how to clean after radioactive iodine treatment

How to Clean After Radioactive Iodine Treatment

• Method 1 Method 1 of 16: Spit and dispose of used tissues in the toilet.. Your bodily fluids will shed radioactive...
• Method 2 Method 2 of 16: Flush the toilet twice when you use the bathroom.. Flushing the toilet twice ensures the...
• Method 3 Method 3 of 16: Wipe down the toilet after using it.. Wipe any urine off the...

Full Answer

How do you get rid of excess radioactive iodine in urine?

May 26, 2017 · May 28. RAI is water soluble, so you just need to clean well with water and probably some soap. There is a product called Scrubbing Bubbles, which has been recommended here by a radiation nurse, but you must be sure that it does not contain bleach. Buy the plain kind.

What can I expect to live after radioactive iodine treatment?

• Most of the extra radioactive iodine is eliminated in your urine. It is important to drink fluids after your treatment and for the next 2 days. This lowers the amount of radiation exposure to your bladder. • You may also be advised to suck on sour candy after treatment to help the radioactive iodine come out in your saliva.

Can I contaminate others with radioactive iodine?

Sep 12, 2016 · A. Since most detergents are alkaline, not acidic, the best approach is to use an off-the-shelf cleaning solution that doesn't include bleach. Dishwashing liquids, automatic dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, hand soaps, bar soaps, and general-purpose cleaning products (like 409 ®, Simple Green ®, etc.) fall into this category.

What can I do to reduce the radiation exposure after treatment?

Oct 30, 2018 · 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'. Some people, however, may have further trouble after their treatment and suffer from weight gain ...

How long does radioactive iodine stay on surfaces?

So the general rule of thumb is that after three months, all of the radioactivity is gone.May 26, 2015

Can I use my cell phone after radioactive iodine?

You will have to stay in your room for at least 1 to 2 hours after your treatment. You can use your cell phone or watch TV to help pass the time. You won't be able to have visitors during this time. You may not have any side effects from the treatment right after you get it, but you may have side effects later.Aug 19, 2020

How long do you have to be 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.

Can you be around people after taking radioactive iodine?

The radiation will pass out of your body through your urine within days. Until that time, you will give off radiation in your sweat, your saliva, your urine, and anything else that comes out of your body. It is important to avoid exposing other people to the radioactivity from your body.

Can I prepare food after radioactive iodine treatment?

For 2 hours after you swallow the capsule: Do not eat any solid foods. An empty stomach helps your body absorb the radioactive iodine. Drink only water. For 3 days after you swallow the capsule: Follow your low-iodine diet.

What should I eat after Rai?

Starting from the morning after the RAI Treatment, take 1-2 sour candies after each meal, aiming for ~5 candies per day for 7 days. Lemon juice with tea is a good alternative if you do not like sour candies.

Can I go shopping after radioactive iodine treatment?

Days that you need to stay >6 feet away from babies, children younger than 16 years old and pregnant women. Days that you need to stay away from work and close contact with others in public places (movies, shopping, etc).

How do you clean your house after Rai?

The First Four Days: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.Be sure to carefully wash your hands after using the bathroom.More items...•Apr 30, 2009

How do you feel after taking radioactive iodine?

A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed 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.May 24, 2021

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, ...

Can you travel on an airplane after radiation?

If you will be traveling via airplane or crossing an international border in the period following RAI treatment, you must be provided with a written document from your doctor stating they you have been given a medical treatment involving radiation, as security monitoring devices can detect it. 3 

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.

Do's

DO - Wear Slippers (cheap and disposable) or thick socks at all times. Your feet perspire and will leave radioactive “footprints”.

Dont's

DON'T - USE BLEACH or bleach containing cleaners. Bleach will cause radioactive iodine to become gaseous and may spread far and wide.

What is Radioactive Iodine Treatment?

Radioactive iodine is a procedure that is often used to treat hyperthyroidism.

Download my Free Resources

I've found that these 10 foods cause the most problems for thyroid patients. Learn which foods you should absolutely be avoiding if you have thyroid disease of any type.

Plan A: Flushable cat litter

To understand the default recommendation for litter box management following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism there are a few concepts that one needs to understand.

Plan B: Alternative litter box management option

Lets face it, some cats are more particular about their litter box accommodations than others. Some cats have spent over a decade fine tuning their litter box material preferences and will react negatively, read eliminate elsewhere, if a sudden change in litter box filler (e.g., flushable litter) is forced on them.

Multiple pets

How does having another pet at home complicate the management of my hyperthyroid cat upon its return home from its radioiodine therapy?

Additional Resources

Looking for a good resource to help you understand your cat's behavior regarding its use of the litter box or anything else? Please consider purchasing Cat Mastery by Tony Buffington. This wonderful ebook is available for download at the iBooks bookstore.