[Coltsgal72]

#1060696

I was just diagnosed, and I’m looking for advice. My Dr told me my best options are RAI or surgery. I have kidney disease, and my liver numbers are up, so I am always wary of medication. However, I have a phobia of being put under for surgery. Anyway, I’m hoping you all can give me some advice. Perhaps share your experience with RAI (side effects, etc.). What about surgery? I just need some info on the pros and cons of each option, so I can make an informed decision that will be best for me.

[Kimberly]

#1184192

Hello and welcome – hopefully, those who have had RAI or surgery will chime in.

The issue with the liver enzymes is tricky. Sometimes the hyperthyroidism itself can cause this. However, if your liver enzymes are at a point more than 5x the upper end of the “normal” range, the medical guidance does not recommend starting anti-thyroid meds like methimazole/Tapazole/PTU.

With surgery, your biggest priority will be finding a doctor that does a LOT of these procedures. Some patients who don’t have access to local expertise will choose to travel.

With RAI, considerations include whether you have eye involvement (there is an increased risk of worsening or development of eye issues with RAI) as well as whether you are planning a future pregnancy (not recommended for 6-12 months after RAI, and antibody testing is recommended to assess the risk of passing antibodies on to the fetus).

Wishing you all the best as you make this difficult decision.

[Liz1967]

#1184193

I feel like the thyroidectomy cheerleader here, but it was the best decision I ever made. The surgery was less than an hour, I was home in two hours, back to normal activity in three days, the first two postop days just some fatigue from the general anesthesia. You cannot even see the scar. My two week labs were normal, TSH came right up. I have had a couple of synthroid dose adjustments, but I feel normal and would not even think about Graves if I didn’t have the eye disease. The eye disease rapidly burned out after the thyroid was removed and the anti thyroid antibodies decreased. I had never had general anesthesia before this and I was scared, but it turned out to be a piece of cake.

[AzGravesGuy]

#1184194

I’m with Liz 100%!

Thyroidectomy all the way. The only regret I have about my thyroidectomy is not doing it sooner. I was afraid too but I can tell you from the moment I woke up…..

Best decision I ever made after the failed RAI.

For me, a total thyroidectomy was the quickest path back to a normal life.

Scar is invisible.

I got my mind back, my body back, I got “me” back.

Focus, energy, strength, it all comes back.

[Author]

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