Can I be around my kids after radioactive iodine treatment?
During the first few days after your treatment you may have been instructed by your physician to avoid close and prolonged contact with infants, children, and pregnant women.
Can you be around someone who has had radioactive iodine?
You will be advised to maintain a distance of three feet from others for several days following radioiodine therapy. You also will need to wait several days before traveling on a prolonged automobile trip with other people. Over time, the amount of radiation in your body will diminish and eventually will go away.
How long am I radioactive after radioactive iodine treatment?
Your doctor will give you a wallet card with information about your treatment. The card states that you received treatment in Nuclear Medicine and that you may give off small amounts of radiation for up to 3 months after your treatment.
How long does radioactive iodine stay in your body?
How long does radioiodine stay in my body? The radioiodine from your treatment will temporarily remain in your body. Most of the radioiodine not taken up by your thyroid gland will be eliminated within the first (2) two days after treatment. Radioiodine leaves your body primarily by your urine.
How long is isolation after radioactive thyroid treatment?
Depending on state regulations, patients may have to stay isolated in the hospital for about 24 hours to avoid exposing other people to radiation, especially if there are young children living in the same home.
How much water should I drink after radioactive iodine?
Clearing the radioactive iodine from your body Follow these guidelines to help the radioactive iodine leave your body quickly. Drink lots of liquids. Starting right after your treatment, try to drink at least 1 cup of low-iodine liquid every hour while you’re awake. Keep doing this for 2 to 3 days after your treatment.
How long does radioactive iodine stay on clothes?
Personal clothing, sheets, bedding, washcloths, and towels should be collected and washed separately for the first 48 hours. After washing, run the washing machine through an extra wash cycle to clear out any residual radioiodine before using it for others.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Possible long term side effects include:
- Ability to have children (fertility) Some women may have irregular periods after radioactive iodine treatment.
- Inflammation of the salivary glands (where spit is made)
- Tiredness.
- Dry or watery eyes.
- Lower levels of blood cells.
- Lung problems.
- Second cancers.