Guest guest Posted March 8, 2000 Report Share Posted March 8, 2000 Hi All! Boy Oh Boy! Study after study and I read the same thing. Seems that RAI is economical compared to other treatments (Of course, these aren't studies that patients get to read). Gee! I wonder if that's a factor in how we're treated in the U.S. since medicine here is economy based. Take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2000 Report Share Posted March 8, 2000 Hi , Since going in to remission with this disease I have been out of the loop a bit regarding the necessity of knowing more about endocrinology and treatment options than my endocrinologist. I thought the " economy " of RAI was that, at about $9,000 a pill as opposed to PTU's being one of the cheapest drugs on the market. The " big business " of treatment as well as the overwhelming economy (in terms of making money and having a Synthroid patient for life) in the United States was steering patients who would be good candidates for ATDs into RAI. Regards, Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2000 Report Share Posted March 8, 2000 I am on PTU and agree, thankfully, that it is a cheap drug, and I have been fortunate that I have experienced no problems with it. I also have an endo who regularly pushes for RAI and who I am resisting <smile>. I hope rather for remission. Incidentally, my sister is a nurse in a nursing home and says she has an 80 year old resident who has been on PTU almost forever! (perthaps a slight exaggeration). How much is a prescription for synthroid? I do not have insurance prescription benefits, and have a curiosity about what I would face should I go that route (unlikely). Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A Re: economy > > > Hi , > Since going in to remission with this disease I have been out of the > loop a bit regarding the necessity of knowing more about > endocrinology and treatment options than my endocrinologist. I > thought the " economy " of RAI was that, at about $9,000 a pill as > opposed to PTU's being one of the cheapest drugs on the market. The > " big business " of treatment as well as the overwhelming economy (in > terms of making money and having a Synthroid patient for life) in the > United States was steering patients who would be good candidates for > ATDs into RAI. > Regards, > Guy > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/975/2/_/585824/_/952536967/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2000 Report Share Posted March 9, 2000 Hi Guy- I've heard that 9K a pill for RAI before. When I had it done, it was around $500 for RAI in 1987. According to Your Thyroid: A home reference by Lawrence C. Woods, M.D. et al., it lists the cost of RAI at between $417-$560 and this book was the 1995 edition. I can't imagine that it's gone up in cost so much in the 5 years since 1995 when it didn't in the 8 years prior to that. But I've heard of lots of people that believe that it's in the thousands. I wonder where that got started? Does anyone out there know? It does say in Woods et al. that if you require a larger dose of RAI (e.g. for thyroid cancer), hospitalization and the precautions required for radioactive material handling the cost might run between $1,061 to $3,592. Which is still considerably less than $9,000. PTU in itself might be cheap but not only do they have to pay for that and continously monitor thyroid function (once I had RAI and was stable, I was checked only 1x/year) but they check liver function too. All these costs add up. Believe me, if ATDs were cheaper and they were the standard of care in the the U.S., everyone would be doing it. There are risks to all three treatments. But it seems to me that the risks of RAI are downplayed while the risks of ATDs and surgery are overblown. They absolutely do not want to hear of anyone being OK on ATDs long-term in the U.S. Whereas, I and many others have a heck of a time getting anyone to listen to us when we're post-RAI and not doing OK. Seems like the doctors just don't want to hear it. Oh well! This isn't the first time that a treatment was assumed to be perfectly fine and was later found to have problems associated with it. Take care, Guy Morvillo wrote: > > > Hi , > Since going in to remission with this disease I have been out of the > loop a bit regarding the necessity of knowing more about > endocrinology and treatment options than my endocrinologist. I > thought the " economy " of RAI was that, at about $9,000 a pill as > opposed to PTU's being one of the cheapest drugs on the market. The > " big business " of treatment as well as the overwhelming economy (in > terms of making money and having a Synthroid patient for life) in the > United States was steering patients who would be good candidates for > ATDs into RAI. > Regards, > Guy > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/975/2/_/585824/_/952536967/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 In a message dated 3/10/00 1:26:48 AM Eastern Standard Time, jutek@... writes: << I've heard that 9K a pill for RAI before >> I've got to ask! RAI is that the Radioactive pill that you swallow?? I can't believe that a pill would cost that much?!?!? Please let me know. Jewls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 In a message dated 3/10/00 6:07:07 PM Eastern Standard Time, elainetm@... writes: << I suspect they take into account the hospital radioactive unit, all the staff, the building and the grounds, electric lights, heating