Thyroid Surgery Up and Coming.. Need Advice!

[rdlaviolette]

I am having my thyroid removed and they have told me I can either choose to half or all of my thyroid taken out. I have been diagnosed with a Follecular Lession which could be tested for cancer only by taking our one side. They said cosmetically it will be better to remove both because I have a large goiter that sticks out of my neck. I am wondering what possible complications I could run into in the future concerning having no thyroid versus having half still. With half a thyroid coould I still experience fertility problems or possibly need to go on thyroid hormome medications. Any advice or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!

[blsdnsvd]

I had my Thyroid removed and I totally regret it but had not choice because of abnormal cells on both sides of the thyroid. What were your results for the other side??? If there were no abnormal cells shown on the FNA Biopsy then I don't see why you should have it removed. Once they remove the one side, they will test it for Cancer and they may remove the other side at that point, however if it's not cancer, then no need to remove the other half. That's my opinion. If I could've kept half, I would have. It's better to have a half of function (where you may need no meds), then none at all. In relation to the Goiter, they can grow and become bothersome and also compromise breathing, however there are supplements that may shrink them, so the option is yours. I also had a goiter and before agreeing to the TT, I tried goiterex and it shrinked the goiter alittle, however it does nothing for the abnormal cells, so that's the important factor in determining removal. I Pray that all goes well for you, either way.

[Brucergoldberg]

I know this may be faux pas  but there is a discussion center on thryoidboards.com  whereas there is an entire discussion board dedicated to people who have been through exactly what you are going though.

Seems like most folks leave it up to the surgeon once he's in to make a decision as to what to do.  If you think you will need both sides out at some point, it looks like the general consensus is to go ahead and do all at once.

[Dina723]

I agree with Bibbiex01. I had a partial thyroidectomy last fall. My multi-nodular goiter was on the left lobe. You have to know how much of your thyroid is part of the goiter. I had an uncertain fine needle biopsy too, so I understand your concern. However, your surgeon should inform you of your options. Mine did, and I was able to make a comfortable decision based on all of the facts. Please seek this kind of information from your doctor. If he can't provide it and ease your mind, then you should definitely seek a second opinion. What kind of doctor are you consulting with, an endo or ent?

[bobbiex01]

If you test positive for cancer you will need the other side taken out.  My bigger concern is what kind of surgeon leaves the decision up to the patient?  I would be looking for a new surgeon, one who specializes in thyroidectomies.  There are so many nerves and other things, in that area, you want an expert doing the surgery.  It's nothing to fool around with, imo.