My thyroid test results...Please help!

[Guest guest]

Does anyone know what this means? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I went for RAI April 29th. My Eno gave me 2 options. RAI or Surgery.

Thanks

Betty

My TSH is <0.01

T3 is 1.1

True Free T4 is 1.1

Ultrasound Elevation: The right lobe of the thyroid gland measures 5.4 x 2.8

x 2.9 cm. Essentially, the entire right lobe is inhomogeneous with a mixed

echogenicity and multiple anechoic areas. It appears as if the entire right

lobe is replaced by a dominant complex mass.

The left lobe of the thyroid gland measures 3.7 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm. There are 2

nodules present in the approximate mid portion of the left lobe, both being

hypoechoic with a respect to the rest of the thyroid gland. One is located

slightly more anterior measuring 1.4 cm x 0.6 x 0.7 cm and a second, smaller

and lightly more posterior midule, measures 1.0 x 0.7 x 0.7 cm

Impressions: It appears as if the entire right lobe as replaced by a dominant

nodule. There are 2 nodules in the mid portion of the left lobe.

Nuclear Scan Results

Clinical Data, 63 year old female who is hyperthyroid by hormone values. A

recent ultrasound has demonstrated a large complex dominant nodule occupying

almost the entire right lobe of the thyroid gland. The etiology of the

patient's hyperthyroidism was established. The question was raised whether

this dominant nodule in the right lobe could an autonomous nodule.

Radiopharmaceutical, Dosage and Route of Administration: 220 uCi of sodium

1-123 given orally.

Uptake:

The 5 hour and 24 hour uptake values are elevated being 18.1 & 35.6%

respectively.

Nuclide scan:

The right lobe of the thyroid gland accumulates activity moderately well

although the distribution is somewhat inhomogeneous with some decreased

activity in the mid-portion of the right lobe.

Of note, there is essentially no activity on the left side.

Impression: Elevated uptake values consistent with noninflammatory

hyperthyroidism. The dominate nodule occupying the mayor portion of the right

lobe of the thyroid gland accumulates activity with essentially complete

suppression of the left lobe. This thought to represent an autonomous

hyperfunctioning nodule.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/9/2003 11:30:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

cfyoung2@... writes:

>

> people who do react strongly to the form of RAI in this test. Did you go

> through a week of isolation, double flushing toilets, etc?

>

Yes, I did. Eating off paper plates, drinking lots of water, staying away

from people, flush twice, wash hands a lot, etc. I had to sign papers that

they were't responsible. Then they gave me the pill, and the technician

backed off. LOL

I would appreicate any help you can give me.

Thanks

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/9/2003 11:30:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

cfyoung2@... writes:

>

>

> Betty, is this the only scan, test, etc. you had with any form of

> radioactive iodine? Because if this is so, then you haven't had what we

> refer to as RAI yet, just a test for diagnostic purposes. There are

> people who do react strongly to the form of RAI in this test. Did you go

> through a week of isolation, double flushing toilets, etc?

>

Those test results were from before I had the RAI. I haven't had any since.

Hope this helps.

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

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Hash: SHA1

thebetzz@... wrote:

> Does anyone know what this means? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

> I went for RAI April 29th. My Eno gave me 2 options. RAI or Surgery.

> Thanks

> Betty

>

> My TSH is <0.01

> T3 is 1.1

> True Free T4 is 1.1

We need the lab ranges (or units at least). The TSH is consistent with

hyperthyroidism, but we need to know the units on the other tests to say

whether it is a lot or a little.

> Ultrasound Elevation:

Summary: it is a lumpy thyroid.

>....autonomous nodule.

My understanding is it is a nodule that makes thyroid hormone pretty

much ignoring the usual feedback mechanisms. So you end up hyperthyroid.

Think the " off button " is broken, as TSH below 0.01 means " no more

hormone thanks " , but the nodule he keeps pumping it out.