plant, etc., when they bill the insurance company. Yeeesshhhh! I think that is Harvard Business School cost accounting! >> So the 9k is if you go to the hospital to have this procedure done. I'm trying to find out as much as I can, as I have NO insurance NOT a good thing! Jewls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 In a message dated 3/10/00 6:07:18 PM Eastern Standard Time, elainetm@... writes: << I suspect they take into account the hospital radioactive unit, all the staff, the building and the grounds, electric lights, heating plant, etc., when they bill the insurance company. Yeeesshhhh! I think that is Harvard Business School cost accounting! >> Yes! When I, in characteristic Gravesian manner, said I'd just drive by and take the pill in the parking lot rather than check-in to a room, etc., etc., the hospital people got VERY pissed. I ended up in the lab near where the " harmless " stuff is kept in a vault-like container. It saved tons of money, except that now I must pay for thyroid replacement each and every month of my life or take the consequences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 I suspect they take into account the hospital radioactive unit, all the staff, the building and the grounds, electric lights, heating plant, etc., when they bill the insurance company. Yeeesshhhh! I think that is Harvard Business School cost accounting! Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A Re: Re: economy > From: Freedoverc@... > > In a message dated 3/10/00 1:26:48 AM Eastern Standard Time, jutek@... > writes: > > << I've heard that 9K a pill for RAI before >> > > I've got to ask! RAI is that the Radioactive pill that you swallow?? I > can't believe that a pill would cost that much?!?!? Please let me know. > > Jewls > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/975/2/_/585824/_/952724547/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 In a message dated 3/10/00 7:26:06 PM Eastern Standard Time, elainetm@... writes: << It is only done in a licensed radioactive material handling unit in my area. That usually restricts it to the hospitals. I know of no off-site people doing it in the Washington, DC area, although there may be some. The unit and staff handling the RAI must be equipped to deal with radioactive materials. >> That's REALLY interesting, my dr told me that the endo would do this right at the office. I think I am going to call the office Monday morning. Jewls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 In a message dated 3/10/00 11:11:21 PM Eastern Standard Time, elainetm@... writes: << You are actually speaking of RAI, aren't you? My endo and HMO gatekeeper gave me referrals for having it performed over a two-day period as a hospital outpatient, because it requires some advance patient preparation, discontinuing medication, watching type of foods, etc., which the endo would manage in advance of my appearing for the appointments with the unit at the hospital. >> If the RAI is the radiactive pill, that's exactly what I am talking about. I was told it could be administered in the office?!?! Now I am wondering...... Jewls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 In a message dated 3/10/00 11:19:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, hearnwic@... writes: << That is really scary. In his office? >> That's what I was told?!?! Ok, let me ask this....what are the other ways of taking care of this, if the radioactive pill is out?? Jewls (who is feeling REALLY clueless!!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 It is only done in a licensed radioactive material handling unit in my area. That usually restricts it to the hospitals. I know of no off-site people doing it in the Washington, DC area, although there may be some. The unit and staff handling the RAI must be equipped to deal with radioactive materials. Why not call a local hospital and ask for figures, explaining that you are not insured. They have no reason not to tell you, although I do understand there is different pricing even among insurance companies who have agreements with the hospitals. If I were to undergo the recommended RAI, my HMO has already advised that it must be done in the city, although I am in the suburbs and a qualified hospital is within walking distance of my home. The hospital near me is not in an agreement with my HMO. I figure my HMO is getting a " price " from the city hospital. Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A Re: Re: economy > From: Freedoverc@... > > In a message dated 3/10/00 6:07:07 PM Eastern Standard Time, > elainetm@... writes: > > << I suspect they take into account the hospital radioactive unit, all the > staff, the building and the grounds, electric lights, heating plant, etc., > when they bill the insurance company. Yeeesshhhh! I think that is Harvard > Business School cost accounting! >> > > So the 9k is if you go to the hospital to have this procedure done. I'm > trying to find out as much as I can, as I have NO insurance NOT a good > thing! > > Jewls > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/975/2/_/585824/_/952729853/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 You are actually speaking of RAI, aren't you? My endo and HMO gatekeeper gave me referrals for having it performed over a two-day period as a hospital outpatient, because it requires some advance patient preparation, discontinuing medication, watching type of foods, etc., which the endo would manage in advance of my appearing for the appointments with the unit at the hospital. Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A Re: Re: economy > From: Freedoverc@... > > In a message dated 3/10/00 7:26:06 PM Eastern Standard Time, > elainetm@... writes: > > << It is only done in a licensed radioactive material handling unit in my > area. > That usually restricts it to the hospitals. I know of no off-site people > doing it in the Washington, DC area, although there may be some. The unit > and staff handling the RAI must be equipped to deal with radioactive > materials. >> > > That's REALLY interesting, my dr told me that the endo would do this right at > the office. I think I am going to call the office Monday morning. > > Jewls > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 0.0% > Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! > http://click./1/937/2/_/585824/_/952746638/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 I think your doctor may not realize that the item is handled as a controlled radioactive substance. He may misunderstand how it is administered and assume that all endo's are capable of safely keeping it and administering it. That is not so. Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A Re: Re: economy > From: Freedoverc@... > > In a message dated 3/10/00 11:11:21 PM Eastern Standard Time, > elainetm@... writes: > > << You are actually speaking of RAI, aren't you? My endo and HMO gatekeeper > gave me referrals for having it performed over a two-day period as a > hospital outpatient, because it requires some advance patient preparation, > discontinuing medication, watching type of foods, etc., which the endo would > manage in advance of my appearing for the appointments with the unit at the > hospital. >> > > If the RAI is the radiactive pill, that's exactly what I am talking about. I > was told it could be administered in the office?!?! Now I am wondering...... > > Jewls > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/975/2/_/585824/_/952747952/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 You take the medication. I am on PTU. I have been refusing RAI for close to a year. Unless I take a real dip for the worse and stop responding to medication, I see no reason to undergo RAI. All I am doing is trading one medication for another medication that seems more difficult to regulate in the body. I don't see much sense in that. Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A Re: Re: economy > From: Freedoverc@... > > In a message dated 3/10/00 11:19:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, > hearnwic@... writes: > > << That is really scary. In his office? >> > > That's what I was told?!?! > > Ok, let me ask this....what are the other ways of taking care of this, if the > radioactive pill is out?? > > Jewls (who is feeling REALLY clueless!!!) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 You take the medication. I am on PTU. I have been refusing RAI for close to a year. Unless I take a real dip for the worse and stop responding to medication, I see no reason to undergo RAI. All I am doing is trading one medication for another medication that seems more difficult to regulate in the body. I don't see much sense in that. Elaine Researching Bohemian Surnames S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A Re: Re: economy > From: Freedoverc@... > > In a message dated 3/10/00 11:19:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, > hearnwic@... writes: > > << That is really scary. In his office? >> > > That's what I was told?!?! > > Ok, let me ask this....what are the other ways of taking care of this, if the > radioactive pill is out?? > > Jewls (who is feeling REALLY clueless!!!) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 I also chose antithyroid drug therapy over RAI. I do not plan to ever go to RAI. I definitely recommend thinking about medication first. The endos might try to dissuade you by saying how it's so hard to have monthly blood tests, and the risks, but I am very happy with this therapy considering the alternative is RAI, which is very scary to me. Hope you take your time to decide! At 11:38 PM 03/10/2000 -0500, you wrote: > > >You take the medication. I am on PTU. I have been refusing RAI for close >to a year. Unless I take a real dip for the worse and stop responding to >medication, I see no reason to undergo RAI. All I am doing is trading one >medication for another medication that seems more difficult to regulate in >the body. I don't see much sense in that. > >Elaine > >Researching Bohemian Surnames >S L E P I C K A and H R U S K A > > Re: Re: economy > > >> From: Freedoverc@... >> >> In a message dated 3/10/00 11:19:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, >> hearnwic@... writes: >> >> << That is really scary. In his office? >> >> >> That's what I was told?!?! >> >> Ok, let me ask this....what are the other ways of taking care of this, if >the >> radioactive pill is out?? >> >> Jewls (who is feeling REALLY clueless!!!) >> > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as 2.9% >Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. Apply NOW! >http://click./1/936/2/_/585824/_/952749437/ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >------------------------------------- >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >---------------------------------------- > > Shen Holy Macro! