Radioiodine treatment for thyrotoxicosis (over-active thyroid)

What is radioiodine treatment uses a form ofiodine that is radioactive. Iodineis taken up by the thyriod gland and the radioactivity will cut the amount of thyroid hormone made by the thyroid gland.

Where else in the body does radioiodine go?

Most of the radioiodine goes to thyroid. The rest will pass from your body in the urine during the first couple days.

How is the radioiodine given?

The radioiodine is given as a drink (- a small amount that tastes just like water- ) or as a capsule.

What about my tablets?

If your tablets are for controlling your thyotoxicosis, then you may need to stop taking them for a few days before your treatment. You will be told this time by the doctor.

Can I have treatments if I am pregnant?

No. Pregnant women should not be given radioiodine.

After there any risks in having children afterwards?

Forty years of experience in using radioiodine has shown no effect either on the development in the womb or the subsequent health of children of patients who have had this treatment, beyond the normal incidence of congenital disease. However, you should avoid pregnancy and breast feeding for 4 months after radioiodine treatment.

Will there be any danger to my family or friends?

Some simple precautions are essential to reduce unnecessary radiation to them:

- Avoid unnecessary close contact with babies, young children and pregnant women for a few days.

- You may need to take a small amount of time off work depending on your job.

- Please check if you can travel by public transport. Usually there will be no restriction.

On the day of treatment you given specific advice about these precautions. The exact length of time for which these precautions apply depends on the amount of radioiodine the doctor prescribes.

Who do I need to see before the radioiodine treatment?

You will need to see a consultant from Velindre Hospital. This is because Nevill Hall Hospital does not have a physics department. Treatment has to be given at Velindre Hospital in Cardiff, which is an incovenience. There is no connection with cancer.

Will need to see a doctor after the radioiodine treatment?

Yes. Either the doctor you saw in Endocrine Clinic or in the Velindre outreach Clinic at Nevill Hall, sometimes both.

How many radioiodine treatments will I need?

Usually one treatment is enough, although sometimes more than one is needed. the blood tests will help decide.

Are there any long term side effects?

Your thyroid may become underactive. This could happen within a few months or many years after the treatment. Again the blood tests will check the state of your thyroid. If it does become underactive you will be given thyoxine tablets. These are the natural substance made by the thyroid, not a "drug". Usually a yearly blood test on the thyroid is recommended after radioiodine treatment.

Any other precautions?

Special care is recommended if you have thyroid related eye problems.

What about surgery?

Operations on the thyroid may be recommended if the gland is very large, but surgery does have risks, discomfort and expense that usually makes it a define second best to radioiodine for most people.

Thank you guys for reading x