Re: (NEWBIE) thyroid scan and uptake

[Guest guest]

Hi Jae,

As far as I'm aware...

Graves' is diagnosed with thyroid function tests (specifically, TSH, Free

T4 and Free T3), along with thyroid antibody tests, and in particular TSI

(thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins). You can have an ultrasound to see if

there are nodules. From what I understand, there really is no need for a

thyroid scan (RAIU scan, that is), but some doctors do the scan to see if

the thyroid is " hot " or taking up a lot of iodine, as would usually be the

case with Graves'. I had the scan, but didn't know I could have done

without it, and knowing what I know now, I would have refused it

(unnecessary in my opinion, and I don't like any radioactive stuff in my

body unless absolutely necessary). It is my belief that those who do the

RAIU scan are doing it in preparation for administering RAI (they may judge

the dose of RAI based on the scan results). I'm glad I had the chance to

learn more about RAI, so that I could make the decision to refuse it.

At 10:29 PM 7/22/2003, you wrote:

>Can anyone tell me what a doctor learns from a thyroid scan and uptake

>and how is Graves diagnosed? What tests are necessary?

>

>jae

[Guest guest]

Hi Jae,

As far as I'm aware...

Graves' is diagnosed with thyroid function tests (specifically, TSH, Free

T4 and Free T3), along with thyroid antibody tests, and in particular TSI

(thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins). You can have an ultrasound to see if

there are nodules. From what I understand, there really is no need for a

thyroid scan (RAIU scan, that is), but some doctors do the scan to see if

the thyroid is " hot " or taking up a lot of iodine, as would usually be the

case with Graves'. I had the scan, but didn't know I could have done

without it, and knowing what I know now, I would have refused it

(unnecessary in my opinion, and I don't like any radioactive stuff in my

body unless absolutely necessary). It is my belief that those who do the

RAIU scan are doing it in preparation for administering RAI (they may judge

the dose of RAI based on the scan results). I'm glad I had the chance to

learn more about RAI, so that I could make the decision to refuse it.

At 10:29 PM 7/22/2003, you wrote:

>Can anyone tell me what a doctor learns from a thyroid scan and uptake

>and how is Graves diagnosed? What tests are necessary?

>

>jae

[Guest guest]

,

That is very interesting. Is there any reason why the thyroid would be

" hot " if not for Graves? Can Graves be diagnosed just on the basis of a

scan?

As I posted before, I believe the doctor who told me I have Graves is

an alarmist (he also told me I probably had breast cancer and he was

dead wrong). I haven't had any TSH or T4 or any tests like that.

Nonetheless, I would not be surprised if I have some sort of thyroid

problem. My mother has some thyroid problems so there is at least a

predisposition to it in my family.

My question now is whether that doc has enough information to say I

have Graves.

jae

On Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at 10:50 PM, Conner wrote:

> Hi Jae,

> As far as I'm aware...

> Graves' is diagnosed with thyroid function tests (specifically, TSH,

> Free

> T4 and Free T3), along with thyroid antibody tests, and in particular

> TSI

> (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins). You can have an ultrasound to

> see if

> there are nodules. From what I understand, there really is no need for

> a

> thyroid scan (RAIU scan, that is), but some doctors do the scan to see

> if

> the thyroid is " hot " or taking up a lot of iodine, as would usually be

> the

> case with Graves'. I had the scan, but didn't know I could have done

> without it, and knowing what I know now, I would have refused it

> (unnecessary in my opinion, and I don't like any radioactive stuff in

> my

> body unless absolutely necessary). It is my belief that those who do

> the

> RAIU scan are doing it in preparation for administering RAI (they may

> judge

> the dose of RAI based on the scan results). I'm glad I had the chance

> to

> learn more about RAI, so that I could make the decision to refuse it.

>

>

>

>

> At 10:29 PM 7/22/2003, you wrote:

>

> >Can anyone tell me what a doctor learns from a thyroid scan and uptake

> >and how is Graves diagnosed?  What tests are necessary?

> >

> >jae

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> My question now is whether that doc has enough information to say I

>

> have Graves.

>

> jae

Possibly. If a patient walks in with noticeable tremor, moist skin,

goiter, and reports symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, diarreah or

at least frequency, muscle weakness, anxiety and rage - and bulging eyes

wouldn't hurt - a doctor could diagnose Graves. But without the labwork

he can't administer treatment.

There may be circumstances where the scan is necessary, but usually

comprehensive bloodwork and ultrasound are adequate. As for the scan

being used as prep for RAI, I know that my endo (ex #2) discussed the

results of the scan and scheduled (in his dreams only) RAI practically in

the same breath.

Take care, Fay

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[Guest guest]

> My question now is whether that doc has enough information to say I

>

> have Graves.

>

> jae

Possibly. If a patient walks in with noticeable tremor, moist skin,

goiter, and reports symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, diarreah or

at least frequency, muscle weakness, anxiety and rage - and bulging eyes

wouldn't hurt - a doctor could diagnose Graves. But without the labwork

he can't administer treatment.

There may be circumstances where the scan is necessary, but usually

comprehensive bloodwork and ultrasound are adequate. As for the scan

being used as prep for RAI, I know that my endo (ex #2) discussed the

results of the scan and scheduled (in his dreams only) RAI practically in

the same breath.

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 Jae,

Fay is right about a doctor being able to suspect Graves' based on your

reported symptoms, especially if you have the eye signs.

I believe the thyroid may be " hot " in one or more spots if there are

nodules. Then I believe the diagnosis (and probably treatment) would

differ. Sorry, I don't know much about nodules. But I have read that more

than 90% are benign if they are there (my mother has one, and she has been

on synthroid for about 20 years to suppress the thyroid and keep the nodule

down). Nodules can be detected by ultrasound, and if they find them, they

may want to do a RAIU scan to see if they are hot or cold. But we get ahead

of ourselves... If I were you, I would get a full thyroid panel, including

TSH, FT3 and FT4, and as many antibody tests as they will allow, especially

TSI and TPO antibodies, and the ultrasound.

If you do have Graves' read everything you can get your hands on, including

info from this group and go to the BB at Mediboard.com, before making any

definitive treatment decisions (RAI or surgery). Once you do something

definitive, it is permanent, and no going back. You need to be informed to

make the best choice for you, once you have a proper diagnosis. Don't

assume doctors will " fill you in, " they most likely don't give enough

information. I have learned repeatedly that we need to be proactive in our

medical care. Your coming to this board is a great first step!

BTW, I was diagnosed with Graves' and am taking PTU. So far, so good.

American doctors prefer RAI, and present it like it is a very simple and

smooth road with RAI -- it may not be. Some people have a lot of difficulty

getting to " normal " and staying there. I know for myself I will never do

RAI (I would opt for surgery if I couldn't stay on meds.) Hopefully you

don't have Graves' and you won't have to make any decisions. But if you do,

remember this disease is completely treatable. Medications should always be

tried first, and you should be allowed to stay on them until you are in

remission (when TSI antibodies are <2%), unless you have difficulties

(allergic reaction, but then they could try you on the other drug; and

other systemic problems, such as decrease WBC or very elevated liver enzymes).

Best wishes,

At 07:05 AM 7/23/2003, you wrote:

>,

>That is very interesting. Is there any reason why the thyroid would be

> " hot " if not for Graves? Can Graves be diagnosed just on the basis of a

>scan?