Scheduled for Total Thyroidectomy

[aprasil]

I have four goiters on my thyroid.  3 are approx 2" and 1 is a little over 1".  They are on both sides of my thyroid.  My endo recommends we remove the whole thing due to their size.  I have read nothing but horror stories on total thyroidectomy.  Weight Gain, Depression, etc.  I am trying to get rid of these symptoms, though my thyroid TSH levels are "normal" 1.48.  Have you found these post op symptoms to be the norm or the exception?  I was not afraid and now am scared to death to have this done.  Vain or not, I don't want to look like a whale or feel like killing myself for the rest of my life.  Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

If this is a benign (negative FNA biopies) multinodular goiter without symptoms (no choking, trouble swallowing, etc) then this can be monitored despite the size...unless there is significant extension into the upper chest causing deviation of the windpipe or other major structures -- CT scan is needed to document this.

[Linda355]

... oops thought I was in the thyroid disorders community  not the expert forum.  My apologies, ignore my post and let Dr. Lupo  answer this for you.  

[Linda355]

Has your doctor done a Fine Needle biopsy on these nodules?  Why does your doctor want to rush in and remove your thyroid if it is functioning normally?  Are you have problems swallowing or breathing?

I would ask all of those questions and any more that others may post here.   I would also get a second opinion before I let anyone remove anything that may not need to be removed.

I have multiple nodules on my thyroid, one of mine is close to 2 cm with calcification, another is 1.5 cm and hypoechoic, one is quite small and the other is close to 1 cm and a complex nodule.  The two larger ones  were biopsied, my TSH is 0.489.  My biopsy shows benign follicular cells, hurthle cells and hemosiderin macrophages.  No surgery has been recommended in my case.  I have been given no diagnosis besides a multi nodular goiter and no surgery has been recommended.    

If your nodules have not been fully evaluated then I would find a different doctor and have a full evaluation done before letting them cut it out!