Thinking Thyroid Surgery

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2005
Thinking Thyroid Surgery
2
Mon, 01-17-2005 - 5:34pm
Hi. I just found your message board while during some research on thyroid surgery. My endo has suggested surgery for me. I had a partial thyroidectomy about ten years ago for a cyst. Benign then and benign now. The cyst has now returned on the left side of my thyroid. I have normal thyroid levels. My TSH is .50 and other than a lump on my throat I feel fine. Is there anyone out there that has had a total thyroidectomy that now feels good? I read and hear about people who have suffered weight gain, hair loss, etc. I've experienced the surgery so I know what to expect there. I'm just worried about life without a thyroid. What medications are best? Synthetic or natural? Does anybody take a T3 and T4 replacement? Has anyone seen a nutrionist for a cyst problem. Thanks for your input.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2004
Mon, 01-17-2005 - 5:41pm
Hi - I just posted about my upcoming surgery. I have to have a total thyroidectomy - I have very similar questions as you do. My surgeon wants to take it all out now so that I am not looking at another surgery 5-10 years down the road (or less) and I too am concerned about problems getting my levels correct. However, I also do not want a thyroid that is not functioning properly and I do not want a huge golf ball cyst in there either!! My thyroid is filled with cysts and nodules and does have to come out. MaryAnn
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Mon, 01-17-2005 - 7:27pm

~~Is there anyone out there that has had a total thyroidectomy that now feels good? I read and hear about people who have suffered weight gain, hair loss, etc. ~~


My endo told me that after my TT that it would be 6mos to a year before I feel normal. I will gain some weight (likely).