Nodules are not that uncommon, I think it is the nature of thyroids to

produce them fairly frequently, it is only when they cause obvious

problems that everyone gets keen on nuking, cutting and/or probing your

thyroid.

> Radiopharmaceutical, Dosage and Route of Administration: 220 uCi of

sodium

> 1-123 given orally.

This is a diagnostic dose of RAI if it is " microcuries " . I thought you'd

said you have RAI, but IF this was it, this was to allow them to " image "

the thyroid, not as a form of treatment. Treatment is " millicuries of

I-131 " , not " microcuries of I-123 " .

My laymans view is for lumpy, overactive thyroids, is let the surgeons

at them. It gets you a proper biopsy, it usually leaves you euthyroid,

and in the the unlikely event it turns out to be something malignant you

already have it safely in a jar and not your neck. But discuss it with

the endo and the surgeon.

I'm not clear from what you've said that you have Graves' disease, or

some other form of hyperthyroidism (nodules, Plummers disease). Not that

you aren't welcome here, but the treatments are different and people

will assume you have Graves' until you say otherwise (and we all have

terrible memories so keep telling us otherwise).

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[Guest guest]

Hi Bettye,

It sounds like you had a RAI-U, which is a diagnostic test used to help tell

what's causing the hyperthyroidism.

This is different from RAI ablation, which uses I-131 and destroys thyroid

cells.

It sounds like your hyperthyroidism, which is subclinical, is related to a

nodule that is trapping excess iodine and producing excess thyroid hormone.

The range for thyroid hormone levels vary with different labs, but most labs

use 0.6-1.8 ug/dl as a reference range for T3, and 0.8-1.8 ng/dl as a

reference range for FT4. Your lab's reference ranges should be printed on

your copy, beneath your results.

In subclinical hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormone levels are normal but TSH is

low. TSH is a pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid hormone. When the

pituitary sees that you have enough thyroid hormone for your needs, it stops

secreting TSH before thyroid hormone levels get too high. Most doctors don't

treat subclinical hyperthyroidism unless symptoms are present. Take care,

Elaine

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/9/2003 2:03:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

cfyoung2@... writes:

>

>

> As Simon said, we may forget things (and I think I more than most) but I

> was in my car 10 minutes after I hit send and I remembered you mentioning

> 5 days after RAI (at least I think it was you ;-) - sorry.

>

> Take care, Fay

>

Hi Fay,

What do those test results mean to you.

I had them done when I was diagnosed hyper. First I had the ultrasound and

then I had the nuclear neck scan. That was about 6 weeks ago.

Then on April 29th I had the RAI. My ENDO recommended it instead of surgery.

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/9/2003 2:41:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

daisyelaine@... writes:

>

>

> Hi Bettye,

> It sounds like you had a RAI-U, which is a diagnostic test used to help

> tell

> what's causing the hyperthyroidism.

> This is different from RAI ablation, which uses I-131 and destroys thyroid

>

> Hi Elaine, now I am really confused. LOL Doesn't take much these days.

> Here is what they told me I was going for a high dose of iodine.

> Here is what is written on the paper they gave me when I had the treatment

> done.

Guidlines for patients receiving Radioiodine Treatment

Treatment Date 4/29/03

Treatment Amount 12 mCi

Then it goes on to say

No close contact with people

Stay away from pregnant women and small children

Sleep alone

Wash your clothes separately, use paper plates, etc. etc.

Is this different for RAI?

Thanks

Betty

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bettye,

You're right. You did have the ablative procedure and likely had it shortly

after the diagnostic procedure since you have results for this test.

After RAI, you can experience increased hyper symptoms because thyroid

hormone and thyroid antibodies are released from dying thyroid cells. This

can put you at increased risk for thryoid storm so you need to watch for

symptoms. And then most people become hypothyroid anywhere from a few weeks

to a few months after RAI. You'll want to make sure you have tests for FT4,

FT3 and TSH to make sure you're on the appropriate type and dose of thyroid

hormone after you become hypothyroid.

