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radioactive iodine

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Posted 7/12/2011 10:17 AM (GMT -8)
For those of you have had RAI treatment for thyroid cancer...

How long should I be on the low-iodine diet after the treatment?
What should I expect post-treatment?
Anything that my doctor may not think about that will make this go a little easier for me?

Thanks!
Posted 8/3/2011 8:07 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Beth!

I was allowed to go off the low-iodine diet actually the same day I received the RAI treatment. I think I waited a couple of hours. Normally, I believe, doctors have you wait until the next day, but I was in such a bad state from the diet and not being on my cytomel that my doctor allowed me to eat that night.

Post-treatment you obviously will have to keep to yourself. I called it 'containment'. I didn't mind it so much because it allowed me to be lazy and sleep lots :) Your adrenal glands will hurt A LOT. That's definitely a big bummer with the entire thing. Chew a lot of gum and eat some sour candies to keep your adrenal glands working because the iodine does effect them!

Good luck!
Posted 8/4/2011 7:03 AM (GMT -8)
Thanks for responding!

I had to stay on the diet for 48 hours after taking the RAI pill. I went off the diet and started Synthroid the same day. It was a good day!

I know what you mean about the glands. I was pretty sore.

One thing I read about but had hoped to avoid was the dulled sense of taste. That is such a bummer. Everything I eat tastes blah. I'm hoping the personal stories I've read are correct, and it lasts only a couple of weeks.
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