[bosslady]

in reply to: Choosing Thyroidectomy on Purpose #1075741

I had a total thyroidectomy on November 4, 2008. I was originally scheduled for RAI on Sept 4, but the day I went in to have the RAIU read and recieve my dose of radiated Iodine, the dr. found a cold nodule, and so the radiologist contacted my endo who said not to complete the treatment. I had to wait two weeks for an ultrasound, which determined that the nodule was not a cyst and looked "suspicious". I then had to wait another few days to hear from endo what the results of the ultrasound were. In the meantime, my dear precious father-in-law passed away. My emotions were all over the place. The endo finally scheduled me for a biopsy, which turned out to be non-diagnostic. After that, she recommended a couple of options. I could wait another 3 months and do another biopsy. (For reasons I don’t understand we would have to wait that long to repeat the biopsy). If the biopsy came back nonmalignant, we could go ahead with the RAI. Surgery was another option, which I chose because I was sick and tired of the emotional roller coaster. After the surgery, the ENT told me he removed a suspicious lymph node along with my thyroid, but that we would have to wait a few days for the pathology ti be sure. Exactly 5 days before my surgery was scheduled, my health insurance company dropped coverage for the hospital I wanted to use, so I had to go to one I really wouldn’t want to send my dog to for treatment. It smelled horribly like urine. During my hospital stay, my roommates medical records were mixed up with someone else’s. In the meantime, my lab work came back as benign. The surgeon himself seemed surprised, because he was concerned about the appearance of both the thyroid and the lymph node.

I wish I could say I am feeling fine and dandy. I am not. I ache in my joints. I am tired most all of the time or I am sleeping. I feel like a different person. My hair is coming out in handsful. My skin is so dry it is painful at times. I am now on antidepressants. 4 years ago I had a total hysterectomy for a cantaloupe sized fibroid and multiple ovarian cysts and periods so heavy I was so anemic I nearly needed a blood transfusion, so on top of the synthroid, I also take premarin. I wonder about supplements, but don’t know what I should take.

I used to be a fun, active, vibrant person, but I am just not myself. If I didn’t work in a family business, I know I would have been fired by now.

I have been having my levels checked just as the doctor orders. The ironic thing is, that my levels still show that I am hyperthyroid. I asked the dr if i should take a lower dose of the synthroid, but was told that for my height, weight, etc. I am getting the right dose, but that it just takes time, and that February would be the earliest he would even consider changing my dosage.
In hindsight, I would have waited it out. I wish that I had had more patience. This is not worth it.

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