Radioactive iodine vs. surgery

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Radioactive iodine vs. surgery
2
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 11:45am
Hi! I am supposed to get an uptake test done thursday to determine if I have Graves Disease. Conveniently I was scheduled the next day for the radioactive iodine treatment if I tested positive although I never said thats the method I wanted to go with.

I know there are also medications to take to supress the thyroid although I dont think I am considering that option.

Just wondering if there is anyone out there who got surgery, the iodine treatment or even just medication and what they thought of it. Any side effects that you have noticed? Regrets? Positive thoughts?!

Thanks!

April

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 7:54pm

Hi April,


I don't have Grave's but was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (multi-nodular goiter) and given the option of surgery or RAI.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Mon, 08-23-2004 - 8:26pm
Do you know what your levels were that made you not so hyper?

How was your surgery- you said you had 1 lobe removed? What size is the scar and is it really noticable? Were you fine the next day (physically I mean) or did the surgery keep you down for a few days?

Just wondering...

I had my apendix out and the scar is only about 2 inches but it was rough to get around for about 4 - 5 days.

I will try to come to the chat. I play tennis now Wed nights so I am usually pretty exhausted after that!

Thanks for the info!

April