Health Update

[Linda R.]

Ok, I realize it's been a while since I've posted and that I'm still so new that it was an ordeal to try to remember how to do a post. I'm allergic to the Methimazole for the hyperthyroidism/graves disease and I've had to double the prescription strength hydrocortizone along with 2-3 OTC ones to keep the hives to a rash and itch. My scheduled surgery date is next week, May 28th if my heartrate can stay under 100 and my labs show that I'm stable enough to operate. The surgeon said my numbers are too high to only take out half...more like 90% needs to come out but that means it may not be enough thyroid left in and I'd still need medication anyway. He said the surgery won't get rid of the Graves disease and there's a chance that leaving some of the thyroid in will be too much and it could still promote the hyperthyroidism. I'm anxious to get off the methimazole and reluctant to do the radioactive treatment and felt this way I might have a chance of saving part of my thyroid and maybe it'll be enough to sustain me. Not feeling too good today...been dizzy and light headed and nauseated like heck. My eyes are burning and I go between feeling hot to having chills and I have a slight headache. I've itched so bad that there's bruises all over with small scabs where my skin has bled...embarrassing really. I just plain don't feel good and I'm hopeful that I'll feel a lot better after the surgery. Here's a shout out "Hello" to JoAnn and Tex and everyone else who's been kind enough to welcome me and give advice. Thanks.

[tex]

Hi Linda,

You're in a tough situation, but I believe that if I were in that position I would opt to have all of my thyroid removed, because leaving a small percentage is probably not going to be sufficient, anyway. And I believe that your surgeon is correct in saying that your immune system will continue to react if any amount of your thyroid remains after the surgery, and that would pretty much negate the benefits of the surgery.

You will be hypothyroid after the surgery, but treating hypothyroidism is straightforward and simple. It's nothing like trying to treat hyperthyroidism, where symptoms can be so erratic. I've been treating hypothyroidism for over 8 years now, and taking a tablet every morning became an automatic part of my routine very quickly.

The surgery should eliminate all of the symptoms that are bothering you and that will be a huge relief. I hope that your labs will be compatible for surgery on the 28th, and that the surgery goes smoothly, so that you can get on with your life again.

Good luck with this, and please keep us posted.

Tex

[Leah]

Good luck Sweetie. Keep us posted

Leah

[JoAnn]

Hi Linda, I know you're suffering and my hopes and prayers are that you will be able to undergo the surgery and get some relief from all this. After you get your thyroid issues managed, you can see where you are with the food sensitivities and be able to create a real plan to facilitate your healing and restore your health. I have admired your grace and courage as you've struggled your way through this. You have great faith and I know that will see you through. You are not alone and have all the support of this board, your family, friends, and of course the unseen spiritual help that you have felt so often. You're going to get through this and will be stronger in many ways than you were before and you will be able to lift others who will need your experience and help. You're an amazing woman! Love JoAnn

[jgivens]

I've taken thyroid most of my life. I too, hope that everything checks out so that you can get in with your life. Prayers for healing--