I don’t know if those statistics are correct, but everything I’ve read indicates that with either surgery or RAI, you will have to take thyroid replacement meds. There’s just no good way to avoid it and it doesn’t seem realistic to expect it. (Keep in mind that you shouldn’t be hypo once you get your meds regulated. It’s just a passing thing that the meds fix, not a permanent state. The reason you take the meds is so you aren’t hypo.)
I opted for RAI and to kill my thyroid completely. That’s what was recommended to me by two endos (for my specific case), and it makes sense to me that it’s easier to get regulated on thyroid replacement if your own thyroid is dead, rather than a half-dead or half-existing thyroid cranking out thyroid hormone in an irregular way. Mind you, this is my opinion, and I weighed things carefully before I made my decision. It’s good that you’re looking into all of this because it’s important stuff to find out.
Most of all, make sure you’re comfortable with your decision and don’t rush into it. If you’re not ready to make a decision by next week, then don’t, unless your health is demanding an immediate decision. Feeling good about your choice is *really* important. It will work wonders for you on days when you’re not feeling well.
Good luck!
~Melinda
