[lingling]

in reply to: Most Likely has Grave’s… #1074018

Dear TVCM31,

I was suppose to go through elective cholecystectomy (removal of gall bladder due to polyps and stones) in January 2009. After undergoing blood tests in preparation for the procedure, which included thyroid hormone levels, my specialists for internal medicine told me that my thyroid was overactive. A specilist for nuclear medicine, who ran some tests on me, confirmed that I had Graves disease.

My symptoms started in autumn 2008, all of which I mistook as symptoms of stress – hand tremors, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, weight loss, insomnia, and frequent bowel movement. I did not have exophthalmus as my body had not developed antibodies.

I was put on an antithyroid drug, which brought down my free T3 level, but after a week I developed an allergy towards the drug. I was prescribed another brand, but once again developed an allergy towards it. It was then that my specialists for internal medicine and nuclear medicine decided that I undergo total thyroidectomy. They referred me to the best endocrinological surgeon in my country.

I thought it was the end of the world … I thought I was going to die … I lost all hope … I was depressed.

Well, it’s been 1 month post-total thyroidectomy and I’m still alive and I feel great! The operation was uneventful, except for the fact that I had to stay 24 hours in intensive care. This was necessary as my thyroid was still very much hyper when they operated on me, and my endo surgeon and anesthesiologist wanted my vital signs to be monitored closely. Total thyroidectomy was a blessing in disguise as the pathological report showed that I had a 4mm microcarcinoma on the left lobe of my thyroid. Luckily, the cancer was encapsulated, it had not spread at all.

My endoc surgeon told me how good a decision it was to opt for total thyroidectomy, instead of radioactive iodine.

I am now on 100 microgramme of thyroxine and, as I said, I feel reborn. All the symptoms of Graves disease have disappeared. Mid-April I will undergo tests to determine whether the current dosage needs adjustment. Some people have side-effects from the thyroid hormone replacement, but I don’t (knock on wood!). Each person reacts differently. Important thing is to find the right dosage and to go regularly for blood tests in order not to fall hypo.

My point is this – contrary to what I initially thought, Graves disease is NOT the end of the world. We are now in the 21st century and medicine/science have come a long way. Whatever option your husband has … be it antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine or total thyroidectomy … be informed of the pros and cons of each option and just do it! Find good doctors, find a very good specialist for internal medicine or an endocrinologist. If you don’t trust what your current doctor says, then get a second opinion, a third opinion.

I wish you and your husband all the best. Tell him, nobody dies from Graves disease nowadays. But, he will surely die, if he leaves it untreated. After treatment, the best is yet to come. Trust me … I am a living proof that life is wonderful after Graves.

And, if you are spiritual, then pray and have faith.

Best regards,
ICB

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