Sorry about the confusion, but i think we have it all straight now. take

care,elaine

[Guest guest]

Betty, is this the only scan, test, etc. you had with any form of

radioactive iodine? Because if this is so, then you haven't had what we

refer to as RAI yet, just a test for diagnostic purposes. There are

people who do react strongly to the form of RAI in this test. Did you go

through a week of isolation, double flushing toilets, etc?

Take care, Fay

> > Radiopharmaceutical, Dosage and Route of Administration: 220 uCi

> of

> sodium

> > 1-123 given orally.

>

> This is a diagnostic dose of RAI if it is " microcuries " . I thought

> you'd

> said you have RAI, but IF this was it, this was to allow them to

> " image "

> the thyroid, not as a form of treatment. Treatment is " millicuries

> of

> I-131 " , not " microcuries of I-123 " .

________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/9/2003 4:16:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

daisyelaine@... writes:

>

> Sorry about the confusion, but i think we have it all straight now. take

> care,elaine

>

I am sorry that I confused you.

The Endo told me that he was hoping that the iodine would kill off the

nodules and hoping that it would make my other side (which isn't working at

all) start working. Is this correct?

The technician told me that some people need more than one treatment.

Day 3 or 4 I did have a wierd reaction. My eyes dialated so bad that i had

hardly any white showing. I could see, but I couldn't read. It lasted less

than 1/2 hour. I called my Endo and asked if it was a side effect of the RAI

and they called me back and told me no it wasn't.

I appreciate all your help more than any of you know.

Thanks so much.

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

Gee, I always heard that people with hyperthyroid lost weight. I can't even

have hyper right. I gained weight. I found it hard to believe I was hyper

because of that. I gained about 30 pounds real fast. It is hard even trying

to get it off. Any tips????????????

Do people switch back & forth from hyper to hypo or visa versa?

I want to know all I can learn, because I want to know what to do in case

they tell me I need another RAI treatment. I really don't want to do that

again.

Thanks

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

> Those test results were from before I had the RAI. I haven't had any

> since.

> Hope this helps.

> Betty

As Simon said, we may forget things (and I think I more than most) but I

was in my car 10 minutes after I hit send and I remembered you mentioning

5 days after RAI (at least I think it was you ;-) - sorry.

Take care, Fay

________________________________________________________________

The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!

Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!

Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!

[Guest guest]

Hi Betty,

There are several studies showing that RAI treatment for nodules can induce

the development of Graves' disease because RAI stimulates the immune system

to produce the TSI antibodies that cause GD. These antibodies can also

Graves' ophthalmopathy, the eye condition associated with Graves' disease.

Hopefully, your symptoms were temporary and won't escalate. You can also

develop eye symptoms if your thryoid hormone levels become too low or too

high so you'll need careful monitoring. Any eye changes you experienced, even

temporary ones, were likely related to the RAI.

If you develop GD as a consequence of TSI production, it will bring the

non-working thyroid tissue to life, but I don't suppose this is what she

intended. I'm not sure, though, how else RAI could stimulate thyroid cell

function. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/9/2003 5:54:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

daisyelaine@... writes:

>

> If you develop GD as a consequence of TSI production, it will bring the

> non-working thyroid tissue to life, but I don't suppose this is what she

> intended. I'm not sure, though, how else RAI could stimulate thyroid cell

> function. Take care, Elaine

>

Thank you again Elaine,

I want to be able to know what I am talking about when I go for my next

appointment. So, all this information won't go to waste.

Actually I have to call and find out when he wants to see me again. No

mention was made about another visit to the Endo.

Thank you again so very much.

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

Thank you Luci, I am hanging in there. I am staying away from carb's because

I find them very addicting. The more I eat, the more I want. For me, I just

want food and I feel sick until I eat a little something. That seems to be

getting a little better.

