[nrssully]

in reply to: What took me so long? #1074503

I just wanted to let everyone know how my consult with the surgeon went. I was totally surprised. Maybe being here in Tulsa Oklahoma sets us apart from what the new age is doing. I was referred by a good friend who is a surgeon with the VA to see his friend in regards to a thyroidectomy because of my Graves and a hot nodule on my left lobe.

The surgeon was quite surprised that I wanted to elect to have a thyroidectomy over RAI. He said that RAI is the norm and that it is successful in treating my problems 95% of the time. He wouldnt even consider doing a thyroidectomy unless that is really what I wanted because it would be much easier to start with RAI. He stated that the only time they do thyroidectomy is if the client is pregnant or if they have small children at home or if there is cancer.

So here I am now I know what has taken me so long to decide what to do. Everywhere you turn you get a different opinion. I am truly convinced now that one has to weigh the pros and cons and then make a decision. In my case it looks like i will have to entertain RAI cause I can not live with this up and down.

[nrssully]

in reply to: What took me so long? #1074492

Thanks Bobbi!! I cant wait to feel better. I just hope I am not exchanging hyper for hypo atleast not for too long anyway. This whole process has definetely rattled me. I sometimes feel like a big complainer. After reading so many of the posts I dont feel so crazy. It is very supportive to be able to reach out to people who can seriously empathize. Thanks

[nrssully]

in reply to: What took me so long? #1074490

Thank you Bobbi and Ski for your replies.
I am confident that my endocrinologist has counselled me well. She has left it up to me to make the final decision since we have 3 options so to speak. I am actually making the choice to have the surgery on my own. I was going to take the ATD for a year or so and see how well that stabilizes me. I read a few books by Mary Shomon and thought I could never do RAI. I think to each is own since there is really no cure to the Graves only the hyperthyroidism. I will just let God lead me and pray that I am a good advocate for myself. I just hope they dont have a cure for this autoimmune disease a few years down the road when my gland is long gone. LOL Has anyone had a total thyroidectomy? And do you regret it?

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