Can a thyroidectomy get rid of graves disease?

[gapeach30518]

Once you have a total thyroidectomy, do you still have graves disease?
I was diagnosed in June 2007 with hyperthyroidism and graves disease.  I was on Toporol and Tapazole for 6 months prior to having surgery.  I had a total thyroidectomy in November 2007 and my recovery was great. I'm on Levoxyl now and still trying to find the right dose but so far so good.... it just needs a little tweaking here and there. I don't miss the graves symptoms at all. I've researched everything I can get my hands on and I still haven't found a clear-cut answer.... a client of mine also has graves and he said he's seeing one of the top endocrinologists in the country who told him that even with the surgery, you still have graves disease.   Someone else told me this: Graves' is the autoimmune disease that can cause hyperthyroidism. so if it makes any sense then think of it as having 2 diseases, one which is caused by the other.  So when you have your thyroid removed then you don't have the hyperthyroid disease anymore but you still have the autoimmune disease (there is no cure, so unless someone comes up with one you'll always have it)



What confuses me is that graves is the most common FORM of hyperthyroidism. I had a total thyroidectomy, therefore, I have no thyroid and am now technically hypothyroid so how could I still have graves disease?



Can you please help me on this one?  

[nalie250]

Hello,
I am happy to have found this forum, It has a lot of important information that will help me with my decision.
I have been diagnose with grave disease for about  7 years now.  I have been on tapazol and propranol on and off because I hate taking meds and I am not that dicipline when it comes to my health.  Doctors have told me over and over that it would be the ideal thing for me to do the RAI.  I chose not to do it because of the many side effects... I continue to have palpitation and my biggest fear is ending up with a stroke. ( God forbid)
I would like to have surgery and after reading everyone's post, now I am scared.  I am not sure of exactly what to do...I don't have nodule but my thyroid are enlarge and very noticeable.
Does anyone have any advice for me please?

Desperately seeking a better solution.

[Barb135]

Also meant to say that you'd have to talk to your opthamologist about the eye problems.  It may depend on how severe it is.

[Barb135]

Once the thyroid is removed, there's nothing for the antibodies to attack, since they don't move on to other organs.  It may take some time, but they will go into remission, eventually; but even if they didn't, there's no more damage they can do, without thyroid tissue to attack.

Since there are no "natural" cures for thyroid disease and once the thyroid has been damaged there's no way to repair it, many people end up having theirs removed.

Wishing you the best.

[Hillrock]

Thank you for your comments.  Are you sure the antibodies will go into remission? Will the eye problems subside?  I am thinking of having my thyroid removed in time.  Best wishes. Rose

[Barb135]

I see you figured out how to start your own thread.  I've responded to one of them.

[BadassNB]

Hi there. I wish to start my own thread but am new to these types of forums. How do I start a thread please?? many thanks