Radioactive iodine - yes or no

[Dooj]

Was initially diagnosed with Graves' Disease in 2004.  After seeking the advice of several endocrinologists over a twelve month period, was eventually put onto Neomercazole (carbimazole).  Another twelve months later I went into remission.  Disappointingly, a year later (ie now!) I'm no longer in remission and my endocrinologist, whose opinion I value, is recommending RAI.  I have searched the net and find myself wondering about this form of treatment for the hyperactive thyroid gland.  Suggestions about keeping away from family, work and the general public for periods of up to seven days bother me.  How radioactive will I become?  Have also read that RAI increases the risk of CA of the thyroid down the track ~ is this risk worth taking?  Weight-gain bothers me too but this is purely from a vanity point of view and I hope I can manage any weight-gain with diet and exercise.  I want to know which is better - RAI or the surgical option because I understand the outcome (ie having to take oroxine for the remainder of my days) is the same.  Can you help?  

[Smilerdeb]

I had both done..RAI first though as surgery was too dangerous at the time.
It was originally supposed to be RAI only but 2 days prior to RAI, I was found to have cancer in the full thyroid.

If I had to have a choice now..mine would be RAI.
There is a chance of cancer in the future but there also is with  a TT.
In actual fact, you could get run over by a bus tomorrow too!
Stop the 'what if's' and research is what I always tell people.
Its been a year now and I am doing great.

[Totie]

I had both done. RAI, did not work, so had no choice but to get surgery.

RAI was not a problem for me. I don't have any problems due to the TT either.

I guess everyone is different on how they react to things.

[Cindy419]

I'm in the same situation as you and asked the same question.  If you do get the RAI drink plenty of water to pee as much as possible!  In America they go for RAI, all other countries go for surgery.  So, I pray for remission, which seem so unlikely and if so it seems that all go through some abrasive treatment as yourself.  Good luck, god speed for a fast, painless recovery!

[Dooj]

Thank you for your response and I totally understand it!!  I've continued my research and my husband played golf with a doctor buddy yesterday and asked him for his advice/opinion.  Pretty much as a result of what he said, I've decided to take the RAI option.  A prominent Australian politician has almost no voice as the result of a botched thyroidectomy and, I'm a woman and I talk (!!) and don't want to risk losing my voice permanently!!  After I'm nuked I guess I'll place myself somewhere by the sea in solitary confinement for four or five days and stay away from my pregnant daughter for a month!  It'll be hard but I'm trusting it will be worth it!  Ciao.  

[AR-10]

Personally I think surgery is a better option, but there are plenty of risks involved with thyroid surgery, especially when you are hyper.

It's a difficult decision because either option has advantages and drawbacks when you compare the two.

I wanted surgery and was forced to choose RAI. Five months later I'm still not sure which choice is the better one. If I had it to do over, I don't know which one I would choose.

That sounds stupid, when you read it. I think one method is better, but I don't know which one I would choose.

It's a hard decision.