Should I read up on post-Rai guidelines before having Rai treatment?
Before you or any family members have RAI treatment, it is strongly recommended that you read up on post-RAI guidelines and speak with your healthcare providers about how they should be applied to you. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback!
When can I go home from hospital after radiation therapy?
You will be able to go home from hospital when the radiation level in your body is at a safe level. As you will still have some radioactivity in your body you may still have to take some precautions when you go home.
What precautions should I take as a caregiver during radiation therapy?
With systemic radiation therapy, you may also have to avoid the person's bodily fluids for a few days after treatment. Talk to the health care team about any precautions so you understand exactly what you should and should not do as a caregiver during treatment.
Should I be hospitalized after taking iodine 131 for RAI?
It is not common in the United States to hospitalize patients after RAI, but if you are receiving a particularly high dosage of iodine 131 and have no way to protect children or babies, it may be an option. Do not share any towels, razors, toothbrushes, cups, spoons, forks, or dishes.
Can I be around my child after radioactive iodine treatment?
RAI therapy does use a radioactive drug, but if the patient follows instructions provided by the doctor, RAI is considered safe for the family of the patient and ultimately for members of the public.
How long is isolation after Rai?
Depending on state regulations, patients may have to stay isolated in the hospital for about 24 hours to avoid exposing other people to radiation, especially if there are young children living in the same home.
Where do you stay after radioactive iodine treatment?
The iodine-131 will wash out in the laundry....To decrease the radiation dose to others:You should sleep in a separate bed. ... Remain in your home for the first four days.Do not hold young children or spend much time near a pregnant woman.Family members should stay about six feet or more from you.More items...•
How do you clean after radioactive iodine treatment?
First two days:Do not share cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils. Wash items promptly after using. ... Do not share towels or washcloths.Flush the toilet twice and rinse the sink and tub after use.Wash your towels, bed linens, underwear, and any clothing stained with urine or sweat.
Is it safe to be around someone after radioactive iodine treatment?
Keep Your Distance Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days.
How long do you have to stay isolated after radioactive iodine?
You are also required to self isolate for 7 days after your radioiodine treatment in order to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst there is still a large amount of radioactivity in your body. A small proportion of people with COVID-19 may become very unwell and require admission to hospital.
What happens if you are exposed to someone with radioactive iodine?
If too much radioactive iodine enters your body, the radioactive iodine will destroy your thyroid gland so that the gland will stop making hormones. Too much radioactive iodine in your body can also cause thyroid nodules or cancer.
What should I do after Rai?
After Your Radioactive Iodine TreatmentDrink lots of liquids. ... Your urine will be radioactive so urinate as much as you can to empty your bladder. ... Your bowel movements (poop) will also be radioactive. ... Some people have a dry mouth after treatment. ... Call your nurse if you have any problems, such as nausea or stomach pain.
Does radiation treatment affect family members?
Any radiation therapy that is transient, including external beam radiation or brachytherapy that is removed, poses no risk to family members. For these types of therapy, patients are exposed to radiation only during active treatment, and radiation is not carried on the patient's body.
Can you be around someone receiving radiation therapy?
The radiation travels a very short distance, so the effects are mostly to the tumor. However, you may have to limit contact with other people for up to one week after treatment. It is especially important to avoid close contact with children and women who are pregnant.
What should I eat after RAI treatment?
You can eat the following foods because they contain very low levels of iodine:fruits and vegetables including potatoes.cooked green vegetables.meat.ordinary table salt and sea salt.fresh bread.rice and dries pasta.non dairy spreads such as Vitalite, Pure and non dairy Flora.olive oil, vegetable oils and nut oils.More items...
Can radiation Stay on clothes?
Take off your outer layer of clothing: Taking off your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Be very careful in removing your clothing to prevent radioactive dust from shaking loose.