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Thyroid (Expert Forum)

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My RAI for Grave's didn't work

Answered by

Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound

Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida Sarasota - FL

Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

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MedHelp Member's Question

My RAI for Grave's didn't work

by deedles, Mar 14, 2006 12:00AM

Tags: grave's, Work, thyroid, Graves disease, reaction, weight

I had been treated several years ago for Graves Disease after my second child was about 9 months old. I had taken PTU successfully for about 9 months and went into "remission." My doc retired and I had to find a new one who put me on PTU after going hyper again. I developed an itching to that and then went on Tapazol. . .and developed an itching reaction to that. I got off the meds and did nothing for about a year. I went to see a naturopath who didn't know anything about the thyroid. I felt I had no choice but to do the RAI. I had that done in December 2005 and have had no success. I didn't want to do it in the first place and having done again isn't the route I want to go. I am currently on Inderal (a beta blocker) 3 times a day. I have not lost the weight (hardly any weight) that people say they have because I'm told "the body compensates". Has anyone developed a reaction to the only 2 meds they use and then been unsuccessful with the RAI? Please advise.

Doctor's Answer

by Mark Lupo, M.D.

, Mar 14, 2006 12:00AM

It's too soon to do again -- give it at least 6 months before judging RAI a treatment failure (this does happen 10-15% of the time and a second dose is usually effective). In the meantime I would treat with beta-blockers to control excessive heart rate if necessary. There are several patients who are intolerant to PTU/Tapazole -- and RAI works well in most of these cases. It's only been three months -- let's see what happens by June.

Member Comments (5)

by deedles, Mar 15, 2006 12:00AM

My doctor seemed completely confused because my T3 (I believe is what she said) was 425 when prior to the RAI it was just under 200.

Also, I've been told I shouldn't run in the meantime. Why is this and can I do ANY type of exercise besides walking? I like to do tae bo etc.

Thanks for your help.

by ancientmariner, Mar 17, 2006 12:00AM

To: deedles

There's a gal on another forum I belong to that has had RAI THREE TIMES! I don't know all the details, but you might want to get in touch with her. She's on the yahoo natural thyroid hormones group.

by deedles, Mar 17, 2006 12:00AM

Thanks for your input. I will try to find her.

Deedles

by deedles, Mar 29, 2006 12:00AM

Well I just heard back from my endo. She's excited that I'm starting to go hypo. Total T3 is 53 (previously I was 429. ??. said she has new lab with different ranges), Free T4 is .55 was 4.2, and TSH is still low. Anyway, I'm reading a lot and am going to ask her to put me on Armour. Can anyone on this site make a recommendation? Give me some feedback? My insurance won't pay for synthroid, so I'd need to do levoxal? or whatever the generic brand is. . .Thanks for your concern.

Deedles

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