Hyperthyroidism- First Endo Appointment

[Becky456]

Hi All, first appointment with my endocrinologist yesterday following diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in June this year.

I’m looking for a bit of help as I feel a bit “bamboozled” with what he said.

He explained that the best options were a thyroidectomy or RAI, and the RAI was the one he seemed to steer me more towards. After reading through the forum can I assume that one of the reasons he’s suggesting RAI is cost? I can’t understand why I might opt for RAI bearing in mind the side effects as well as the fact I could be swapping overactive to underactive? I’m so cross with myself for not asking why I couldn’t stay on carbimazole?

If someone could offer some answers to me I’d be really grateful. Next time I go to see him I shall be armed with more questions as well as taking someone with me. I feel so frustrated with the way the appointment went.

Thanks all.

[Greekchick]

Hi Becky,

I looked at your previous post and you had not yet been diagnosed with Graves. Have you actually gotten test results for this yet from the endo?

It is quite early to be talking about either RAI or surgery, unless you have a large goiter or toxic nodules that need removing because they are interfering with breathing or speaking. Have you had any cardiac problems or side effects from the carbimazole such as low white blood count or liver toxicity? My endo has a patient on Tapazole for 11 years and counting and doing fine. Many people on the forum are also on carbi for awhile, at least longer than 3 months or so.

From the docs point of view, it is easier to treat hypothyroidism than to follow a hyperthyroid patient on carbi. There are people on the forum who have had good and bad experiences with both RAI and surgery. At least your endo told you about both options! Many people here are only told of one unless surgery is obvious- RAI.

I have written a few lengthy responses to others about the benefits and drawbacks of both surgery and RAI if you click on my name and search there. I’m actually off to an appointment with my own endo now, otherwise I would write them here.

Wishing you the best of luck. Do not let anyone rush you into a decision one way or the other - and if you are doing OK on carbi - ask about that for now. Most things thyroid move very slowly unless there is an emergency, so you have time to think about things before choosing something that is irreversible.

[Becky456 in reply to Greekchick]

Thanks Greekchick. That’s right, not confirmed with Graves yet. Endo took bloods yesterday to confirm or otherwise so I’ll see the outcome to that. Thanks for the reassurance to stand my ground. Good luck with your appointment.

[pennyannie]

Hey there again Becky,

Don't be - frustrated with the way the appointment went - it's only natural that he/she took the lead and left you " a bit bamboozled " it's all part of what happens and what they do when faced with new patients who are anxious, unwell and looking for help and advice.

Once with the results of the new blood test, hopefully we'll know if you have Graves Disease, and also the effectiveness of the Carbimazole since your last bloods.

If he didn't suggest he'd run your vitamins and minerals for you, maybe your doctor can complete this part of the thyroid blood test panel for you.

Can't really add much more to what I said last time, just try and relax and keep us posted :

[Becky456 in reply to pennyannie]

Thanks pennyannie!

[allyh1968]

hi Becky456

how are you getting on now? I have managed to stay on carbimazole for a few years now but told me that he is happy for this to happen at the moment but long term is not an option as it brings it's own issues. Agreed for 5 years then re-assess.