Kelly
05-21-2008, 06:12 PM
Several months ago, my aunt went to the doctor and found out that she had a hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland). They had no choice but to give her radioiodine (RAI), a radiation pill to kill the thyroid. After the procedure, she was isolated in her own home for weeks due to the amounts of radiation. She wasn't even allowed to be near my uncle AT ALL and everything she touched, he was not allowed to touch for at least an hour. She made it through that phase of the recovery but she still suffers from the side effects of the RAI - I talked to her today and she said she's constantly gaining weight and she's tired and weak. She should be over it soon (it takes about 8-12 weeks for the thyroid to return to normal) but even then, they say that in the majority of cases, patients who undergo this procedure will develop hypothyroidism which in most cases will go away with the use of hormones within 6 months, or it could potentially be permanent. Please just pray that God's will be done in this and that she's able to feel His healing hands around her in this time.