[LaurelM]

#1060019

Dear Thyroid,

We have been together a long time. We have weathered some rough times and I know it is not really your fault (that darn immune system came between us) but I have decided to consider a separation. For this latest rough patch, I have invested over a year and despite intense professional counseling and liberal use of medication, you have just become too unpredictable. I don’t like to issue ultimatums but unless you quickly begin to behave in a respectable manner, I will no longer be able to remain in our relationship. I have begun talks with outside counsel to formalize our divorce.

I’m sorry it has come to this but I don’t want to live this way with you any longer.

Laurel

So, saw my endo today. My labs while technically in the normal zone, were too close to the edge so we edged my dose of PTU up to 5 (50mg) in the AM and 4 (50mg) in the PM. I don’t like taking that much at this point in my treatment course. We discussed all my treatment options. My endo gave me the name of a surgeon and will be sending him a referral so that I can meet to discuss with the surgeon. I will also follow-up on a couple of other names I have received.

I am just feeling a bit discouraged in general and wish it was going smoother. At least we are having beautiful weather instead of our usual June gloom and so I’ve tanked up on my Vit D.

[Gabe]

#1179711

Hi Laurel, well written. It is like a death/divorce when you near the TT decision. It’s not easy to make and it sounds like you have done everything to give yours a chance to get with the program and stop misbehaving! I’m less than one week after my TT and still question did I do the right thing… It’s not easy to have an important piece of you cut out…. But except for brief moments of doubt, very brief, I’m glad I did it.

Make sure you have all your questions written out and get the answers from your surgeon. If not, move on to another one. To me it was very important that he/she did a hi volume of TTs annually with zero surgical errors.

With that said, maybe your thyroid will decide to get in line and you can regulate and live normally without surgery!

Best wishes, Karen

[Kimberly]

#1179712

Hi Laurel – I know that this has been a long, difficult journey for you. I ponder this decision myself at times…but my levels are good at the moment, so am planning to keep the status quo for now. At least after the consult, you will better understand your options and you will be ready to move forward.

If you are interested, this link is a nice resource page from the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons.

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://endocrinediseases.org/thyroid/thyroid_background.shtml

And you know that everyone here will support you 100%, regardless of which decision you ultimately make. Take care!

[SueAndHerZoo]

#1179713

In the same boat, Laurel. I contacted a surgeon’s office yesterday about a consult to have my thryoid removed but his next opening is July 15th and his next surgical opening isn’t until end of September. I asked if one of his associates is a little less busy and one of their secretaries is supposed to call me back today to set up an appointment.

Even though my levels are pretty much normal right now, I don’t want to live with that could over my head of if and when (moreso when) it goes out of whack again. I too, am now into some pretty heavy therapy schedules and medications and once I get this anxiety under control I don’t want any organ in my body playing with it again. I need some consistency and my thyroid hasn’t provided that in the last 6 years.

Will be interested to hear about your appointment, and hope to get one myself soon.
Sue

[adenure]

#1179714

Laurel,

I understand the discouragement. I was there (and still am at times). My thyroid decided to be agreeable on methimazole, but the methimazole, unfortunately, was a two- faced helpful (on the hormones) yet destructive on the liver third party! I was discouraged and freaked out when I was told I had to stop taking the methimazole that night (over the phone with the doc. on call). I often wonder if I would’ve been okay and gone into remission since the 5 mg. put my levels in check within 7 weeks without a problem. But, that was not to be, and although tempting, I shouldn’t look back at something I had no control over.

That being said, I really had no options but to say good bye to my thyroid. Wish I didn’t have to, but it had to be done. So, now I am much healthier than I was when I was hyperthyroid, and for that I am grateful!!! The TT gave me my life back. Did it give it back 100% as it was before Graves, no. Unfortunately not. I am well, but I have issues that I didn’t have before. I think I’m more prone to sleep issues now, a little bit of depression at times (not always though- usually related to sleep issues) and am more anxious about things in general- although all the anxiety attacks and physical manifestations of anxiety are about 98% gone- so that is a relief. It’s easy to lament and wish I could be who I used to be 2 years ago, but that just isn’t the case. So, I try to really appreciate that I am better now than I was a year ago. That I can live my life and enjoy my family- even if it is more of a struggle than it was before Graves. Nothing’s perfect, but surgery can make things better. Good luck to you!

[Ann1960graves]

#1179715

Ive gone though divorce. Once you make up your mind and go through with it, it can lead to a better life. Now I wonder about the karma in that decision…GD? Well the ex would like to think so, lol.

I am in hate with my thyroid and/or immune system right now. I have already made the decision. Im whacking it out asap! If I keep taking parts and pieces out Im going to be gutted like a fish.

One problem, the endo has to at least return a phone call. You’d think he would be embarrassed since he and my husband work at the same place. Ya, I may have to fire him.

Take care of yourself, Ann

[Gabe]

#1179716

Good for you Ann! Making this decision is by far the hardest part. Now all you have to do is find the best surgeon, interview them with all your questions, and go thru the normal anxiety of questioning your decision and then you’ll be on your way.

As Alexis said, you’ll never be 100% because you will always have GD but I’m already finding that it can be a whole lot better, especially when you can’t be regulated by meds.

Good luck and best wishes!

Karen

[LaurelM]

#1179717

Thank you for your kind words everyone. I am happy to report that I have left my pity party and headed to mildly annoyed resignation. Since I am waiting for my endo’s letter to the surgeon I went ahead and made an appointment to see my PCP Friday to see who she would recommend.

Thanks for the link Kimberly – there was some good info. I was suprised to see only one surgeon on that list for our state. I assume that we have many, many more qualified surgeons in our area since we have a well ranked medical school here.

Laurel

[SueAndHerZoo]

#1179718

Again, right there with you. No longer furious and disgusted, just annoyed and impatient….. I want it OUT.

I just got a call from a surgeon’s office and have an appointment for consult next Thursday.

I went to the link provided by Kimberly and his name does NOT show up, however he is in the same office with a doctor that does. Should I be worried?
Sue

[Kimberly]

#1179719

Hi Sue – My guess is that one must be a dues-paying member of that organization in order to have a listing. I would put more stock in personal referrals, how you feel the consultation appointment goes, and how many surgeries that doc performs per year.

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