
Symptoms in this category include:
- Weight gain (already discussed)
- Fatigue or low energy
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Cold body temperature
- Eyebrow hair loss
- Brain fog
- Depression
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!
What to expect after radioactive iodine treatment?
What To Expect After Radioactive Iodine Treatment 1 You're going to be radioactive (for a few days) 2 You may gain weight. 3 You will need to (most likely) be on medication. 4 You may experience other thyroid symptoms. 5 You should consider yourself "hypothyroid" 6 Men may have short-term infertility afterward.
How can I 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.
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.

How long do Rai side effects last?
The RAI that is not taken up by the remaining thyroid tissue is eliminated from the body through your perspiration, saliva, feces, and urine. Most radiation from the RAI is gone in about one week.
What are the after effects of radioactive iodine treatment?
What are the side effects of radioactive iodine?Neck tenderness and swelling.Nausea.Swollen salivary glands.Loss of taste or taste change.Dry mouth/insufficient salivary production.Dry eyes.Excessive tearing from the eyes.
Does radioactive iodine make you feel sick?
Short-term side effects of RAI treatment may include: Neck tenderness and swelling. Nausea and vomiting. Swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands.
What happens after RAI treatment?
Dry mouth may happen if you're taking a higher dose of radioactive iodine. Dry mouth can happen right after treatment, or it may happen for several months to a year after treatment. To help with this, drink plenty of liquids, as instructed by your doctor. Changes in taste caused by irritation of your taste buds.
What does radioactive iodine treatment feel like?
Radioactive iodine treatment can make your neck swell up or hurt. Nausea or vomiting, which is usually mild. Constipation or diarrhea. Fatigue.
Will I gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?
Treatment of hyperthyroidism with RAI or anti-thyroid medications is associated with an increased risk of gaining weight and even developing obesity. This risk is slightly higher with RAI therapy compared to medications.
How long is isolation 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.
Does Rai hurt?
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.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
NCI study finds long-term increased risk of cancer death following common treatment for hyperthyroidism. New study findings show an association between the dose of a common treatment for hyperthyroidism and risk of death from solid cancers.
Do you still have Graves disease after Rai?
With currently employed dosing regimens, hypothyroidism is the most common outcome after RAI therapy for Graves' disease, occurring in up to 80% of patients, the vast majority within the first 6 months.
What is the most common complication of radioiodine therapy?
The most common adverse reaction to medical therapy was a rash in 8 patients, followed by neutropaenia (neutrophils < 1.0 × 109/L) in 6 patients. LFT derangement was reported in 3 patients taking PTU and 1 patient taking carbimazole.
How long does it take for radioactive iodine to leave the body?
The radioiodine from your treatment will temporarily remain in your body. Most of the radioiodine not taken up by your thyroid gland will be eliminated within the first (2) two days after treatment. Radioiodine leaves your body primarily by your urine. Very small amounts may leave in your saliva, sweat, or feces.