Hello,
I’m scheduled to go for radioactive iodine I131 treatment and having two kids, girls aged almost 2 and 7, I’m having some problems finding the right answer for a very simple question – how long after the I131 treatment will I have to be isolated from them? My doc already walked me through the first week, it’s absolutely clear I’d have to stay away for the minimum of 7 days. But the thing is, I was also warn to keep my distance from pregnant women and that even weeks later I might be responsible for triggering the airport radiation alarm.
Seven days sounds kinda short and possibly dangerous since the whole isolation thing is here because radioactive I131 that is left in my body treatment can destroy thyroid cells and cause major thyroid problems for my daughters. Is 7 days long enough to stay away from kids after I131 treatment?
Thanks for your help!
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Hello Jaymie,
Some of the radioactive iodine will remain in your thyroid. This provides for extra treatment. The rest of it will come out in your bowel movements, sweat and urine. Most of the Iodine will be gone within the first 2 days. the rest coming out slows down simply because you have less of it around. You already know about the 7 day period. However, you will still have some residual iodine present. I assume you have already signed a HHS Consent to Treatment form. Most of the radiation comes out of your body within 7 days. However, the remaining Iodine can take up to 3 months to be completely eliminated. You only need to worry about the first 7 days and then you will be okay with family members and the public.
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