Hyperthyroid/ Graves tx

[Srf4013]

Dr. Lupo, I am a 49 year old female Tampa resident I have been experiencing many symptoms. And finally had blood work. The results were: AST 44.  ALT53
TSH w reflex to FT4   0.01L
Free T4 index 7.1
T4 total  17.3
T4 free 3.3
t3 free 10.6
t3 total 379
T3 uptake  41
t3 uptake 41
My thyroid uptake scan Measured 82% even distribution no hot or cold nodules cost ant with Graves.
I131 dose of 17mci if rai contemplated.
I was scared of the rai and started methimazole last week but i have now stopped,  thinking I should do rai to get my life back. Is RAI safe and  Does rai increase risks with Eye bulging in graves pts?  I am confused and scared of the RAI. In your opinion what is my best choice for treatment?
Thank  you.
Confused

[stella5349]

Prior to the RAI please ask to have the TSI, TPOab and TgAb blood tests done.

RAI in my case was far from the easy fix I was told  it would be . And it
took many months of finding my true thyroid function with additional testing I was not given prior to RAI to find an adequent dose AND medication to really help.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I-131 is a common treatment for Graves' (which you appear to have) but we often use methimazole as first-line treatment.  I-131 may increase risk of thyroid eye disease especially in smokers.