Surgery

[Monicageller]

Hi guys, ive had many follow up appointments and scans and it seems like me and my parents are going ahead with surgery, im really scared about the risks however the hospital told me there was no risks, im wondering if its the right thing to do?x

[norreal]

Are the doctors saying the risk is zero? Are they saying the risk of fatal outcome in 'N' years without surgery is greater than same undesirable outcome with surgery? [If yes what is the numeric value of 'N'?]

[Clutter]

Monica, If you are unable to tolerate Carbimazole have you asked for Polythouracil (PTU) which is an alternative anti-thyroid drug? 9/12 months on Carbimazole or PTU is often long enough to regulate the hyperthyroidism so a period of remission can follow.

There are always risks with any surgery. With thyroidectomy the risk of damage to the vocal chords is about 2% and, unless the surgeon is very skilled, there is risk of damage to, or loss of, the parathyroid glands which can mean lifelong supplementation with calcium and vitamin D but it isn't always easy to balance levels. Your hospital doctors should tell you this if they want your informed consent to the operation. I had the operation twice and both occasions only required an overnight hospital stay. There was plenty of post-op pain relief available but I really didn't need much. So, the operations were fine. Post-op was very difficult.

Total thyroidectomy will cause you to become hypothyroid and you will have to take some form of thyroid replacement for the rest of your life with regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormone. It's estimated that up to 20% of hypothyroid patients will struggle to become well on Levothyroxine (T4) because their doctor under prescribes or they don't tolerate synthetic T4 and they may need other medication like Liothyronine (T3) or Armour. The huge battle then, when you are feeling desperately unwell, is to find a doctor who will prescribe T4 in sufficient doses to alleviate hypothyroid symptoms, or even harder, to find a doctor who will prescribe T3 or Armour.

Please be very sure that you've considered all alternatives before consenting to surgery or RAI ablatement because you will live with the consequences for the rest of your life.

[Alexara10]

I had my thyroid removed in 2009 due to nodules so a different scenario to yours but took the medics advice. I was also in France which meant there were some language problems but not enough that I didn't understand what was going on. No pain from the operation other than pain from my neck which I assumed was from the operation angle a neck/shoulder massage solved this problem. There are always risks with any operation but the reasons for the op should always outweigh the reasons against. As to medication it does take time for the dosage to settle down but good follow up from hospital/gp can help. But you must accept that you will be on medication for life - for most that just means a tablet or two once a day so really not so bad and periodic blood tests to make sure your dosage is correct. At present I have problems with my dosage but that's the first time since 2009. My GP is helpful and is willing to consult with my local Endo (who is on the recommended list on this site). I know not all doctors are up to speed with todays ideas on medication but they are getting better. Perhaps you and your parents need to sit down again either with your GP or Endo to discuss your fears. If necessary write your fears/questions down before meeting with them so that you don't forget what you want to know and understand. Oh and don't forget to write the answers down too. Good luck whatever your decision.

[foreversummer]

Hi Monica.

I really don't know the ins and outs of surgery like so many knowledgeable people on this site but I just wanted to say this should be YOUR decision.

You are obviously an intelligent young lady and I personally feel you shouldn't be rushed into anything. You are doing all the right things by asking questions etc. For your doctors to tell you the risk is Zero is really quite disturbing.

This is a lot for you to have to take on and my heart goes out to you. But keep strong and get all the information together you need to make an informed decision.

Hugs.

Foreversummer

[Pepekins]

Make an informed decision, however I am 13 years post TT and there have been ups and downs. The main reason for the downs is that I did not have access to this most valuable website and so went ahead with everything medics told me. However I am fit and well, loads of energy and so there is life after TT but you need to be sure that is what you want. I had papilliary cancer (found very early quite accidentally) so perhaps I did not have as many choices as you have. As other people have said, it does impact on the rest of your life, so you have to be sure all other possibilities have been checked out. Very best wishes.