Full Answer
How long does it take to recover from radioactive iodine treatment?
It usually gets better within 4 to 8 weeks. It can help to drink plenty of fluids after your treatment. Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment.
How do you store radioactive iodine in the hospital?
The bedsheets and pillowcases will retain most of the radioactive iodine, as will anything she touches, such as the phone. If we keep a patient in the hospital, we cover the TV clicker and the telephone with Saran Wrap.
How long does radioiodine stay in the body?
Radioiodine stays in your body for only a short time. Most of the radioiodine that does not go to thyroid tissue will be eliminated from your body during the first few days after treatment.
Should I be worried about radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer?
Your doctor or nurse specialist will discuss this with you if you are worried. They can help you weigh up this risk with the benefit of treating the thyroid cancer. Some people might need more than one radioactive iodine treatment. This is to make sure the treatment destroys all the remaining thyroid tissue and cancer cells.
How long does radioactive iodine last on surfaces?
With respect to your question on how does the radioactivity ever go away, all of the radioiodine (no matter where it is or how often it gets moved around) continuously decays at a rate such that half of it goes away every eight days.
How long does radioactive iodine stay on clothes?
Personal clothing, sheets, bedding, washcloths, and towels should be collected and washed separately for the first 48 hours. After washing, run the washing machine through an extra wash cycle to clear out any residual radioiodine before using it for others.
How do I clean my house after radioactive iodine treatment?
The iodine-131 will wash out in the laundry. Vacuuming will pick up hair that is shed, which will have small amounts of radioactivity in it since our heads also sweat. The conservative approach would be to cover the chair with a sheet.
How long are you radioactive after radioactive iodine?
Your doctor will give you a wallet card with information about your treatment. The card states that you received treatment in Nuclear Medicine and that you may give off small amounts of radiation for up to 3 months after your treatment.
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.
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.
Can you wash radiation off clothes?
Any radioactive material that gets into surface water or ground water sources will be diluted to very low levels by the water and will be safe to use for washing skin, hair, and clothing.
What can you not do after radioactive iodine treatment?
Do not share cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils. Wash items promptly after using. Other people may use items after they are washed. Do not share towels or washcloths.
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.
Does radiation stay on objects?
When such radiation impinges on a person or an object it may interact and deposit some or all of its energy in the person or object, but this energy is dissipated in the form of very small amounts of heat or excitation of atoms and molecules with no induced radioactivity.
How does radioactive iodine affect others?
Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. Some people also feel flushed. Rarely, people can feel pain in their neck.
How long are you radioactive after a thyroid uptake scan?
However, the amount of radioactivity is minute, so special precautions may or may not be advised for 24 to 48 hours (often this simply includes flushing twice after urinating). Consult the health care provider or the radiology/nuclear medicine department performing the scan.
What is iodine used for?
Iodine, in the form of iodide, is made into two radioactive forms of iodine that are commonly used in patients with thyroid diseases: I-123 ( harmless to thyroid cells) and I-131 ( destroys thyroid cells ). The radiation emitted by each of these forms of iodine can be detected from outside the patient to gain information about thyroid function ...
Why is iodine important for the thyroid gland?
Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which use s it to make the thyroid hormones. The thyroid is equipped with an active system or “pump” for moving iodine into its cells, where it is concentrated as iodide. The thyroid gland is the only tissue in the body that takes up and holds onto iodine.
What is the I-123 isotope used for?
I-123 is the usual isotope used to take pictures and determine the activity of the intact thyroid gland ( Thyroid Scan and Radioactive Iodine Uptake, RAIU ), since it is harmless to thyroid cells. No special radiation precautions are necessary after a thyroid scan or RAIU using I-123. I-131 can also be used to take pictures of the thyroid gland, ...
What is the purpose of I-131?
THYROID CANCER – Large doses of I-131 are used to destroy thyroid cancer cells (see Thyroid Cancer brochure ). This is performed after the remaining thyroid cells ( including any cancer cells) are stimulated by raising TSH levels by either withdrawing the thyroid hormone pills or by treating with recombinant human TSH.
Is rai safe for X-rays?
RAI is safe to use in individuals who have had allergic reactions to seafood or X-ray contrast agents, since the reaction is to the compound containing io dine, not the iodine itself. RAI is given by mouth in pill or liquid form.
When can you stop breast feeding after I-131?
This protects the baby who would otherwise receive radioactive milk and the mother’s breasts which concentrate RAI. Breastfeeding must be stopped at least 6 weeks before administration of I-131 treatment and should not be restarted after administration of RAI, but can be safely done after future pregnancies.
Can RAI cause thyroid cancer?
Hypothyroidism is a common side effect of RAI for hyperthyroidism and always seen after RAI for thyroid cancer. This is usually easily treated with thyroid hormone replacement (see Hypothyroidism brochure ). Some studies suggest a slight increase in thyroid cancers may be seen after RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism.
