Just diagnosed w/Graves Disease & hyperthyroidism. Scheduled to see endocrinologist next wk. I've had 5 outbreaks of a terrible rash on my face in the 9 wks since symptoms appeared. Rash responds to Prednisone but Dr. doesn't want to continue to prescribe. Two questions:
1. Endo may recommend radioactive iodine. This frightens me. Should I request men's. before trying RI? (I don't know what all the ramifications of RI even are.)
2. Dr. doesn't seem to understand the connection between the outbreaks on my face and Graves/Hyperthyroidism and I can't find anything about it online, though the two are clearly related. Has anyone experienced this as well, or could you direct me to some resource?
Thank you!
No, I did not have the rash. I took the radioactive iodine because I had a goiter and hypothyroidism. The radioactive iodine did not hurt me. It improved the situation some. I was told to have the goiter removed when I was quite young. I kept ignoring the doctors until I was 45. It was a doctor Coccia who did my surgery. I ended up being quite happy with my surgery. After that I had to take the thyroid replacement. I have also had no problem with that. I was afraid of taking the thyroid replacement. Actually it worked out fine. I actually feel better having the surgery and taking the thyroid replacement. I worried too much over my thyroid problem. I don't worry over it anymore. You get a blood test. They can adjust your thyroid level to normal. I don't think there is any danger in the radioactive iodine. I don't know of anyone that has ever had anything happen to them from the radioactive iodine. It is pretty low risk. I never got a rash though. Try not to worry. If I had to do it over again I would not have spent so much time in worry over a relatively easy health problem to correct. Graves disease could be dangerous. it can kill someone quickly. I don't think I ever had graves disease. I just the goiter or nodule of the thyroid becoming overactive and enlarged. The radioactive iodine did do me some good but it did not completely cure me. Don't worry. But take care of your health. It is simple for the to correct your thyroid blood levels. Graves Disease is dangerous if left untreated. I don't worry about anything anymore. I am very happy with the results of my surgery and I have no problems taking thyroid replacement. I actually feel better. Sometimes they can remove a goiter like mine and a person does not have to take replacement thyroid. In my case they told me before the surgery that that was very unlikely because the nodule had take over the right side and the left side quit working. So once they took out the nodule it would be very unlikely I would not need thyroid replacement. I don't know why I had such a fear of taking thyroid replacement. Is seems silly to me now. It is easy. It is also a very inexpensive medication.......What I am saying, and my advise to you....Don't worry so much. Take care of your health. You have very little to worry about. The doctors can fix everything.
Thank you for your reply. You are very reassuring! I'm also nervous about the prospect of surgery (a possibility) but am glad to learn that you had a positive experience. I appreciate your input.
I had radioactive iodine treatment. I tried the meds first, but had a terrible allergic reaction so I was left with very few options. You will likely be recommended radioactive iodine first because it is a tried and true approach, but if you're not comfortable with it, try the meds! Either way you will be taking medication for the rest of your life.
The major thing with radioactive iodine is that it kills the function of your thyroid without surgery. It will likely be the strangest medical procedure you'll ever do because you can't be within a couple meters of other people for a while and have to wash your laundry separately, but it's effective. You will become hypOthyroid afterwards, so ask your Endo or GP what signs to watch for. Mine didn't tell me and I went way too far into hypo before they started my meds. You can avoid a lot of suffering if you pick it up early.
I had RI when doc said methimazone not working and can't increase it any more due to identified liver damage. The iodinebwas horrible. Couldn't sleep, felt like I was on fire. The entire right side of my face and neck swelled so much I could not open my right eye. Had to stop after 2 days. Now waiting for approval from state healthcare program for approval for surgery as my insurance is limited. I went into thyroid storm in January and was very close to death due to elevated heart rate. I have been depressed to the the point of suicidal thoughts and have even taken a handful of pills hoping for an end to my pain. My daughter and grand children will have nothing to do with me because of my erratic behavior, my daughter will tell you that Im on drugs and not allowed to see my grandsons until I get help. My mom passed away unexpectedly in March and the rest of my family living out of state have not talked to me aince her memorial. My grandmother died from this disease and at this point I'm ready to quit the meds that are destroying my liver and let nature take its course. I'm 52 years old and have always felt like things just weren't quite right. Now I know why but it doesn't take away the pain and loss I feel.