[Anonymous]

#1125156

I had the surgery in April and would be happy to give you some information on that if you would like. You can e-mail me and I’ll try to answer your questions.

[Anonymous]

#1125157

I did RAI about two years ago, as Tapazole was causing me to experience too many side effects. I was scared to death!! But, I can definitely say now that I made the right choice. It takes a while for your levels to start dropping, then even longer to get them stabilized on Synthroid, but for me it was definitely worth it. After feeling so horrible for so long, I now feel great and after two years, my TSH is normal and stabilized and I don’t have to go back to my endo for a whole year! Even though everyone has to make their own personal decision as to what treatment to take, I know I definitely appreciated feedback from others before I made my decision. Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

#1038323

Went to see the endo yesterday and said that the Tapazole is not working that my

T3 is elevated (norm is 180 mine is 220)
T4 is upper borderline
TSH is .01

He said that my levels aren’t bad, but I need to do something because I am destroying my body. He is giving me a choice of surgery or RAI. I am confused as to which one I should do. Both seem to have some very serious consequences. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. I know my levels aren’t that bad and was wondering if there is any chance that it would lower by itself.

[Anonymous]

#1125158

Hi, Rayne:

I know how hard the decision you are trying to make is. But try to keep in mind that every day you spend with too much thyroid hormone in your body REAL damage is being done to your heart, muscle and bones. If the antithyroid drugs are not working to control your hyperthyroidism, you must choose another treatment. RAI and surgery do have potential side effects, although the side effects are rare. In other words, you are balancing rare possibilities against real damage. Hopefully, keeping this in mind will make it easier for you to weigh your choice.

Wishing you good health, and good luck,
Bobbi — NGDF Asst. Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1125159

I was at an impass as to which choice to make in the treatment options for Graves’ disease. After deciding that radioactive iodine treatments were not an option that I considered, I chose to have the surgery. I was placed on Tapazole to help alleviate symptoms until my surgery date, and I must be honest, it didn’t do much to help me. I had a total thyroidectomy on June 12th, and I feel wonderful. The surgeon I had is the best in thyroid surgery and I would highly recommend him, if anyone is interested, contact me for his name. I had some discomfort after the surgery, but that is common with any surgery. I was only uncomfortable for a few days, and then…….fine. My incision is healing nicely and is hardly noticeable. My pathology report came back showing the thyroid as being diseased, but not cancerous. That was the best news! I know in my heart that I made the right decision. It may not be right for everyone, but it was for me. I am not putting Tapazole down, by any means, it just didn’t work in my case. I hope that I have been of some help to someone out there. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your support.

[Anonymous]

#1125160

I would be interested in hearing your story and why you choose surgery.
Right now I am so confused about what will be the right option for me.
I absolutely hate taking pills, but have about resigned myself to the fact the I will on them the rest of my life.
I need to make a decision soon, as I am feeling worse by the day and my doctor is pressuring me into making a decision.
Please email me. keshia@cfl.rr.com

God Bless,
keshia

[Author]

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