Has any-one had an radioactive iodine for a overactive thyroid if so what happens when you go to the hospital?
l have had a overactive thyroid for 6 years (where you lose weight,underactive you gain weight) l have a appointment to have an iodine drink but do not know what to expect or how long it takes, no luck from my doctors. So if any-one can help with some info would be grateful.
Has any-one had an radioactive iodine for a overactive thyroid if so what happens when you go to the hospital? Responses
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I had radioactive treatment almost 3 years ago – when you arrive at the hospital you sign a form that you are not pregnant, or planning to get pregnant in next 6 months, and that you will not go into public places like cinemas etc in following weeks after treatment. You then get taken into a laboratory looking room where you put on a big theatre paper coat thing to cover your clothes incase of any spillage. The technician then gets a special sealed cup thing from enclosed area and holds it for you to drink from a straw. Its only a small amount and doesnt really taste of anything!! Once it is finished he asks you to remove the overcoat and leave asap as he doesnt want exposed to radiation from you apparently!! Its all very simple and painless, its just boring for the weeks afterwards as i wasnt allowed to work (as couldnt guarantee not in contact with pregnant females or kids) and couldnt go to shopping centres or cinema etc. I just sat around house reading and watching tv/playing on computer!!
Be sure to get your levels checked 4 to 6 weeks after. I got checked 3 months after by which point my levels were rock bottom and i was severely underactive with many many symptoms. I gained 3 stone in 8 weeks after it!! I’m sure this is because of the huge delay in starting me on thyroxine and because i had been underactive initially before going overactive!!
I too got named the ready brek kid after it by my friends who thought my urine should glow in the dark!!
Hope this helps and good luck. It honestly nothing to worry about – the treatment is super simple!