Ok so here goes… Really hoping I get some replies from this. About a year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Graves. I went on PTU for a while with not much change in my numbers. Then I was put on methimazole and did pretty well. My dosages were being decreased slowly until I was on the lowest dose for a while and then stopped. Probably within 3-5 months my numbers were out of control again. I was put back on a higher dose of methimazole than I had ever been and I followed up with my endo again today. I told him I would like to do RAI and not bother with the meds again. Things were fine for a while and it came back I don't want to keep going through that. I had read enough (or so I thought) to know that I wanted to do RAI instead of surgery. Any thoughts? I'm single, no kids, live alone so the being near loved ones wouldn't bother me. It's just now as soon as I made the decision (even though I haven't done it yet) I keep reading how lots of people said they have done it and wish they hadn't. So I'm kinda at a loss and freaked out now…. Help please!

Hello - Hopefully, you will get some additional responses, but keep in mind that all three options have risks and benefits, so you definitely want to be comfortable with your choice. The “treatment options” thread in the announcements section of this forum has some good resources that compare the different options. You can also use the “Search Posts” feature in the top right-hand corner of the screen to search for “RAI”, “Radioiodine”, “Surgery”, “Thyroidectomy”, etc..

Take care!

Hi,I have been on the same rollercoaster your on.After feeling terrible for so long I said enough. I can only speak of my own experience as everyone is different. I did the Rai 18 days ago. The first few days I spent much of the time reading,relaxing,watching tv.I followed the doctors instructions to the tee. I had a few days of headaches after about five days.I really think this was stress and had nothing to do with the RAI. I was feeling very hyper for a for several days after about a week.I fully expected it.I can honestly say now I feel great! I know I will become hypo and have to go on medications . I will be having follow up blood work in a few weeks. I fully expected that also. Having the RAI was a the right move for me. I was so tired of the anxiety,the shaking hands,the constant sweating. Today I feel better than I have in two years. I am on the road to recovery. I know it has only been 18 days, but I believe its only going to get better. I am not trying to push RAI just letting you know that It was the right decision for me.Make your decision on whats right for you. I wish you the best in your recovery.

Hello.

You have gone through a lot and it seems that you are ready to move on to RAI.

I personally like the surgical option better. I'm afraid of the radiation. Also, I have read that the pill (RAI) can increase eye problems. I have had very itchy eyes in the past and I feel like they get puffy at times so therefore another reason why I prefer the surgical option. There are pros and cons with all 3 options (Rx, RAI, surgery) so informing ourselves on all three is a plus. At the end it is you and your Dr. together who will need to make the decision.

I'm on Methimazole at the moment in hopes that I can achieve remission at some point in the future. So far Methimazole seems to be working. If Methimazole doesn't work for some reason as we move forward, I would like to go with surgery.

I think that no matter what option you choose, that it is very important that you feel comfortable and happy with your decision. We can't fully embrace a path if we are not happy and comfortable with our decision. Once you have examined your options, made a list of pros and cons, decided what you can and can't live with, and have made a decision, stick with it and have faith that it will work for you.

Wish you the best with your decision and treatment. Please keep us posted.

Caro

i'm with Carito71, I had the surgery about 8 months ago and life is pretty good. takes a bit to get used to taking a pill every morning. the recovery was easy, never needed more than Tylenol. you are on light duty or 2 weeks so living alone may be a struggle.

jstephens
i'm with Carito71, I had the surgery about 8 months ago and life is pretty good. takes a bit to get used to taking a pill every morning. the recovery was easy, never needed more than Tylenol. you are on light duty
or 2 weeks so living alone may be a struggle.

Hello and thank you for sharing. This gives hope to many, including me. I'm so glad you are doing well. I'll take a pill a day if it means that I'll feel healthy

Thank you again …
Caro