[npatterson]

in reply to: Choosing Thyroidectomy on Purpose #1075724

It soulds like you are an intelligent person, and have good, solid questions. Something to consider: Endocrinoligists will usuallt recommend medication, Radiologists will usually recommend radiation, and Surgeons will usually recommend surgery. Sounds too simple, but that’s generally the case. An endocrinologist who will not even discuss with you the alternatives is doing both you, and the specialty a huge disservice.

For the record, I wanted surgery (many years ago). The endo that finally diagnosed me said "Surgery will cut your vocal chords and you’ll never be able to talk again". I was also told that medication would give me LEUKEMIA (I do know the difference between that and leukopenia), Anyway, there were no qualifiers, maybe, sometimes. His comment about RAI: "It is 100% safe". Obviously I had the RAI.

My point is that good doctors will discuss the reality of the treatments with you. They will encourage you to seek second opinions. This is a big deal, and you need to feel comfortable with the decision.

When you meet with the suirgeon, ask how many thyroidectomies he or she performs in a year, and what kind of complications there have been. Cancer surgeons, and Ear, nose and throat surgeons are the ones doing thyroid curgery. There are also thyroid surgeons–that’s all they do. I will try to figure out how to "post" the article on surgery that we have. In the meantime, e-mail me and I will mail the article to you. It is in the form of a newsletter, so I don’t have the ability to attach it just yet. (nancyngdf@bellsouth.net). Keep asking questions! Nancy

[npatterson]

in reply to: my child has graves disease and more #1075699

I am so sorry that you are having to deal with so much! If my arithemetic is right, your daughter is 12 by now. It sounds like you made good decisions, even though they have been tough ones. We have an excellent bulletin titled "Students and Graves’ Disease" If you will e-mail me, I can send it to you by mail or as an attachment. It was written by a Special Ed Teacher, and several pediactric endocrinologists. Parents have been known to make copies, and meet with the principal, school nurse, guidance counselor and all the child’s teachers! There is not a lot written about pediatric Graves’ other than about the treatment decisions.

Middle school is a tough time to go through, even without health problems. Please do all you can to educate her school, and then give her lots of love. The more she will talk to you, the better off both of you will be. We have a children’s coordinator who may be able to put you in touch with other parents.

Take care, and keep in touch. Nancy (nancyngdf@bellsouth.net)

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