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From: mej@ptsfa.UUCP (Mary Johnson)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Question about Thyroid test.
Message-ID: <964@ptsfa.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 19-Nov-85 18:00:20 EST
Article-I.D.: ptsfa.964
Posted: Tue Nov 19 18:00:20 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 23-Nov-85 00:19:24 EST
Organization: Pacific Bell, San Francisco
Lines: 26

I have been diagnosed as having low thyroid, and referred to an
endocrinologist who wants me to take a thyroid scan test.  I understand
that this involved swallowing radioactive iodine, and am worried about
that - especially since it seems that radioactive iodine is used as
treatment for an over-active thyroid gland.  I was wondering if anyone
on the net could tell me:

1.  Is this test necessary for an accurate diagnosis of a low thyroid problem?
    (I've had extensive blood tests.)

2.  Would taking the iodine lessen what thyroid function I've got?

3. What are the effects of swallowing something radioactive?

4. Are there dietary precautions for a person with low thyroid?
   Any supplements that would be helpful?


Any and all information would be greatly appreciated.



       Mary Eileen Johnson
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