Hypo symptoms post RAI

Biggerintx660

New Member

Joined : Jul 2013

Posts : 2

Posted 7/16/2013 1:15 PM (GMT 0)

I was diagnosed with graves in feb 2012. Tried anti thyroid meds first with pretty much no success. Did RAI jan 17 2013. I was severely hyper for 2 months post RAI durung which my endo put me back on ptu & propanolol until the symptoms subsided. Then at about 8 weeks post RAI I felt fantastic, levels were in normal range and I went off the drugs. Well that only lasted about 6 weeks. So since the beginning of may ive been horribly fatigued and nauseous. Went for follow up with endo in late june following bloodwork and my levels were as follows: free t3- 1.9 free t4- .55 TSH-3.750. Endo said theres really not much she can do for my symptoms and doesnt want to start me on thyroid replacement just yet.I don't follow up with her until the end of September. Is this common practice to wait so long before starting thyroid replacement meds? I don't know if I can wait that long. I'm starting to feel severely depressed and hopeless. I'm getting a second opinion from a new endo on aug 1st. These symptoms are interfering with my life and job. All I want to do is sleep and I have to practically force myself to eat. My current endo is almost impossible to get in to see on short notice. At my wits end. Encouragement/advice greatly appreciated....

jujub

Elite Member

Joined : Mar 2003

Posts : 10424

Posted 7/16/2013 2:27 PM (GMT 0)

Your course sounds pretty much like mine was. Scary hyperthyroidism treated with RAI, followed by a gradual descent (medication-aided) into hypothyroidism. Since the RAI pretty much destroys your thyroid, this is the expected course.

My endocrinologist started me on a very low dose of synthroid as soon as my levels fell on the hypothyroid side. It was a slow course of increasing the meds just a bit, testing then waiting. As I recall, my synthroid was increased a bit about every three months until I stayed in the euthyroid range, then my follow-ups were stretched to every six months. I've been stable on 200 mcg. now for over ten years.

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply