RE: post RAI side effects

[Guest guest]

Tina -

I had as many weird symptoms going back on levoxyl after an RAI as I did

going hypo. Just different things - hot flashes (now that's something

us guys don't normally experience!), stomach cramps and nausea. At it's

worst, I had to stay somewhere near a bathroom and eat bland food for

the day. They weren't any more severe than the cramps/nausea I've had

in the past with the flu virus.

It didn't seem to last too long either, except the hot flashes. I think

I had them on and off for a month. Never a dull moment!

Dave

TT 07/2001

going hypo for RAI on April 29th

(stopped cytomel yesterday and drinking lots of black coffee today)

tina reich wrote:

> Hi all, I am 6 weeks post RAI and for the past week I

> have had digestive problems,eating food causes pain,

> nausea, etc.when I am just getting my normal energy

> back and my neck and mouth pain have cleared up. What

> I am wondering is, if the digestive symptoms have to

> do with getting back on meds, being hypo,or the RAI.

> Has anyone had any similar symptoms? Thanks, Tina

>

> __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

tina reich wrote:

Hi all, I am 6 weeks post RAI and for the past week I

have had digestive problems,eating food causes pain,

nausea, etc.when I am just getting my normal energy

back and my neck and mouth pain have cleared up. What

I am wondering is, if the digestive symptoms have to

do with getting back on meds, being hypo,or the RAI.

Has anyone had any similar symptoms? Thanks, Tina

Hi Tina; I had my RAI on 3-15-02 and ever since I've

experience stomach problems. It doesn't matter what

I eat it bothers my stomach. So now I started using

spearment and camomile teas to sooth my stomach, and

it has really helped. Feel free to e-mail me at zen4@...

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

How much water did you drink upon administration of your RAI dose? I'm

not a doctor but I think it's quite possible that the RAI could burn

your stomach if you don't drink enough to dilute it.

Also, the experience in general is stressful on the body. Perhaps you

have an ulcer. If so, you should see a doctor; they can treat ulcers.

Tagamet, a non-prescription anti-acid, might help.

Shayne

> post RAI side effects

>

>

> Hi all, I am 6 weeks post RAI and for the past week I

> have had digestive problems,eating food causes pain,

> nausea, etc.when I am just getting my normal energy

> back and my neck and mouth pain have cleared up. What

> I am wondering is, if the digestive symptoms have to

> do with getting back on meds, being hypo,or the RAI.

> Has anyone had any similar symptoms? Thanks, Tina

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

When I had my RAI, they put no limitations on eating or drinking. I

don't know what the standard protocol is, or whether my layman reasoning

on this is valid. It just seems to me a bad idea to have concentrated

radioactive iodine in your stomach, as it would burn stomach tissue just

as well as it burns thyroid tissue. So as a layman, I'd think you'd take

RAI with at least a few glasses of water (which is a separate issue from

how much to drink afterwards).

These differences in treatment protocols on such simple issues is

inexcusable if you ask me. I understand the arguments over lots of water

vs. moderate amounts, but there should be no confusion about whether to

have water or not with the treatment.

A similar issue is: RAI treatment with a glass of water, vs. taking a

pill, vs. very small concentrated solution. I understand that different

patients get all these varied forms. Why? E.g., why get this stuff on

your tongue in its concentrated form if it's possible to take a pill?

Shayne

> Re: post RAI side effects

>

>

> I have my ablation dose on Monday morning. They told me I

> can't eat or drink for about 4 hours afterwards, I think that

> was the amount of time. So you think that isn't right? Maybe

> at least they let me drink something with the dose itself?

> Gosh I hope so!

>

> Also, I've been nauseous the entire time I've been hypo,

> coming up on 3 weeks, and getting worse. Any ideas on how to

> control this?

>

>

> tt 2/02 papillary with follicular, spread to one lymph and

> connective tissue currently hypo, done with scans (more later

> on that), RAI dose of 165mci scheduled for Monday

>

> RE: post RAI side effects

>

>

> How much water did you drink upon administration of your

> RAI dose? I'm

> not a doctor but I think it's quite possible that the RAI could burn

> your stomach if you don't drink enough to dilute it.

>

> Also, the experience in general is stressful on the body.

> Perhaps you

> have an ulcer. If so, you should see a doctor; they can

> treat ulcers.

> Tagamet, a non-prescription anti-acid, might help.

>

>

> Shayne

_________________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

, over a year ago I complained to my (then) PCP about constant

queasiness, heartburn and just general tummy blahs. Having nothing to do

with my thyroid, or even my diabetes. He gave me protonix to try and I

haven't had a problem with heart burn since. Now I am going hypo and low

iodining and some mornings I am waking up with queasiness again. However,

they recently switched me over to prilosec, against my wishes, and I don't

know if it is the med or the going hypo. But it is not every morning and it

is usually gone by lunch.

I would suggest asking for some samples of protonix. Anecdotally only, we

were talking about it at the beauty parlor one day and several women, who's

insurance would not cover protonix, agreed it was the best. If I continue

feeling morning yuckiness after I go back on thyroid meds, I intend to

complain, I am willing to pay a higher co-pay and don't like this changed

being forced on me.

Helen

TT 2/02

Upcoming RAI

Maybe by the end of next week

[Guest guest]

-

You probably won't be surprised to hear that there are variations on whether to

ingest RAI on an empty stomach or not, and if so, how empty. I've read

suggestions of anywhere from an hour to two hours to four hours. The main

reason for this seems to be

keeping the stomach empty in order to avoid nausea (see Dr. Ain's letter,

below).

Nausea is not an uncommon hypo symptom - your entire metabolism has slowed down,

including digestion. Eating small meals might help. Also, ginger in any form

is recommended for nausea (ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger snaps, ginger candy).

Since you are already feeling nauseous, and you have your RAI dose coming up on

Monday, you would probably do well to get the nausea under control as much as

possible before then. Dramamine is mentioned here often as being effective for

RAI nausea (yes,

that same nausea that many docs will tell you is unrelated :-)

After having read other people's experiences on this list, I have always brought

Dramamine (and ginger candies, too) with me to the hospital when I have an

ablative dose. I never needed it, but was glad to have it.

Leaving radioactive vomit on the floor doesn't exactly endear one to the nurses

(plus, you risk having to take a second RAI dose to replace the one that got

tossed with your cookies).

Other remedies mentioned on this list: phenegran; compazine; zofran; OTC Pepcid

AC, twice a day (one in the morning, one in the evening) plus Gaviscon as

directed on the bottle; prochlorperazine.

good luck -

----------------------------------------------------

Dear ThyCa Members:

Many physicians like patients to have an " empty stomach " prior to

swallowing their radioactive iodine. This has nothing to do with

absorption of the I-131, which would be sufficient even in the

presence of food. It has more to do with patient anxiety and the

problem of " butterflies in the stomach " causing nausea and possible

vomiting. Much like giving a speech before a large audience, going

on a blind date, having an important job interview, may cause

feelings of nausea; so may the anxiety of first treatment with

radioiodine produce a risk of nausea and vomiting, which would

invalidate the dosing and contaminate the environment. For these

precautions, it is often felt that an empty stomach reduces such risk.

**************PLEASE BE ADVISED*********************

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS COMMUNICATION IS INTENDED

FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED, NOR SHOULD

IT BE CONSTRUED, AS SPECIFIC MEDICAL ADVICE OR DIRECTIONS. ANY

PERSON VIEWING THIS INFORMATION IS ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN

PHYSICIAN(S) ABOUT ANY MATTER REGARDING THEIR MEDICAL CARE.

************************************************

B. Ain, M.D.

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine

Director, Thyroid Nodule & Oncology Clinical Service

Director, Thyroid Cancer Research Laboratory

Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine

Department of Internal Medicine, Room MN524

University of Kentucky Medical Center

800 Rose Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0298

************

savastinuk wrote:

> I have my ablation dose on Monday morning. They told me I can't eat or drink

for about 4 hours afterwards, I think that was the amount of time. So you think

that isn't right? Maybe at least they let me drink something with the dose

itself? Gosh I hope so!

>

> Also, I've been nauseous the entire time I've been hypo, coming up on 3 weeks,

and getting worse. Any ideas on how to control this?