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 One more thing about choosing RAI - my first endo said that they have to put you on antithyroid drugs to normalize you before they can administer RAI anyway - so you will have a chance to try the meds first, I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 That is really scary. In his office? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2000 Report Share Posted March 10, 2000 Hi Jewls- The cost of the actual RAI pill runs about $500. The 9K number is probably the estimate of the lifetime cost of care including RAI and onwards. But I'll have to check. I have an abstract somewhere that quotes the lifetime costs of all 3 treatments for a woman in her mid-40s courtesy of a friend. And the lifetime cost for RAI was no more than a few thousand. As for having RAI in the office. You'd all be horrified. I was in and out of the doctor's office in 10 minutes. He was an oncologist (so I assume he dealt with this quite often) and ushered me into a room. He put on a lead apron and gloves. Got a lead box from somewhere, pulled out a pill and told me to eat it. I did and left (I had already payed my co-pay). This was back in 1987 and I was very young. The precautions that are taken now weren't taken then. Anyways, I came home, cuddled my dogs and slept with my husband that night. They told me that RAI wasn't a big deal and that the only thing I had to worry about was being around pregnant women or babies for a little while. Things have sure changed. Do they know what they're doing now? Could be. Just remember, they thought they knew what they were doing then too. Take care, Freedoverc@... wrote: > From: Freedoverc@... > > In a message dated 3/10/00 1:26:48 AM Eastern Standard Time, jutek@... > writes: > > << I've heard that 9K a pill for RAI before >> > > I've got to ask! RAI is that the Radioactive pill that you swallow?? I > can't believe that a pill would cost that much?!?!? Please let me know. > > Jewls > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > GET A NEXTCARD VISA, in 30 seconds! Get rates > as low as 0.0% Intro APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/975/2/_/585824/_/952724547/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2000 Report Share Posted March 11, 2000 , Thanks so much for the information, it really helped! $500 is something easier to " digest. " I'd be interested in seeing that abstract, although would like to see something for someone in their mid-thirties. My other big question, is whether my 6 month old daughter will have to be away from me. I heard someone say somewhere else, they they had to be away from all children/elderly/animals for about 48-72 hours. Can't wait till I START getting some answers from dr's. Thanks again for this information!! Jewls In a message dated 3/11/00 2:25:58 AM Eastern Standard Time, jutek@... writes: << The cost of the actual RAI pill runs about $500. The 9K number is probably the estimate of the lifetime cost of care including RAI and onwards. But I'll have to check. I have an abstract somewhere that quotes the lifetime costs of all 3 treatments for a woman in her mid-40s courtesy of a friend. And the lifetime cost for RAI was no more than a few thousand. As for having RAI in the office. You'd all be horrified. I was in and out of the doctor's office in 10 minutes. He was an oncologist (so I assume he dealt with this quite often) and ushered me into a room. He put on a lead apron and gloves. Got a lead box from somewhere, pulled out a pill and told me to eat it. I did and left (I had already payed my co-pay). This was back in 1987 and I was very young. The precautions that are taken now weren't taken then. Anyways, I came home, cuddled my dogs and slept with my husband that night. They told me that RAI wasn't a big deal and that the only thing I had to worry about was being around pregnant women or babies for a little while. Things have sure changed. Do they know what they're doing now? Could be. Just remember, they thought they knew what they were doing then too. >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2000 Report Share Posted March 11, 2000 Hi Jewls- I've regretted RAI since I had it. I was told I'd be well but I haven't been since. Then it got even worse once my thyroid completely died 6 years post-RAI (they don't tell you about that part). I was doing alright on ATDs but my doctor made it sound like I was going to die if I didn't have RAI. You will have to spend time away from your baby. I should have spent a few days away from my husband and dogs but things were done differently then. I'll attach a letter I wrote an American woman in Switzerland where they do things much differently than they do here. By the way, I'm now 37. Now for my story. I had RAI 6 months after diagnosis of Graves' when I was 24 (I'm now 37) and haven't been right since. I did do well on ATDs. I was told that I couldn't continue them because I could go into thyroid storm (even though my levels were OK). I was told I'd be fine post-RAI and that I'd have thyroid function left (it's now dead). At the time, my husband was an intern and didn't know any more than I did. As the years have gone by, I got a master's in biology and my husband became an academic emergency physician. I got progressively worse and had clearly hypothyroid symptoms. But my standard lab tests were normal so nothing was done. I first had an inkling that they don't really know what they're doing when my cholesterol shot up to over 230 when I was only 29 (it had never