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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Happens Without Levothyroxine In Time While On RAI Therapy?

Two years ago I had RAI Therapy 11 mCi for Graves desease. 3 months later I was euthyroid and felt fine. My doctor told me do have control of thyroid function for 3 months . 2 months later I was in a very bad condition . MY TSH was 75 . During begining of levothyroxin therapy I started to feel severe paresthesias and neuropatic pain.Now I am euthyroid on levothyroxin therapy , but diagnosed with small fiber polyneuropaty. I am very sick and have constant generalised neuropathic pain. Du you have experience what happens with patients after RAI therapy without levothyroxine supplementation in time.
Mon, 27 May 2019
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Endocrinologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is often managed with radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy.

The majority of patients develop permanent post-RAI hypothyroidism within the first 3 to 6 months after RAI therapy and for this reason, they are placed on life-long levothyroxine therapy.

So, to answer your question: Levothyroxine therapy is very important for you (it is vital).

You mention that you had a TSH result 75 and you were in a very bad condition.

This condition is called Hypothyroidism and in your circumstances, it happens if you do not take regularly Levothyroxine.

I want to underline that Levothyroxine often improves the symptoms of neuropathy.

So, this is another reason why you should take this medication regularly.

My last suggestion: Exercise regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, which can help minimize stress on your body as well as strengthen affected limbs.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Elona Xhardo, Endocrinologist
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Endocrinologist,  Dr. Mirjeta Guni's  Response
Hello,

Yes, I do have the experience, it may be serious if hypothyroidism is confirmed after RAI and not replaced with levothyroxine.
Coma is the most severe side effect.
So you need to take levothyroxine.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist

I find this answer helpful
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What Happens Without Levothyroxine In Time While On RAI Therapy?

Hello, Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is often managed with radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. The majority of patients develop permanent post-RAI hypothyroidism within the first 3 to 6 months after RAI therapy and for this reason, they are placed on life-long levothyroxine therapy. So, to answer your question: Levothyroxine therapy is very important for you (it is vital). You mention that you had a TSH result 75 and you were in a very bad condition. This condition is called Hypothyroidism and in your circumstances, it happens if you do not take regularly Levothyroxine. I want to underline that Levothyroxine often improves the symptoms of neuropathy. So, this is another reason why you should take this medication regularly. My last suggestion: Exercise regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, which can help minimize stress on your body as well as strengthen affected limbs. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Elona Xhardo, Endocrinologist