When is it Time to Remove Thyroid ?

[conmar620]

Hello,
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and later checked for Hashimoto's.Test showed I do have Hashimoto's. My scan showed no significant enlargement, but did have areas of density. I have been really sick with this for at least two years. In the months since I've been on  thyroid medication, I have seen no improvement.

My sister had Hashimoto's years ago long with a goiter. She had her thyroid completely removed and has had no problems since and does very well on her medication.

I find myself wondering if I would just be better off without my thyoid and taking medication. I was wonderng if a Dr. would remove the gland even if there is no growth or goiter.

I have such extreme fatigue and my quality of life is really poor. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
CM


This discussion is related to Sore throat, left sided swelling.

[RBS1967]

To CM,

When is it Time to Remove Thyroid ?
by conmar620, Aug 04, 2008 08:04PM

Hello CM, can I get feed back with regards to your hypothyroidism. What medication are you taking now? Have you undergone surgery to remove your thyroid gland?.

I have a swollen thyroid gland in one side. My blood test showed that T3, T4 & TSH are all within normal limit. Needle test (tissue pick-up) also showed that the nodule is benign.

I did not consult an endocrinologist but a general surgeon. He recommended to remove my thyroid gland. Is surgery necessary? Is there any medication for this instead or surgical removal?

thanks
RBS1967

[utahmomma]

Usually removing the thyroid completely is contingent on one of three things:

-  suspicious or confirmed cancer
-  gland has stopped working
-  gland is causing more damage than good

Talk with your doctor and if your doctor isn't an endocrinologist then talk to one.  There are down sides to being on meds too (lots of them) but if it is better than living with the he// you are going through right now, it's worth discussing with a good thyroid specialist.

There are now six of us in my family without thyroids and none of us have felt the same as we did before our surgeries despite being on meds.  We didn't have a choice though - 4 had cancer and the other two had precancer.

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma '03