[Anonymous]

#1162842

Margaret:

You might want to post an e-mail address where people can write to you directly if you have one. Also, you may find helpful information at:
LISTSERV@maelstrom.stjohns.edu. Many of those who post on this BB have undergone thyroid surgery. Thyroidectomy is fairly rare as a treatment for Graves disease. The topic of worsening eye problems following RAI is controversial. In my case, I had no eye symptoms at all until after I received the second dose of RAI. Others may have different experiences they’d like to share. Please feel free to e-mail me if I can help.

Luci Coffey

[Anonymous]

#1162843

All of my many doctors over the past couple of years have said thatthe eye problem is not connected with the thyroid problem. The eyeproblem will occur if it is going to whether or not you do or do nothave surgery. One of the problems with surgery is the possibility ofdamaging the vocal chords next to the thyroid. Not one of my doctorsencouraged surgery. I had RAI a month ago after several years of eyeproblems. It has temporarily made them worse, but I expect them toimprove. Are you getting a second opinion? Whatever you decide, I hopeall goes well.

[Anonymous]

#1056224

We are in the process of deciding on RAI or Surgery, and I would appreciate hearing from anyone out there who opted for surgery. Were you pleased with your decision, and did any of you develop eye problems after having the surgery?? Our endo is encouraging surgery because there may be a possible link between RAI and eye problems. My other daughter had eye problems before RAI but dramatically worsened after the RAI. Please let me hear from you as a decision has to be made soon. Many thanks – Margaret (New Mexico)

[Anonymous]

#1162844

Dear Margaret,
I am assuming that anti-thyroid drugs are for some reason not a viable option?
They are my first and thus far successful choice.
In my info saving…..go to Nov 15th 1996 and read a post from a lady
named Sharon. the post is called: Thyroidectomy greatly improved my eye disease.
She hasn’t answered the survey…I don’t think…but an e-mail
was on the letter, I believe.

I do hope both your daughters are just around the corner from feeling much better.
I have two daughters as well, and they are certainly part of my inspiration
to learn more, and encourage health care providers to learn more about this
condition. Best Wishes.. Jeannette

[Anonymous]

#1162845

I’m scheduled for thyroid surgery on June 22, and am interested
in finding out what my “recovery” may be. If you’ve been through
surgery and can give me any input, it is greatly appreciated. I
was diognosed with Graves and Hyperthyroidism in Feb. of 1998, and
due to the size of my thyroid, it was recommended by more than one
physician that I opt for surgery; I wholeheartedly concur. I know
recovery differs from patient to patient, but I wonder if I will
be out of work for a number of weeks, days, etc.

Many thanks,
Nancy

[Anonymous]

#1162846

Nancy,
I had surgery in ’95 although I was frightened I put all
my efforts into affirming how well everything would go and
it did. I also took extra Vit C. I stayed 6 days for the rest
but I could have come out of hospital on day 3 or 4. The scar
was fine and has healed beautifully.

One thing that helped with recovery was a special ‘pot’ to
do steam inhalations to help clear the throat. I was not told
about this til day 3 or 4 – so ask for one.

Feel free to email me if you have any further questions.

Kathleen.

[Anonymous]

#1162847

I had thyroid surgery in 1990, so if you would like to contact me nancy
you are more than welcome.

anna

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