[Kimberly]

#1061657

Hello – I’m not sure about the headaches; that would certainly be worth checking out with your doctor.

One of the presenters at our 2009 conference showed us a study that said that antibody levels can remain elevated for up to 5 years after RAI. (Although they should be lower than they were prior to treatment). The antibody levels go down much more quickly with Anti-Thyroid Drugs or Surgery. This could potentially explain why more patients who go through RAI tend to have eye complications vs. the other two treatment options.

In terms of “recovery time”, it’s difficult to compare “apples to apples” between surgery and RAI. In terms of finding the “sweet spot” dosage of replacement hormone, surgery is quicker, as the doc will start you on replacement hormone right away. It can take weeks or months to go hypo following RAI.

If by “recovery time”, you mean returning to work and resuming your normal activities, then surgery will definitely take longer than RAI. Any time you go under the knife, you can expect your body to require extra time to heal. With RAI, you will have some restrictions on contact with other people, but as far as I know, your general activities aren’t restricted in any way.

[Candi28]

#1017925

So I am wondering….. if I get the thyroid removed, will "IT" quit making antibodies since it will have no thyroid to attack?

If I get RAI, will it stop making antibodies as well? This is what I don’t understand. I know with having had TED in the past I probably shouldn’t get the RAI, I just know it’s faster and less expensive, since my insurance will not cover any of it.

Which option has the fastest recovery and how long does it take to get the mental part stabilized? I feel like an big ball of anxiety!

Also, I have headaches for no reason, 24/7. My thyroid is severely enlarged, do you think it’s possible that it could actually compress something?

Thank you,
Candi

[Candi28]

#1061658

Hi, this may sound like a silly question, but once the thyroid is removed and they give you the hormone replacement…. is this all the thyroid gland is for? I am concerned about something my body will be missing down the road?? Does the thyroid only make thyroid hormone?

Thanks,
Candi

[kristi7877]

#1061659

Hello, I had a Total Thryoidectomy in March of 2010 and for me personally it was the best thing I ever did and regret wasting 3 years going back and forth on medication and not doing it sooner. I weighed out the pros and cons of the RAI and TT and I figured either way I was going to be on medication the rest of my life and wanted a once and done deal and with a touch of TED surgery was my best option. For my first surgery ever, it was a walk in the park. The surgery was done on a Monday and I came home the following day and rested a couple of days and by that Friday I was out and about again and felt better than ever. I have had my meds adjusted here and there and currently show no graves antibodies as I am pregnant and have that checked monthly. Best of luck to you.

[Candi28]

#1061660

Congrats on your pregnancy! I was able to get preggo with this nasty crap, I am glad you got yours taken care of first.

I guess my main question for everyone is what does the Thyroid gland really do? Once it is out does the system go back to normal?? Will it still be wonky even with the thyroid hormone? I have been using ATD’s for 10+ years now and they are not working too much, my levels are normal but my antibodies are through the roof, could my body of gotten used to them?

[snelsen]

#1061661

To Candi-All my docs say that antibody level does not affect treatment decisions in any way.
Sometimes these tests are used to confirm what they already know, ie, that you have Graves’, that TED has occurred.
So probably you should ask endo what he/she thinks the antibodies indicate. I imagine the answer will be that you are making more antibodies! If the ATD’s aren’t helping you like they used to, it could be that you are getting hyper again, and your thyroid labs don’t reflect it. So your symptoms and how you are feel are super important to report. Also any eye changes, and if they are happening, you should probably have a baseline appointment with a good neuro-ophthamologist.
In conclusion, discuss this with your doc, he may say something different that my docs.
Shirley

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