>

>

> tt 2/02 papillary with follicular, spread to one lymph and connective tissue

> currently hypo, done with scans (more later on that), RAI dose of 165mci

scheduled for Monday

[Guest guest]

I have my ablation dose on Monday morning. They told me I can't eat or drink for

about 4 hours afterwards, I think that was the amount of time. So you think that

isn't right? Maybe at least they let me drink something with the dose itself?

Gosh I hope so!

Also, I've been nauseous the entire time I've been hypo, coming up on 3 weeks,

and getting worse. Any ideas on how to control this?

tt 2/02 papillary with follicular, spread to one lymph and connective tissue

currently hypo, done with scans (more later on that), RAI dose of 165mci

scheduled for Monday

post RAI side effects

>

>

> Hi all, I am 6 weeks post RAI and for the past week I

> have had digestive problems,eating food causes pain,

> nausea, etc.when I am just getting my normal energy

> back and my neck and mouth pain have cleared up. What

> I am wondering is, if the digestive symptoms have to

> do with getting back on meds, being hypo,or the RAI.

> Has anyone had any similar symptoms? Thanks, Tina

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

,

My Nuc Med Doc gave me a pill for the nausea before I had the ablative dose and

some medication to bring home. But I was still nauseous about a week or so

after the RAI. As suggested on this list I took Pepcid AC and gingerale which

seemed to help some. But it was miserable. I would suggest being prepared as

you can just in case.

Judy

tt 1/25/01, 50 mci 2/16/01

150 mci 3/4/02

Re: post RAI side effects

-

You probably won't be surprised to hear that there are variations on whether

to ingest RAI on an empty stomach or not, and if so, how empty. I've read

suggestions of anywhere from an hour to two hours to four hours. The main

reason for this seems to be

keeping the stomach empty in order to avoid nausea (see Dr. Ain's letter,

below).

Nausea is not an uncommon hypo symptom - your entire metabolism has slowed

down, including digestion. Eating small meals might help. Also, ginger in

any form is recommended for nausea (ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger snaps, ginger

candy).

Since you are already feeling nauseous, and you have your RAI dose coming up

on Monday, you would probably do well to get the nausea under control as much as

possible before then. Dramamine is mentioned here often as being effective for

RAI nausea (yes,

that same nausea that many docs will tell you is unrelated :-)

After having read other people's experiences on this list, I have always

brought Dramamine (and ginger candies, too) with me to the hospital when I have

an ablative dose. I never needed it, but was glad to have it.

Leaving radioactive vomit on the floor doesn't exactly endear one to the

nurses (plus, you risk having to take a second RAI dose to replace the one that

got tossed with your cookies).

Other remedies mentioned on this list: phenegran; compazine; zofran; OTC

Pepcid AC, twice a day (one in the morning, one in the evening) plus Gaviscon as

directed on the bottle; prochlorperazine.

good luck -

[Guest guest]

,

As always, so helpful!

I'm supposed to eat breakfast very early and then fast for four hours. I may eat

even lighter, in light of what you say here... Guess it's time for another trip

to the drugstore! I was already drinking ginger ale, but perhaps it isn't strong

enough of ginger, I'll look for candy. I was also planning to call my primary

physician today to ask for a prescription for something since the radiation

doctor didn't want to do it when I asked her on Thursday.

Oh, and my meals can't get much smaller. I feel like I've almost stopped eating

altogether! Such a strange experience for always-starving me.

thanks,

Re: post RAI side effects

-

You probably won't be surprised to hear that there are variations on whether

to ingest RAI on an empty stomach or not, and if so, how empty. I've read

suggestions of anywhere from an hour to two hours to four hours. The main

reason for this seems to be

keeping the stomach empty in order to avoid nausea (see Dr. Ain's letter,

below).

Nausea is not an uncommon hypo symptom - your entire metabolism has slowed

down, including digestion. Eating small meals might help. Also, ginger in

any form is recommended for nausea (ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger snaps, ginger

candy).

Since you are already feeling nauseous, and you have your RAI dose coming up

on Monday, you would probably do well to get the nausea under control as much as

possible before then. Dramamine is mentioned here often as being effective for

RAI nausea (yes,

that same nausea that many docs will tell you is unrelated :-)

After having read other people's experiences on this list, I have always

brought Dramamine (and ginger candies, too) with me to the hospital when I have

an ablative dose. I never needed it, but was glad to have it.

