Re: RAI for hyperthyroid - now I'm hypo and need help!

I had RAI in October 2003. I choose RAI because my symptoms were so severe I couldn't walk further than across the room, couldn't find my own shoes under the sofa, etc. I was too sick to find alternatives. My health fund didn't encourage Dr. shopping.

Following the RAI, the specialist prescribed a thyroid suppressant which prompted a severe bout with psoriasis, hair loss and a subsequent slowing of my metabolism to the point where even my fingernails had stopped growing. For my self esteem, the worst part was an 'overnight' weight gain of 40 pounds.

Now I have hypo-symptoms and I am on synthroid (.15mg). I still have additional weight gain (3 pounds this week and I am on a very healthy diet), bloating, exhaustion, muscle/organ pain, joint pain, depression, recurring infections and what appears to be drug induced lupus-type symptoms, tingling fingers and feet, as well as amazing periods of energetic well-being.

I am trying to improve my health with diet and natural supplements. My GP keeps trying to prescribe drugs, and throws her hands up when I refuse! :)

MY QUESTION
My problem is that I am uncertain about what to expect from my thyroid now that it has been treated with the radioactive iodine.

Should I assume that there will be no hormone production and that I am forever bound to synthetic hormones?

Can the post-RAI thyroid be stimulated to produce hormones?

To add to the confusion, the most recent blood tests showed that I am both hyper and hypo.

I have added flax seed oil to my diet and this seems to be helping with the Depression and energy. Soy products increase the abdominal bloating and put me in a fog.

All comments and suggestions will be cherished.
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