[LillyL]

#1058921

Thyroidectomy or Rai that is the question?
Please let me and others know how you are feeling since having either.
thank you:)
LillyL

[snelsen]

#1170959

Hi Lilly,
I am on my way to bed, but wanted to say that there are so many good posts on this subject. If you use the search engine, try typing in both choices.
One of the variables is a personal choice, and what you feel most comfortable with, having said that, a surgeon who “does” thyroidectomies on a regular basis, at least 50 a year is what you want. I chose surgery, cause it seemed the quickest way to get it done, and begin on thyroid replacement, and get my life back. RAI was new, then, but I was not at all interested in it. There are just as many people who chose RAI and were very happy with their choice. The one thing that needs to be considered as you consider RAI, is if you have any eye involvement, or TED. I am sure you’ll hear from rAI people. Factors to consider are pregnancy, for you have to wait at least 6 months and/or till you are very stable and not hyper to go that direction. (I just quickly scanned your other emails, seems I remember you are 51, so of course that is not a consideration for you! Ok, I am falling asleep!
If you are up, scan other posts, it is very helpful, use the search engine. You’ll hear from others in the next day or two!
Shirley

[NLBatten]

#1170960

I am really new to this, so not sure how much advice I have. I can tell you that I was diagnosed on 2/21 had RAI on 2/24 and just 4 weeks later, I am feeling a little better with no real side effects – YET. It all seemed a little fast, but I didn’t want to go through the process of potential of meds working and was ready for a solution once they finally figured out why I had been so miserable. In my head, I thought that I could try the RAI with less risk than surgery and then if for some reason it didn’t work, I could choose surgery later. I think RAI is usually a pretty definitive solution, but to me didn’t seem as radical as surgery. Having said that, lots of people on this board preferred surgery as a permanent solution. Depending on where you live and what easy access you have to an experienced surgeon performing thyroidectomy might help you decide. If no very experienced surgeons accessible in your area, RAI might be a better solution.

If you will search for posts by me, you will find my first post and some great links Kimberly provided me that really helped me reach a decision. Maybe that will help. (Sorry I would repost them, but I am not quite sure how.)

Best of luck. I hope you are able to reach peace with whatever decision you make.

Nancy

[Kimberly]

#1170961

Hello and Welcome! I think this is the thread that Nancy was referring to…

(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. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://www.gdatf.org/forum/topic/42355/

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