When coming to your first appointment:
If you have been referred for a thyroid condition make sure you bring to your appointment all your medication bottles, any available records, reports or films relevant to the thyroid. Try to collect and write down family medical history prior to the visit.
When coming for radioactive iodine (RAI) procedures:
RAI is contraindicated if there is suspicion of pregnancy. A urine pregnancy test will be performed prior to administering RAI. Bring any outside records of prior RAI tests or treatments you might have had. If you have been receiving treatment with Tapazole or PTU (antithyroid drugs), you will not be able to have a RAI test or treatment until you have been off the medications for at least three days.
If you were referred for radioactive iodine treatment, you will not be receiving that on the day of your fist visit; instead, the doctor will explain to you the procedure and schedule that for a future visit. If you are supposed to receive a high-dose treatment with RAI for thyroid cancer, you will not be allowed to stay in a hotel or motel and you should plan for alternative lodging. Doctors at Cleveland Clinic will be happy to discuss these details with you before your planned visit. More detailed discussion will occur on the day of your visit. A Nuclear Medicine Specialist will also be involved with your treatment.
