Which procedure is better radiation or surgery?

[missmmccoy]

I have hyperthyroidism and the PTU meds stopped working. My doctor wants to do the radiation treatment but I think that it would Be better if I did the surgery an get it over with. The doctor says that the thyroid isn't closing my throat completely so he would't request the surgery. Which sould I have done.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I assume you have also tried tapazole.  I-131 works well for most people -- there is a risk of increasing the immune system attack which may worsen thyroid eye disease.  Assuming that does not happen, then I-131 is less invasive than surgery is curative with one dose 85% of the time.  In either case you will be on lifelong replacement levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.

[GravesLady]

They are both equal, except to me surgery is more evasive and personally would only do surgery if on my death bed, but I am a baby/chicken when it comes to surgery.  You could go hypo and put on meds. at the same rate, take just as long  for levels to regulate and stable to normal, have the same symptoms, get TED if you already have the TED antibodies, gain weight.  With surgery, you could still have a small bit of functioning thyroid due to thyroid tissue left behind and a chance in the future for the thyroid to grow back, which is said to be caused by the antibodies, as well as for antibodies to attack the remaining thyroid residue/tissues causing symptoms to play havoc with our body and mind. The same goes for RAI when thyroid is not totally ablated.   The only difference to me, is the evasive scar and hospital stay - hospitals are dirty places! In other words, everything RAI does so does surgery.
Don't believe all the horror stories about RAI, they are meant as scar tacts from people with agendas and after 12 years RAI, I am still alive and kicking! and proving them wrong! ;) So its up to the individual which they prefer. Good luck with your decision.

[missmmccoy]

Thanks but I don't know what any of that means. And no I haven't Been on any of that I was on PTU and Atenolol, But my doctor has taken me off the PTU 4 six weeks 2 start the radiation. And I am having a real hard time with my breathng and heat intolerance and everything else.  And I dont know what 2 do in the mean time.

[missmmccoy]

Thanks 4 the response it was helpful. I just dont want 2 go threw the radiation and it doesn't work 2 me thats time wasted,  But if it works then i am willing 2 try it.