My Experience

I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease (overactive thyroid). I was told the radioactive iodine therapy would basically kill my thyroid cells and stop the thyroid from producing too much hormone.

The important thing for me was getting the thyroid hormone production under control to prevent the serious problems that unchecked thyroid hormone production can cause. I did have eye problems as well, but they were not aggravated by the radioactive iodine therapy.

I arrived and the radiologist ushered me into an office and opened a metal sealed container that held the little pill I had to take. It was as simple as taking a pill. There was no pain. It felt like taking any other type of pill.

Afterwards, I felt fine. The only precaution was that I was not allowed to be around people, especially small children, because I was radioactive. I had to take a day off from work, sleep in a separate bed from my boyfriend, etc. This was only for 24 hours.