[Laurabee]

#1058820

I was diagnosed with GD 10 years ago, and achieved remission on methimazole. In 2006 I had a heart attack at age 45 and had 3 stents implanted, then had a recurrence of Graves’ about a year and a half after that. This past fall I again had symptoms, and began methimazole treatment again. Today I discovered, after about three weeks of feeling terrible that my TSH is 84 (.35-4.94). I’ve been severely constipated, have gained about 15 pounds in the past three weeks, have dry skin, achiness, stiffness, joint pain, feel so tired….

When I saw my cardiologist last week, he was surprised I hadn’t decided to have surgery to just be done with the roller coaster. Now, I’m wondering if I should’ve decided to go that direction, and wanted to get any thoughts on doing that at this point. Is it silly to change course at this point–stop the ATD’s and have surgery? My husband and daughter both take synthroid to treat hypothyroid, and it’s not been too difficult to monitor levels and adjust when necessary. Certainly it’s much easier than all that I’m dealing with!

Any comments are greatly appreciated!

[Bobbi]

#1170190

We all have to determine our own answer to the question you posed, Laurabee. And I’m pretty sure you’ll get a lot of very different responses based on what others have decided for themselves. But you are the one who has to live with the consequences of the decision, and I think you need to make it based on your own experiences of how well (or not) the drug therapy you’ve tried has actually worked for you. We are all different. Some folks go into a long, long remission. For them, trying the ATDs undoubtedly seems like it was a wonderful choice. For those of us for whom the ATDs did not work as well, eliminating the thyroid may be far and away the better choice.

[Kimberly]

#1170191

Hello – I’m so sorry to hear that you are dealing with this once again.

I’m hoping James will jump in here, as he is currently in an extended period of remission after (I believe) three rounds of Anti-Thyroid Drugs.

The bottom line is that you have all three treatment options available to you…and you and your doctor will want to sort through the risks and benefits of each one before making a final decision.

I’m including a link to a recent blog post from an Endocrinologist about the three treatment options. His response to the question as to the best treatment for hyperthyroidism is “it depends”!

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

http://www.endocrinetoday.com/comments.aspx?rid=90930

Wishing you all the best!

[Healingcc]

#1170192

Laurabee,

What does your endo doc say about the lab work? You have swung to a very Hypothyroid state based on your TSH. Surgery isn’t the only option, in fact is the US is seems most doctors don’t consider it an option, only the RAI. In Europe they do more surgery rather than the RAI.

As others have said, you will get many opinions here. I was fearful of doing RAI, but was advised the ups and downs for some on the drugs make it a poor choice.

Do based on how you feel, and your history you need a heart to heart with your endo doc. Ask if a definitive treatment for your thyroid, surgery, or RAI is in order.

my best,
CC

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