Thyroid Surgery?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-06-2006
Thyroid Surgery?
2
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 9:33pm
Hi, I'm new to the site. It is nice to find a place to get info. I am 48 years old and was diagnosed with a multi nodular goiter a few years ago - thryoid lab is okay. Actually think I had a goiter as far back as early 1980's. Anyway over the years have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, acid reflux and mitral valve prolapse aggrevated by chronic stress. This year it appears that my body has decided to rebel on not taking care of myself. I am in perimenopause and have recently been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue - my cortisol levels are out of range as well as low DHEA. Since early this year I have had a lot of discomfort in my throat and have been treated more aggressively for the acid reflux - again probably due to a higher stress level. That doesn't seem to help. After seeing an endocronologist for the last 3 years - multiple ultrasounds and 3 FNA's that are benign and 1 thyroid scan. The right lobe has 1 nodule that has increased in size from 1.5 to 3 cm. After several trips to the family doctor, endo, cardiologist (for palpitations, PVC's), gynecologist because my menstrual cycle has gone from being like clockwork to being irregular, and now a new endo and a surgeon. They finally say okay we will remove the right lobe because we don't know what else to do. They always ask if I have difficulty swallowing or breathing. It does feel sometimes like I have to yawn to get a good breath or that my food gets stuck. But the discomfort is there most of the time. Then they say the FNA's are not 100% accurate but the surgery is my choice. Who wants to choose surgery? My gut feel is telling me to have the surgery but it may be out of fatigue and trying to get some relief from all these symptoms. The gynecologist and the cardiologist think I should have the surgery because one of the nodules is cold. The surgery is scheduled for next week. Am I doing the right thing?
Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
In reply to: lrkay
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 11:36pm

Hi lrkay,


Welcome to our board.


From your description, it would be my opinion that you are probably doing the right thing.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-06-2006
In reply to: lrkay
Thu, 12-07-2006 - 6:07pm

Thanks Calley. The discussion board was very helpful. It's nice to talk to folks who are knowledgeable about the thyroid and can share their experiences.

Thanks again!

Lisa