How long can you live after iodine treatment?
You can expect to live a fairly normal life after radioactive iodine treatment but your life will probably not be exactly as it was before your procedure. For most people, this means that you can expect to live at 80-90% of your 'normal'.
How long does radioactive iodine affect sperm count?
Important to men is the fact that radioactive iodine can cause short-term reductions in sperm count for up to 2 years after your procedure (8). This may or may not be important to you based on your age, your gender, and whether or not fertility is something you are interested in but, again, it's worth knowing about.
How to avoid weight gain after RAI?
Your best bet to AVOID weight gain after RAI is to go into your procedure with a normal weight and to maintain a healthy lifestyle both before and after. Just realize that you will always be in a 'sensitive' category and you will be more likely to gain weight compared to people with their thyroid intact. #3.
How long does it take for a RAI to fade?
The good news is that this radioactivity does fade over a short period of time (usually 5 to 7 days) but the bad news is that you need to stay under certain precautions during this time.
What happens if you destroy your thyroid gland?
And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. Anectodally, you've probably already heard stories about people gaining weight after their procedure.
Can you survive after RAI?
You can obviously survive after RAI (otherwise they wouldn't do the procedure) but I want to teach you how to thrive afterward. And to key to getting there is to understand what happens to your body after this procedure and how it influences your thyroid function.
Can you take a thyroid pill every day?
There's no way for doctors to give you a pill once a day and for that pill to perform the exact same function that your thyroid gland does every minute of every day. Because of this, people may experience symptoms which may lead them to want to restore whatever thyroid function they can.
How long after radioactive iodine treatment can you take thyroid medicine?
Your nurse will tell you when you should start to take them again. Usually, this is 2 to 3 days after your treatment.
How long after iodine treatment should you follow safety precautions?
You will need to follow safety precautions for a few days after your radioactive iodine treatment. This is to protect others from the radiation. The advice about precautions varies for different people and for different hospitals. Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse.
How long after iodine treatment can you go home?
After radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer. Having radioactive iodine treatment means you will be radioactive for several days afterwards. You will be able to go home from hospital when the radiation level in your body is at a safe level.
How long does it take for thyroxine to work?
Usually, this is 2 to 3 days after your treatment. You will need to take thyroxine tablets to replace the hormones that your thyroid gland normally makes. Your doctors will want to keep your thyroid hormones at a slightly higher level than you would normally need.
How to get rid of radiation in your body?
For a few weeks you will need to use your own towel and keep your cutlery and plates away from others until washed. Continue to flush the toilet twice and wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
How to avoid radiation?
If you live or work with other people, you will need to keep a distance from them. Avoid standing or sitting close to them. This stops them from getting radiation from you.
How long does it take for a syringe to get better?
You may have short term changes to your taste and smell. This may not start until you get home. It usually gets better within 4 to 8 weeks. It can help to drink plenty of fluids after your treatment.
How to reduce radioiodine contamination?
Since most of the radioiodine leaves your body in your urine, good toilet hygiene and careful, thorough washing of your hands will reduce the possibility of contamination.
How to avoid radiation exposure?
There are three basic principles to remember: 1 Distance: The greater the distance you are from others, the less radiation they will receive. Try not to remain in close contact with others for longer than is necessary. 2 Time: Radiation exposure to others depends on how long you remain close to them. You should try to minimize the time spent in close contact with others. 3 Hygiene: good hygiene minimizes the possibility that other people will be contaminated with the radioiodine that leaves your body. Since most of the radioiodine leaves your body in your urine, good toilet hygiene and careful, thorough washing of your hands will reduce the possibility of contamination.
How often do radiation safety specialists come to your room?
A radiation safety specialist will come to your room one to two times a day to measure your radiation levels. These radiation levels will be less everyday. On discharge from the hospital, a minimal amount of radiation remains in your body and will go away over the next several weeks.
How far away should family members be from you on radiation?
If you are treated as an outpatient, family members should not come closer than six feet from you the first day and three feet the second day. Further precautions will most likely not be necessary after this, but this will be determined by the radiation safety specialists with a specific measurement.
How long after a syringe can you sleep together?
Do not sleep together for an entire night until a week after treatment. Avoid prolonged physical contact, particularly with children and pregnant women; limit to 15 minutes. Do not resume care of an infant or breastfeeding until your doctor tells you that you can.
Can you return home after iodine?
Most patients, however, are able to return home immediately after administration of the iodine, and will need to follow specific radiation safety precautions at home. If you are admitted to the hospital, your room will have a protective covering on the floor.
Is iodine 131 radioactive?
Iodine-131 (I-131) is radioactive. Radiation can be measured around your body and I-131 is present in your skin oil and sweat. Whatever touches your skin will pick up a small amount of radiation. The I-131 leaves your body through your urine primarily. Small amounts of I-131 may also leave through your saliva, sweat and feces.
