Hello Sue,
I am new to posting, wasn’t sure I had anything of value to add, but here goes. I am 51 and over the past 15 years I’ve had it all. Goitre, Synthroid, partial thyroidectomy, hyperthyroidism, RAI, Graves Disease, TED, prednisone, bilateral orbital decompression surgery, and radiotherapy. I am scheduled for strabismus surgery July 10th, and after that will be the eyelid surgery. A few of the symptoms have included: weight loss, hair loss, always cold, nausea, racing heart, anxiety, depression, tremors, major change in appearance (bug eyed, droopy lids, cross-eyed). I am currently off work because my double vision is so bad.
I had the RAI in Oct ’11 and it was easy. However, even though I was considered low risk, I developed TED within 4 months. It may have happened anyway but looking back I wish I would have opted for surgery to have the remaining half of my thyroid removed.
It is my understanding that RAI is successful and safe for most but I wanted to add my voice to the others suggesting researching all avenues available to you, including consults with endocrinologists and surgeons if possible.
Oh, and if you find one of those “leprechauns”, please share!!