Betty

I

n a message dated 5/10/2003 5:57:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

medtaz165@... writes:

>

> Hi Betty,

> I too gained about 30lbs from being hyperT. I think I gained all

> that weight because I craved sweets sooooo bad. Now, I'm on weight

> watchers and lost 13 1/2 lbs,but I'm also curving a little bit to

> hypoT. I noticed I can control the carbs craving much bettter than

> the sweets. Does anyone else notice cravings while hper or hypo?

> Betty hang in there it's not always easy but you can do it!! Stick

> with this group, they are extrememly knowlegable and will help. I

> cant thank this board enough. I dont write every day or even every

> month but I faithfully read each and every post. Good luck Betty!!

> Luci

>

>

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

Hi Betty,

I too gained about 30lbs from being hyperT. I think I gained all

that weight because I craved sweets sooooo bad. Now, I'm on weight

watchers and lost 13 1/2 lbs,but I'm also curving a little bit to

hypoT. I noticed I can control the carbs craving much bettter than

the sweets. Does anyone else notice cravings while hper or hypo?

Betty hang in there it's not always easy but you can do it!! Stick

with this group, they are extrememly knowlegable and will help. I

cant thank this board enough. I dont write every day or even every

month but I faithfully read each and every post. Good luck Betty!!

Luci

>

> Gee, I always heard that people with hyperthyroid lost weight. I

can't even

> have hyper right. I gained weight. I found it hard to believe I

was hyper

> because of that. I gained about 30 pounds real fast. It is hard

even trying

> to get it off. Any tips????????????

> Do people switch back & forth from hyper to hypo or visa versa?

> I want to know all I can learn, because I want to know what to do

in case

> they tell me I need another RAI treatment. I really don't want to

do that

> again.

> Thanks

> Betty

>

>

>

>

>

> PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it,

please

> email me back with a friendly reminder.

> " To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/13/2003 5:39:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

chaceeagle@... writes:

>

> seems to work the best for me. I'm hungry all the time so dieting

> isn't an option. Good luck with whatever you try and please share

> your success story.

>

I am hungry all the time too. And if I don't eat when I am feeling hungry, I

get stomach sick. I don't need much food, but I need food.

Right now, I don't have any energy to exercise. It is about all I can do, to

get through the day and do what I have to do.

How are you feeling other than the weight gain?

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

Betty, don't feel like the lone ranger---When I was diagnosed with

Graves this past Feb 03, I was shocked. If anything to do with the

thyroid I would have guessed I was hypo not hyper because over the

past few years I had gained about 40 pounds. It has taken me two

years to lose 20 of it, and that was by exercising like a maniac

since eating less just didn't work! I'm still working to lose at

least five more to get back to the weight I was at when I started

thinking I was getting too heavy, LOL. As for advice on losing, all

I can say is being physically active, exercising, and moving more

seems to work the best for me. I'm hungry all the time so dieting

isn't an option. Good luck with whatever you try and please share

your success story.

Chris

>

> Gee, I always heard that people with hyperthyroid lost weight. I

can't even

> have hyper right. I gained weight. I found it hard to believe I was

hyper

> because of that. I gained about 30 pounds real fast. It is hard

even trying

> to get it off. Any tips????????????

> Do people switch back & forth from hyper to hypo or visa versa?

> I want to know all I can learn, because I want to know what to do

in case

> they tell me I need another RAI treatment. I really don't want to

do that

> again.

> Thanks

> Betty

>

>

>

>

>

> PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it,

please

> email me back with a friendly reminder.

> " To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Betty, I dunno if this will help you any, but it's worth a try. I saw that

CO-Q10 from the pharmacy was for energy, so I started taking it about 3 weeks

ago. I noticed by two weeks of taking one capsule 3 times a day, usually with a

meal, that I was not near as tired as I normally was. I'm also hyperT, but have

been overdosed on Methimazole, so my Dr cut me back to 20 mgs from 30mgs. It

may be coincidence, but it's sure made a difference in how I feel, and I've

actually managed to feel half way decent. I also added some Vit C, and Vit B,

since then, but in the beginning it was strictly the CO-Q10 and my Methimazole

along with Atenolol.

