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I was diagnosed with Grave’s disease at age 30 – 22 years ago. I was so sick in hyperactive state that at times I thought I was loosing my mind. My heart raced, I was very weak and raising my 3 children was totally overwhelming. Many times I was reduced to tears by my inability to cope with daily life – these feelings are all quite normal I have come to understand in the hyperactive state. I had radioactive iodine therapy to treat my overactive thyroid – the first dose was insufficient to quiet thyroid storm condition so I underwent a second dose of radiation as well. I felt immediate relief from overactivity and have been able to carry on normally since the 2nd radiation treatment.
My 12 year old daughter was also diagnosed with Grave’s Disease. We didn’t want her to have radiation at her young age so she had a thyroidectomy surgery at age 13. The results were quick and satisfactory. The young girl who was previously an emotional wreck because of thyroid storm / Grave’s disease was able to return to normal life. By age 16 her hyperactive symptoms returned. To our dismay her thyroid regenerated – like the tail of a lizard is able to regenerate, I guess (our surgeon told us in the country of Turkey studies have show thyroids regenerate as much as 16% of the time). Our daughter had a second thyroidectomy at age 16. Like the rest of us she will always have to follow up with her doctor to be sure proper levels are maintained in her blood. Now our daughter is 25 years old and married. We’re very happy that she had the TT surgery and was able to return to normal life. She works full time and hopes to start a family in the next five years. We’re certain she would not be the person she is today had she not undergone TT treatment.
Until there are better alternatives our family recommends RAI and TT therapies. We are living proof that you can feel better after this debilitating disease takes hold of one’s life.
etleon05 wrote:Thank you Jaqe and Alexis for the post!
I was in tears today, thinking about my choice. I do want to feel better, just scared that I won’t be myself again.
Alexis – your words and positivity is very refreshing and helpful at this moment.
Not sure if my surgeon is a “top” one but I know he has been performing thyroidectomies since 1997 – he performs about 2 surgeries a week.
I want to keep my spirits up and be positive about the surgery. I’ve read some bad stories on other forums and to hear that you may not feel better, makes me question my choice. I want to really believe that I will feel better.. I’m tired of feeling like this and tired of feeling limited
I hope other people that have gone through a total thyrodectomy can post their experience.
Again thank you Jaqe and Alexis.. it feels better when you are not alone
1<3
Emily