How to avoid radiation?
Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: 1 Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, your workplace. 2 Sleep apart from adults by at least six feet (a separate bedroom is recommended) and avoid sexual activity. 3 Avoid sleeping in the same bed with a pregnant woman, infant, or child for a period of six to 23 days. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, infants and children should ideally stay outside the home for the recommended period. 1 4 To protect family pets, do not sleep with them for up to 21 days.
How to minimize radiation risks?
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. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, ...
Does iodine affect thyroid?
Because the radioactive iodine used (known as iodine 131) may expose those around you to the effects of radiation (and theoretically negatively affect their thyroid glands), you will be given guidelines on how to prevent such exposure. Laura Porter / Verywell.
Can you hospitalize after a 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. A Low-Iodine Diet Can Make Radioactive Iodine Treatment More Effective.
How long does radioiodine stay in your system?
Radioiodine stays in your body for only a short time. Most of the radioiodine that does not go to thyroid tissue will be eliminated from your body during the first few days after treatment. Radioiodine leaves your body primarily through your urine, but very small amounts can be found in your saliva, sweat and bowel movements.
How long should you wait to breastfeed after radioiodine?
You must stop breastfeeding before you can be treated with radioiodine. If possible, you should stop breastfeeding for 6 weeks prior to treatment. You should not resume breastfeeding after treatment for your current child, but you may safely breastfeed babies you may have in the future.
What is radioiodine used for?
What is radioiodine? Radioiodine (sodium I-131) is a form of radiation therapy that has been used for many years to treat thyroid conditions. It is safe and effective but requires you to observe certain precautions to decrease the small amount of radiation that other people may receive from your body and bodily fluids.
How can radiation exposure be reduced?
Radiation exposure to other people can be reduced by keeping a reasonable distance between yourself and others and keeping the time you are close to others to a minimum. Your doctor should review the following instructions with you and answer all of your questions.
How to get rid of radioiodine in urine?
Clean your hands thoroughly every time you use the bathroom. After you go to the bathroom, soap up and scrub your hands thoroughly, as you'll be passing the most radioiodine in your urine. Scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.
How to prevent radioactive particles in the house?
1. Wash your linens and clothes separately from the rest of the household. Always wash your towels, sheets, and clothes in a different load from other household items. They may spread radioactive particles to other items in the house if you don't take this precaution.
How to keep dishes from spreading radioactive particles?
2. Wash your dishes separately from the rest of the dishes. Reserve dishes and utensils for yourself that only you use, kept away from other dishes and utensils. Also, wash these items separately from other household dishes so you don't spread radioactive particles to other items.
What to do with contaminated disposable items?
Place all contaminated disposable items in a separate trash bag. The facility where you have your treatment may give you a special bag for trash. Anything you use that's disposable, such as food plates, utensils, non-flushable cleaning wipes, and gloves, should be placed in that bag. The bag should be leak-proof.
Can you get radioactive iodine if you have thyroid cancer?
If you're being treated for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, you may be given radioactive iodine or radioiodine. [1] With this treatment, it's possible to contaminate others with radiation, even though the amount of radiation you're given is fairly small.
Can radiation contaminate other people?
With this treatment, it's possible to contaminate others with radiation, even though the amount of radiation you're given is fairly small. For that reason, take precautions to clean up after yourself, particularly in the bathroom and the kitchen, and to isolate items you use from other household items.
Can you shower with radioiodine?
Showering helps wash away what your body's shedding each day in radioiodine. However, skip baths, as you'd just be soaking in radioiodine. Plus, you're more likely to leave radioiodine behind in the bathtub. ...
How long does it take for radioiodine to come out of your body?
My institution recommends the following: The First Four Days : 1. Most of the radioiodine in your body will come out through the urine and stool. A small portion of radioactivity will be found in your saliva and sweat. To decrease the spread of radioactivity: If possible, use a separate bathroom.
How to get radioactive iodine out of a daughter's body?
A. The iodine will come out of your daughter's pores in sweat, urine, and stools. Frequent hand washing will reduce the spread of contamination. The bedsheets and pillowcases will retain most of the radioactive iodine, as will anything she touches, such as the phone.
How to reduce radioactivity?
To decrease the spread of radioactivity: If possible, use a separate bathroom. Flush the toilet two times after each use. Men should sit down when urinating. If urine should be spilled/splashed, wash and rinse the affected area three times, using paper towels or tissue.
How to reduce radiation dose to others?
To decrease the radiation dose to others: You should sleep in a separate bed. Cover the pillow with two pillowcases or a water-resistant cover if possible. Remain in your home for the first four days. Do not hold young children or spend much time near a pregnant woman.
Does iodine 131 wash out?
She should have received written instructions on handling of the linens and bath towels. The iodine-131 will wash out in the laundry. Vacuuming will pick up hair that is shed, which will have small amounts of radioactivity in it since our heads also sweat.