[bugnbean]

#1060300

Hello all. I just had my first appointment with an endocrinologist and I have a few questions. I don’t want to be pressured into one type of treatment if another one might work just as well. She said I more than likely have Graves Disease due to the eye issues I’m having with my hyperthyroid. I am being sent for a thyroid uptake and scan to confirm. She said if the diagnosis is Graves, that I have three options. I was on Methimazole but am switching to PTU and staying on atenolol. I can continue taking the meds, use the radioactive iodine therapy, or the surgery. I’m looking for input on these options. Surgery scares me. It may be vain of me, but I don’t want an ugly scar on my neck to remind me of my health issues every day. Radioactive iodine… I’m nervous about the side effects of it. and the length of time it takes. I am 34 and end goal would be to have another baby soon. Wondering if any of you were told about the risk factors with being pregnant and just being on the medicine? How was the recovery time with surgery? thanks!

[Kimberly]

#1181833

Hello and welcome! The “Treatment Options” thread in the announcements section of the forum has a couple of nice links that go through the pros and cons of each treatment option. Also, since a future pregnancy is a factor in your treatment decision, the latest guidance from the American Thyroid Association on thyroid issues and pregnancy will hopefully be of interest:

http://thyroidguidelines.net/sites/thyroidguidelines.net/files/file/thy.2011.0087.pdf

(Note on links: if you click directly on the above 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).

The section on Graves’ in the ATA guidance starts on page 1094 of the original journal article (page 14 if you download as a PDF). The section on antibody testing is especially important, as antibody levels can spike in the months following RAI, and in some cases, can be passed on to the baby.

Methimazole is usually preferred over PTU, as the risk of liver issues is higher with PTU. However PTU can be used during the first trimester of pregnancy (as the risk of birth defects is less) and in individuals who have minor reactions to methimazole. If you made the switch to PTU because you are looking to get pregnant quickly, definitely make sure your levels are normal and stable before trying to conceive, as that is safest for both you and the baby.

This board also has a search function (in the top right-hand corner of the screen), so you can run a search for “RAI”, “methimazole”, “thyroidectomy”, etc. to read stories from other patients. You do have to be logged in to use the search function. Keep in mind that with any treatment option, YMMV – “Your Mileage May Vary”! No two patients will respond exactly alike to treatment.

Take care!

[snelsen]

#1181834

Just a few comments right now, more later.
Kimberly gave you a good reference to read.

There are some very good conversations on this forum about treatment, and wanting to get pregnant asap.

Generally, because of the time it takes, RAI is the choice that takes a lot, lot longer, before you can plan to conceive. I think if you use the search engine, you will find conversations about this.

Re TT. I am a person who NEVER wins a bet, but the one I consistently win, is challenging someone to “find” my thyroidectomy incision. They can’t do it!
If I were technologically capable, I’d send a photo of it.
Whatever worry you have, is a REAL worry to you, but I am suggesting that this is pretty much a non-issue. Maybe you can find more comments from people.
Shirley

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