggests Graves' disease. Because the hair is sealed off during the BK treatment the color might not be able to penetrate into the cuticle. This keeps the radioactivity from destroying other cells in your body and only allows for the destruction of your thyroid gland. Too much of this hormone can lead to [] Hello Dr .Child Five years later I was diagnosed with a severe case of Graves and the doctor said RAI was the best course of action and convinced me of that. You can opt-out at any time. Im a nurse, and tend to over think things. Contrast distinguishes, or "contrasts," between organs, tissues, bones, or blood vessels during your imaging exam. to covid weight, but now the hair loss! A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed. Flush the toilet two times after each use. This may or may not be important to you based on your age, your gender, and whether or not fertility is something you are interested in but, again, its worth knowing about. This is possibly TMI but any guidance and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. He is now smelling smoke, all the time. Contact: NCI Press Office. The good news is that this radioactivity does fade over a short period of time (usually 5 to 7 days) but the bad news is that you need to stay under certain precautions during this time. (former Osteopathic Physician). Several of my siblings make fun of me and say I am hiding but dont even know what Graves disease is and I was not around them and did not share my health issues until recently with them. For this reason, its ideal to try and lose weight prior to the procedure as opposed to after. So, I have to laugh at your 80 to 90% back to a normal life. Many thanks in advance for any help. The amount Yes I took the radation iodine pill five days ago what can I take for itchy skin I got some cortisone will that help. Another doctor wants my temp and glucose readings, temp shes ok with once or twice during the day. They ran many tests including an cerebral angiogram to check for a brain tumor which I doubted. The risk of developing a secondary malignancy due to radioactive iodine therapy . My only option for help is the ER which is somewhere I dont want to go with all the crap a going around. 5. The thyroid gland relies on iodine to make the hormones necessary for the growth of healthy hair, teeth, and bones. By Mary Shomon Here are 4 ways you can get more help right now: #1. cooked green vegetables. It turns out, which should come as no surprise, that medications are not a 100% complete substitute for the activity that your thyroid gland does on a day-to-day basis. I saw 2 eye professionals. Personally I doubt that what you describe is RAI-related because it is ongoing and (in my experience) reversible and because iodine does not have an obvious connection with hair follicles, whereas thyroid axis hormones . Now I cant stand the heat and I used to go to the beach all the time. Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. So when you take radioactive iodine your body will automatically take it up and store it in the thyroid gland. Iodine is used in the care and feeding of animals and as a stabilizer and/or safety element in food processing. Another problem Ive faced is I ask one doctor about this or that feeling Im having and I get told that doctor doesnt deal with that have to tell the other doctor, I tell the other doctor and they tell me I have to tell another doctor because they dont deal with that issue. Strange I know. (I also bought a digital scale to get the most accurate weight) Then my full set of VS and glucose readings. 3 Anaphylaxis is a type of allergic reaction. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, your . For example, uranium has thirty-seven different isotopes, including uranium-235 and uranium-238. It has to do with how important your thyroid is in regulating your metabolism and your weight. I am in a gym 3 days a week I do water therapy/aerobics 3 days a week and I still cant lose weight I try to eat a low calorie Healthy diet Mostly either paleo or keto and no matter what I do I still cant lose the belly fat. My question is what if I do radiation while my thyroid isnt hyperactive? Prior to that, I always weighed in the 125-130 lb range (normal for my height). It may take some trial and error but 80% of patients should approximate normal symptoms over a few months. The short answer to this is no taking iodine supplements will have little to no effect on your hair growth. It doesnt appear that the first treatment was sufficient to destroy the hot nodules (or there is some other issue). I have my EMG the end of the month and take things from there. And that training tells me I wont be ready to go back to work that afternoon. Restoring your metabolism will have more to do with your dose of thyroid medication than anything else. It is a measurement of thyroid function, but does not involve imaging. my RAI, i have rough horsey voice also for a month . Your body then takes up this radioactive iodine into your thyroid gland where the radiation proceeds to destroy thyroid gland tissue. The amount of iodine taken up by your thyroid is then measured. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The thyroid gland is the only tissue in the body that takes up and holds onto iodine. However, I havent been placed on any med after treatment what is your professional opinion. Additionally, there is also a hypersensitivity reaction. I had RAI treatment nearly 2 years ago, and deeply regret it. I was exercising and my nutrition intake is organic most fruits, vegetables, meets grass fed etc. I have a quick question. I have Hypothyroid Mom readers struggling with hypothyroidism now since treatment for their Graves' with radioactive iodine (RAI) or thyroidectomy. After you get the dose, the scanner checks your entire body for signs of radioactivity. Doctors tell cancer patients that the thyroid is the only tissue which takes up iodine, thus making this a safe form of cancer treatment that will not . 8PM HS snack and VS and glucose readings. You probably will not feel sick during this time, but these precautions are in place to prevent you from accidentally harming another person! Instead, you are now hypothyroid (7) (meaning you dont produce enough thyroid hormone on your own). The radiation comes from a radioactive substance called iodine-131. Redness, tired eyes, they were seeing double, and not accommodating going from reading to distance. All rights reserved. While you cant control this side effect 100%, you can do your best to mitigate (or reduce) any weight gain by going into your procedure at a normal and healthy weight. 1-2 Capsules of Leptin Resistance RX daily https://www.restartmed.com/product/leptin-resistance-rx/. Your article is quite interesting. You wont be able to sleep next to people, go to work, prepare food for others, go into public places, fly on an airplane, ride a bus, share utensils with others, sit on a public toilet, and so on for about 1 week (3). There is a paucity of literature on the minimum interval between contrast administration and RAI therapy. MY DOCTORS ADVICE ME TO STAY UNTIL MARCH OR APRIL FOR FURTHER CHECK UP.. Its probably a good idea to stay close to your doctor until your dose of thyroid medication is optimized. Thank you and God bless! One doctor wants a monitor of pulse five times daily, hes concerned about para thyroid damage. A small portion of radioactivity will be found in your saliva and sweat. If possible, its always ideal to try and normalize your weight BEFORE the procedure.