Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test Results - New Diagnosis

The Radioactive Iodine Uptake test was no picnic. Although the nuclear medicine technician who gave me the iodine capsules assured me that the capsules didn't have enough iodine to produce any side effects, it definitely increased my hyperthyroid symptoms -- drastically. I'm guessing that one might not notice the upswing if one wasn't looking for it, because it would just be more of the same. Especially in those people whose thyroid is putting out a whopping amount of thyroid hormones already.

In my case, the test was quite uncomfortable. I had to try to hold still for 20 minutes, and then again for 4 minutes, as the technicians measured the amount of radiation my thyroid was putting out and the amount of iodine my thyroid had taken up. I also had to go back again the following morning for another iodine reading at exactly 24 hours.

With thyroid nodules, what they are initially looking at is whether or not the nodules are making thyroid hormone independently from the thyroid itself. That's what toxic nodule/multi-nodule goiter is. However, when I went back to the Endocrinologist a week later in order to discuss the results of the Radioactive Iodine Uptake test -- a REAL Endocrinologist this time -- my diagnosis had completely changed.

I do not have Toxic Multi-nodular Goiter because the nodules are not functioning on their own.

Instead, the entire thyroid is overreacting. That means I have Grave's Disease even though I don't have abnormal antibodies. So the official diagnosis is now: Grave's Disease with Multiple Nodules. That makes my problem an autoimmunity issue, which is what I initial thought it might be. For some reason, the immune system is attacking the thyroid gland, which is causing it to defend itself by overreacting.

The Endocrinologist says that the nodules are probably nothing to worry about. Not only is a 12 cm nodule quite small size wise (hubby says it's about 1/4-inch in diameter), but most of the time when someone has Grave's Disease, the nodules are not cancerous. When cancer is suspected, the thyroid doesn't soak up iodine properly. However, he might decide to biopsy it anyway, just be sure.

In the meantime, he is treating my symptoms first. I am back on the anti-thyroid meds to cool down the hyperactivity and anxiety, and I have heart medication to control the heart palpitations and pain. I will then go back to see him for an evaluation in about 6 weeks. At that time, he will decide whether to biopsy the largest nodule or just watch it for a while.

He took more blood work last Wednesday. Even with the increase in iodine, my Total T3 was still within normal range, so I'm going to beef up the protein and start working on getting my strength back.