Graves' Disease Support Group

Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...

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sahmLaura 02/23/2011

I get a weekly newsletter from the American Thyroid Association and this study was linked in it. Thought some would be interested.

Basically they followed 58 patients who had partial or total thyroidectomy from 1994-2008 and found that the surgery had a very low complication rate and effectively "cured" [I think "treated" is a better term since we know you're never really "cured"] the graves disease. They go on to say that surgery isn't for everyone but it should be offered as a treatment option just as ATDs and RAI is offered.

http://www.med.wisc.edu/news-events/news/thyroid-removal-is-safe-and-effective-for-graves-disease/30620

deleted_user 02/23/2011

Hello and thanks for this. I am going to look at it right away. deb

dairytech 02/24/2011

When I first was diagnosed...my 1st and 2nd Endo only wanted me to have the RAI...they were very much against ATD's and TT's weren't even brought up. I learned about them here. From all the research I've done and from talking with other people here who had TT's done as well as other support groups...a TT would be my 1st choice if a permanent treatment was necessary. There are some risks... although minimal..but there are risks with each treatment option. TT's get you started on recovery quicker than RAI with fewer risks. Big Hugs...Kathy

deleted_user 03/02/2011

I had a subtotal thyroidectomy. The surgeon took out 95% of my thyroid gland. I had no choice but to do that, because I was near thyroid storm. That was 10 years ago and I still struggle with chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, mental issues. I haven't been able to hold down a job because of my health issues.

So, for me the thyroidectomy was a life saving choice, however, I still struggle with residual effects of Graves Disease.

Even with the 5% of thyroid left, my doctors say, that the graves disease may attack that.

sahmLaura 03/02/2011

bphope- I wonder why they didn't go ahead and just do a total thyroidectomy? Do you have your Ft3 and Ft4 levels monitored and have your synthroid adjusted if needed? I had a total, and its only been a few months for me, I feel pretty darn good. Much much better than I did beforehand. The endo was trying to lower my dose too much, though, so I had to find another dr who would treat me by my Free Ts instead of TSH

dairytech 03/02/2011

I agree with Laura...if you post your last 3 or 4 labs along with the ranges we would perhaps be able to help you with this. One thing we have all learned here is Endo's like to keep up hypo. Also...everyone is so different...I need to be on the high end of my ranges to feel well and others need mid range or just under mid range. It could be that your doc is under medicating you. Big Hugs...Kathy

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