[Gabe]

#1060009

Time to start my story… tomorrow’s the big day…

My name is Karen. I’m 54 years old, menopausal (seriously menopausal), and very healthy (before GD). I was diagnosed in January 2013 and have been riding the medication roller coaster since then. After much research, surfing this forum, reaching out to ‘veterans’ of GD, and soul searching, I’ve decided TT is for me. For a few reasons: 1) I have moderate TED, 2) I want the guarantee that RAI doesn’t provide, 3) it’s statistically highly unlikely at my age that I will ever go into remission, and 4) I can’t take the roller coaster and side effects from ATD’s/BB’s any longer.

As of today, I have completed by pre-op labs, completed the pre-op hospital interview, have my instructions, completed most of my ‘to do’ list, re-arranged my life for the next 2-4 weeks, and now I just wait.

I report to the hospital at 8:30 tomorrow morning for 10:30 surgery. As with all TTers I will remain for 23 hours (crazy insurance rules), and my family will take care of me afterwards (say a prayer for them!). Because I’ve followed others on this forum (specifically Alexis, Amy and Cycle), I know what to expect immediately after, 1 day after, 1 week after, and 1 month after. I know my experience could be very different but I’m ready for whatever it brings.

My biggest fear: it’s not the surgery or the immediate or short-term recovery… it’s “what if this doesn’t fix me?” Will my eyes ever be back to ‘normal’? Will I ever feel like I did not so long ago? What will my new ‘normal’ be like?

I’m under no illusion that this is the magic cure but I’m certainly hoping it’s better than these last very long months…

I’ll check back in as soon as I’m conscious, able, and coherent. I take no responsibility if someone gives me my iPad while I’m under the influence of crazy pills…Lord knows what I could say while under the influence.

Thank you all for being the best source of support and comfort thru all of this! I mean it sincerely when I say that I could not have tolerated this journey without you. Talk to you soon…from the other side….

Karen

[amosmcd]

#1179587

Hi, Karen–

Will be saying a prayer for you! Don’t forget to ask for lots of popsicles!

I hope you have an uneventful surgery and speedy recovery. Having family to help out is so important.

Your biggest fear is the fear I have, too. Nothing to do but wait and hope, but I think time is on our side.

I’m 55 and menopausal, too. Aren’t we just so lucky–NOT!

Looking forward to your post-op posts. Don’t feel like you have to post right away. Rest, rest, rest!

Here’s a cyber hug for you {{{{{HUG}}}}}

Amy

[Gabe]

#1179588

Thanks Amy. Your journey and posts have given me a lot of confidence and comfort. Forever grateful!

Hugs back…

Karen

[Naisly]

#1179589

Quote:

Will my eyes ever be back to ‘normal’?

If you already have eye involvement, then they are apt to get worse before they get better. Having surgery does not lessen the chances to get TED, in fact it can makes it worse. But I’m sure you already know this and have done your research.

[Boomer]

#1179590

It sounds like you’ve made a very informed decision. I hope you’ll keep us updated with your forward progress!

Those fears and worries? I think it’s normal and, in fact, I think that were one were to NOT be concerned that would be a sign of trouble. While I doubt there is anything anyone can say to take those fears away sometimes just hearing ourselves talk or writing things out can really help. It certainly helps me.

Hang tough, continue being brave, and when those fears creep in know that you’re not alone okay?

Okay! Now carry on in your usual badass fashion.

Love to all,

Boomer

[MaryI]

#1179591

Hi Karen,
All the best to you, from one menpausal to another-or should I say”mentalpausal”!
Let us know how you are during your recovery. I am another who would choose your path if my remission does not remain. Big hugs from afar.
Mary

[Gabe]

#1179592

@Naisly…thanks I am aware of the risks of worsening the TED. My ophthalmologist is as optimistic as I am.

@Boomer…how did you know I was a badass?! Haha. I will remain as positive as my menopausal-GD-riddled brain will allow. Thanks for coming back…

@Maryl…love the “mentalpausal”…describes this multi-year process very accurately! Thanks for the hugs..

[Kimberly]

#1179593

Wishing you all the best on this next phase of your journey!

As for eye issues, some studies indicate that there actually might be a *benefit* to total thyroidectomy in terms of reducing symptoms of thyroid eye disease, although the studies are primarily smaller ones. You can read more about this in the medical guidance on treatment of hyperthyroidism from AACE and the ATA; this is located in the “Treatment Options” thread in the announcements section of the forum.

We’ve also heard a couple of anectodal stories to that effect on this forum, so hopefully, you will have a positive outcome!

[Raspberry]

#1179594

Good luck to you Karen! Sending lots of healing thoughts your way for a smooth and successful surgery and recovery.

[karenz516]

#1179595

Karen, wishing you well tomorrow for your surgery, I will be thinking of you and saying a prayer for you. Everything will go well, keep a positive attitude, I try to remind myself of that everyday. Be well

Karen

[Ann1960graves]

#1179596

Hi, wishing you a successful surgery and recovery. Maybe you’ll get a cute nurse too.

[Ann1960graves]

#1179597

Hi, wishing you a successful surgery and recovery. Maybe you’ll get a cute nurse too.

[CycleColo2013]

#1179598

Karen –
Will keep you in my heart and thoughts tomorrow! I am very hopeful for you – As you know I am only a week ahead of you in line and in the last two days I’ve caught a glimpse or two of normal… and someone who saw me today who hasn’t seen me in awhile said, “You have a neck again!!!”

Bill

[Holly10]

#1179599

Karen

Good luck and best wishes hope all goes well. My wife had TT on 9th April and has had great recovery although still very tired.

Regards
Paul

[flora]

#1179600

And I’m pulling for you, too, Karen – recover quick and easy!

Flora

[Author]

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