been above 150 before that). My TSH was 4.0 (still normal but higher than it'd ever been). I brought up that high cholesterol is a symptom of hypothyroidism but the doctor said that it wasn't possible that this was the reason since my TSH was still normal. They told me I'd have a lifelong problem with cholesterol and put me on a low-chol. diet (I weighed 126). I ate like that for 1 year, went back and my cholesterol was still over 230. My TSH was still 4.0. I had my husband prescribe 50 more mcg of Synthroid increased slowly over 2 months. Then I changed doctors and got retested. My TSH was 2.5 (well within normal) and my cholesterol dropped down to 125-150 regardless of what I ate. And it's been like that ever since. Over the years I slowly developed swelling, arthritis, sick fatigue, panic attacks, acne, apnea, neuropathies, irritable bowel syndrome, etc... I was also infertile when everyone else in my family easily becomes pregnant. Finally, I had a beautiful boy after I took fertility drugs. Then in Feb. last year. My husband brought home an article on replacing T3 (active hormone) as well as T4 (replacement hormone). I hadn't known about the small amount of T3 that our thyroid makes and no one knows what it's for. Since my thyroid is completely dead, I was appalled that this wasn't replaced for me (not biologically sound reasoning to not replace it). I also found out that all the healthy females in my family had TSHs ranging from 0.5-1.5. I couldn't get my family doctor to help me so Tom (my husband) prescribed me a small amount of T3. The reduction in symptoms was almost immediate. Neither of us felt like meddling too much with it more because we didn't feel we knew enough. So almost 6 months later I got to see the endocrinologist that I wanted to see. He sees me for free as a professional courtesy to my husband and is not covered by our insurance. If I wasn't married to a doctor, I'd still be on T4 only. The endo ran some none standard tests (free T3, total T3, and TBG) and decided that I had problems converting T4 to T3 in my tissues. He put me on a big dose of T3 along with my T4. I have seen almost all my hypothyroid symptoms either disappear or be greatly reduced. I still have many ups and downs because of the short half-life of T3 but I'm greatly improved. After all these years, they still don't know everything about thyroid function. Like I said on the BB, if I had it to do over again, I would definitely have stayed on ATDs as long as possible. I'm so sorry this is so long but it does cover a lot of years with this disease. Hopefully, you read it in spurts. Take care and write anytime. Freedoverc@... wrote: > From: Freedoverc@... > > , > > Thanks so much for the information, it really helped! $500 is something > easier to " digest. " > > I'd be interested in seeing that abstract, although would like to see > something for someone in their mid-thirties. > > My other big question, is whether my 6 month old daughter will have to be > away from me. I heard someone say somewhere else, they they had to be away > from all children/elderly/animals for about 48-72 hours. > > Can't wait till I START getting some answers from dr's. > > Thanks again for this information!! > Jewls > > In a message dated 3/11/00 2:25:58 AM Eastern Standard Time, jutek@... > writes: > > << The cost of the actual RAI pill runs about $500. The 9K number is > probably the estimate of the lifetime cost of > care including RAI and onwards. But I'll have to check. I have an abstract > somewhere that quotes the lifetime > costs of all 3 treatments for a woman in her mid-40s courtesy of a friend. > And the lifetime cost for RAI was no > more than a few thousand. > > As for having RAI in the office. You'd all be horrified. I was in and out > of the doctor's office in 10 minutes. > He was an oncologist (so I assume he dealt with this quite often) and > ushered me into a room. He put on a lead > apron and gloves. Got a lead box from somewhere, pulled out a pill and told > me to eat it. I did and left (I had > already payed my co-pay). > > This was back in 1987 and I was very young. The precautions that are taken > now weren't taken then. Anyways, I came > home, cuddled my dogs and slept with my husband that night. They told me > that RAI wasn't a big deal and that the > only thing I had to worry about was being around pregnant women or babies > for a little while. Things have sure > changed. > > Do they know what they're doing now? Could be. Just remember, they thought > they knew what they were doing then > too. >> > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > PERFORM CPR ON YOUR APR! > Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! Get rates as low as > 0.0% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR and no hidden fees. > Apply NOW! > http://click./1/2121/2/_/585824/_/952784119/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2000 Report Share Posted March 11, 2000 What no one has stated yet is that RAI only stops the thyroid from producing too much hormone. For instance your heart rate and blood pressure can be returned to normal after the thyroid is destroyed. It does not cure Graves. That is is a separate disease with other symptoms and problems. This is just now being acknowledged after 50 or so years of RAI. For this reason using RAI to treat Graves is being abandoned by most of the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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