[barbarakornfeld]

#1059370

Hello,

I am scheduled for surgical removal of my thyroid early Oct. I have had graves disease for the last 40 years. The last twelve years I have been on tapazole. My endo took me off in Nov. to get my thyroid overactive so I could have RAI to finalize this problem. The uptake scan a month ago showed there would be a 20% chance it would not work. His strong opinion was that I should have surgery and have it out. I also have 5 nodules which are small and do not show cancer. My complication is that one year ago July I had cervical spine fusion of C4-5. I worry about a complication of scar tissue and also further scar tissue from taking the thyroid out if I need more fusion below the previous fusion. I wonder if others have had similar problems and what the outcomes were. I am having a hard time getting surgeons to talk to each other about my case and don’t want to wake up after surgery having made the wrong decision and then having to deal with the complications for the rest of my life.

Oh also I have heart issue. Mitral valve prolapse which has become worse, probably caused and made worse due to Graves so I don’t want to wait around any longer. Last echo showed pericardial fluid which my heart doc thought could be an autoimmune problem associated with the Graves but he didn’t know so I feel like many of my body systems are deteriorating.

I would be grateful for the feedback.
Thanks,
Barbara

[Kimberly]

#1174343

Hello – Hopefully, you will get some responses from others who have had similar issues prior to surgery, but these would definitely be items to bring up in a consultation with a potential surgeon. Also, this is a nice patient education site from the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons that might be helpful:

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

http://endocrinediseases.org/thyroid/surgery.shtml

Take care!

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