Leaving radioactive vomit on the floor doesn't exactly endear one to the

nurses (plus, you risk having to take a second RAI dose to replace the one that

got tossed with your cookies).

Other remedies mentioned on this list: phenegran; compazine; zofran; OTC

Pepcid AC, twice a day (one in the morning, one in the evening) plus Gaviscon as

directed on the bottle; prochlorperazine.

good luck -

[Guest guest]

Shayne

The reasons for the different treatment protocols is not necessarily that the

medical community cannot agree (although there is a necessary element of

this), but that there is less, in practice, to choose between the treatments

than you might think.

If you look out of the window at the nearest road you will see a huge range

of cars going past. Many of the buyers of those cars will have had a fairly

similar specification when they bought the things - to work and back,

shopping runs, carting kids around etc. Yet they all bought different things

for, often, strange reasons. A week or so ago I witnessed a HUGE man getting

out of a tiny car next to a minuscule woman climbing down from a big 4X4.

If you look at it from the opposite direction it makes more sense. None of

these people bought sledges, unicycles, hot air balloons, space shuttles,

submarines, go-karts, pogo sticks .....

The treatment for pap/fol thyca is well-standardized. Over the years all

sorts of protocols have been tested and have fallen by the wayside. What we

are left with is the best so far. The differences you see? Thyca is a slow

worker. If you change a protocol, even in a busy department, it will be years

before you get enough long-term survival statistics to be sure that the

revised protocol is actually better.

There is a world of difference between liquid RAI sitting in the stomach for

a short time before it is absorbed and the same RAI being concentrated in a

small organ for days on end. I have never heard of concern over stomach burns

before, neither would I expect to. Nevertheless, your point about a drink of

water with the RAI is a good one, but more than one glass of water is not a

good idea.

Getting RAI on your tongue in concentrated form has never been shown to be a

problem. Taking capsules, on the other hand, have many disadvantages. Some

people cannot swallow them, and in two cases that I have heard of, a patient

who could normally swallow caps couldn't swallow RAI because of nerves. One

ended up with a mouthful of dissolved capsule and powder, with the techs

having hysterics " Don't breath out through your mouth! " otherwise there would

be 150mCi of RAI powder wafting around the room.

Ian

> When I had my RAI, they put no limitations on eating or drinking. I

> don't know what the standard protocol is, or whether my layman reasoning

> on this is valid. It just seems to me a bad idea to have concentrated

> radioactive iodine in your stomach, as it would burn stomach tissue just

> as well as it burns thyroid tissue. So as a layman, I'd think you'd take

> RAI with at least a few glasses of water (which is a separate issue from

> how much to drink afterwards).

>

> These differences in treatment protocols on such simple issues is

> inexcusable if you ask me. I understand the arguments over lots of water

> vs. moderate amounts, but there should be no confusion about whether to

> have water or not with the treatment.

>

> A similar issue is: RAI treatment with a glass of water, vs. taking a

> pill, vs. very small concentrated solution. I understand that different

> patients get all these varied forms. Why? E.g., why get this stuff on

> your tongue in its concentrated form if it's possible to take a pill?

>

>

> Shayne

>

> > Re: post RAI side effects

> >

> >

> > I have my ablation dose on Monday morning. They told me I

> > can't eat or drink for about 4 hours afterwards, I think that

> > was the amount of time. So you think that isn't right? Maybe

> > at least they let me drink something with the dose itself?

> > Gosh I hope so!

> >

> > Also, I've been nauseous the entire time I've been hypo,

> > coming up on 3 weeks, and getting worse. Any ideas on how to

> > control this?

> >

> >

> > tt 2/02 papillary with follicular, spread to one lymph and

> > connective tissue currently hypo, done with scans (more later

> > on that), RAI dose of 165mci scheduled for Monday

> >

> > RE: post RAI side effects

> >

> >

> > How much water did you drink upon administration of your

> > RAI dose? I'm

> > not a doctor but I think it's quite possible that the RAI could burn

> > your stomach if you don't drink enough to dilute it.

> >

> > Also, the experience in general is stressful on the body.

> > Perhaps you

> > have an ulcer. If so, you should see a doctor; they can

> > treat ulcers.

> > Tagamet, a non-prescription anti-acid, might help.

> >

> >

> > Shayne

>

>

> _________________________________________________________

>