Maybe somebody else who's taking this will speak up and tell if they've found

that it's helped them any. I do know that when I forgot to take it, I was more

tired than normal, and started writing myself a note to be sure I take it (short

memory here) lol. I also don't sound so short winded when I take the CO-Q10 so

that's an added plus for me. I was actually able to work outside Saturday

before last in the yard helping hubby do some things and wasn't completely worn

out either? So, I'm guessing it's not a bad thing to add to my system.

Sandy

P.S. I'm taking the 100 mgs capsules. :-)

Re: Re: My thyroid test results...Please help!

In a message dated 5/13/2003 5:39:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

chaceeagle@... writes:

>

> seems to work the best for me. I'm hungry all the time so dieting

> isn't an option. Good luck with whatever you try and please share

> your success story.

>

I am hungry all the time too. And if I don't eat when I am feeling hungry, I

get stomach sick. I don't need much food, but I need food.

Right now, I don't have any energy to exercise. It is about all I can do, to

get through the day and do what I have to do.

How are you feeling other than the weight gain?

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

I'm finding good success with using green tea for hunger outside of normal

meals, in addition to increasing protein and decreasing sugars/carbs.

e

Re: Re: My thyroid test results...Please help!

In a message dated 5/13/2003 5:39:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

chaceeagle@... writes:

>

> seems to work the best for me. I'm hungry all the time so dieting

> isn't an option. Good luck with whatever you try and please share

> your success story.

>

I am hungry all the time too. And if I don't eat when I am feeling hungry, I

get stomach sick. I don't need much food, but I need food.

Right now, I don't have any energy to exercise. It is about all I can do, to

get through the day and do what I have to do.

How are you feeling other than the weight gain?

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/13/2003 7:00:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

starz@... writes:

> CO-Q10

>

>

> Sandy

>

Thank you Sandy, I will check it out. I will ask if it is ok to take it with

all the other stuff I am taking. I really dislike taking med's, Don't we all?

LOL

I am on Atenolol 100mgs and I know that it makes me tired too.

Thanks for your help.

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

Hi I'm not sure who this is,but are you drinking decaf green tea? I

seem to get terrible palpataions from the reg green tea. Is there

any difference for hunger pains whether it's reg or decaf? Just

curious.

Luci

> I'm finding good success with using green tea for hunger outside

of normal meals, in addition to increasing protein and decreasing

sugars/carbs.

>

> e

> Re: Re: My thyroid test

results...Please help!

>

>

> In a message dated 5/13/2003 5:39:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> chaceeagle@y... writes:

>

>

> >

> > seems to work the best for me. I'm hungry all the time so

dieting

> > isn't an option. Good luck with whatever you try and please

share

> > your success story.

> >

>

> I am hungry all the time too. And if I don't eat when I am

feeling hungry, I

> get stomach sick. I don't need much food, but I need food.

> Right now, I don't have any energy to exercise. It is about all

I can do, to

> get through the day and do what I have to do.

> How are you feeling other than the weight gain?

> Betty

>

>

>

> PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get

it, please

> email me back with a friendly reminder.

> " To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi this is elizabeth

yes, i usually use decaf, however the caffeine levels in green tea are very low.

e

Re: Re: My thyroid test

results...Please help!

>

>

> In a message dated 5/13/2003 5:39:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> chaceeagle@y... writes:

>

>

> >

> > seems to work the best for me. I'm hungry all the time so

dieting

> > isn't an option. Good luck with whatever you try and please

share

> > your success story.

> >

>

> I am hungry all the time too. And if I don't eat when I am

feeling hungry, I

> get stomach sick. I don't need much food, but I need food.

> Right now, I don't have any energy to exercise. It is about all

I can do, to

> get through the day and do what I have to do.

> How are you feeling other than the weight gain?

> Betty

>

>

>

> PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get

it, please

> email me back with a friendly reminder.

> " To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

>

>

>