How fast does RAI work?
Most patients get relief in three to six months. However, if the initial dose was too small, it may need to be repeated. Are there any side effects to the radiation? The main side effect is, that because the damage to the thyroid cannot be controlled, the thyroid of most patients becomes underactive (hypothyroidism) after RAI. This condition is then treated with a thyroid hormone supplement. This may seem silly – trading one thyroid problem for another. But hyperthyroidism is much more dangerous, and difficult to control, than is hypothyroidism. So while becoming hypothyroid may not be a perfect outcome, it is much better than being hyperthyroid. Are there any alternatives to the drugs or radiation? Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland (known as a thyroidectomy) will permanently cure hyperthyroidism. However, several things need to happen before surgery takes place. 1. First, surgery can be risky unless the hyperthyroidism is already being controlled by an antithyroid or
