[mariaboo]

#1059403

I am scheduled to have RAI therapy on Wednesday for Graves Disease. My other option is a Thyroidectomy. Can any one tell me the pros and cons of the treatments. My doctor said after RAI, as the iodine attacks the thryoid, you will become very hyperthyroid. I have struggled with the rapid heart rate throughout my disease, so I’m not looking forward to it becoming more pronounced. This kind of scares me. Now I’m thinking maybe the surgery is the right choice but i’m not sure of the pain and the recovery time for this.

[Bobbi]

#1174499

There is a permanent post on a top section of the bulletin board which lists the pros and cons of surgery and RAI, mariaboo.

As for RAI making you more hyperthyroid, yes. About one week after RAI, as the thyroid cells are damaged by the iodine isotope, they release their stored supply of thyroid hormone. They are not making new hormone, however, so the period of time when we are more hyper than normal, perhaps, is limited to a few days. The most potent of the hormone released (T3) only has a half-life of three-quarters of one day — in other words 18 hours. So, when that is released, there are 18 hours of more intense hyperness. If the cells die off at different rates, that hyperness can last a few days. But, in my case, my endo prescribed a beta blocker to help with the heart symptoms, and I was told a dose increase it to during the thyroid cell die off. I only had to increase the dose for two days.

I mention all of this because for me, at least, knowing WHAT is going on, and how long it might last, helps with the fear. I hope it helps you, as well.

[snelsen]

#1174500

Hi Maria,
as Bobbi said, there is a ton of information, plus many recent posts of folks who have documented every stage of their thyroidectomy, their decision process, etc. Adenure has had a recent experience,and did a great job describing everything. Llc11 (or lch11) had great posts.
I had a thyroidectomy, it was a great experience. My incision is not visible at all. Regarding your concern about pain and recovery from a thyroidectomy, I took a few tylenol, but had little pain, More of a sore neck for a few days. I went back to work full time in less than two weeks, which I would not advise, cause I was tired. The big thing about surgery is to have a surgeon who is familiar with the procedure, and has done a lot of them. Surgeons are generally willing to tell you this.
But since you are having your RAI this Wednesday, I do suggest you do your thinking soon. If you are unsure, it is easy to cancel and reschedule the RAI.
I think one of the most important things about having Graves’ and making decisions, is that you feel good about your choice, and do not feel “talked in” to anything. And, of course, the advice of your doctor. Be aware, however, that some docs encourage one choice because they are familiar with it from their training, and/or for reasons unknown. So ask them why the recommend a certain treatment. Many of us on the board have followed our own choices, which may differ from what was recommended. It is a matter of education, medical advice, and your own personal fears, preferences, and availability of the treatment you choose in your part of of the country.
Best wishes to you. All of have made different choices, and there is no wrong choice.
Shirley

[mariaboo]

#1174501

Thank you Shirley and Bobbi. I just signed up for this site yesterday and was happy to receive a response to my question. I’m getting familiar with the site, thanks to both of you for your help on how to find other posts that relate to my concerns.

Truly, I don’t want to have either treatment. I feel better for a little while and then the Graves kicks in and I feel terrible. I am in my feel better stage right now, so that always makes me think I don’t need any treatment. My blood tests are still high, so I know that I’m really not better. But I’m trying to convince myself I’m okay and that I don’t need treatment.

I have read sad stories about people who have not had good luck with their Endo. But I will tell you, my Doctor is the absolute best doctor ever. He has me check in with him every 6 weeks for blood work and then always tells me that at some point I would have to make a decision because of the damage to my heart and bones. So when I went in last week, he said he was there for me and his main goal was to get rid of “the bad guy – Graves”. Sooooo, here I am and not looking forward to any treatment. Ugh!

Bobbi, thanks for explaining the “hyper” part of the RAI. My husband was happy that you had written that information because that has been a big fear of mine. I have the beta blockers but have never taken one. Do they make you feel weird?

And Shirley, if the RAI does not work, then I will take the other route.

It sounds like you both are doing great? Are you both feeling back to normal now?

Thanks! What a great site to have found. It’s nice to be able to share this Graves experience with people who are going through the same journey with me.

Maria

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