Autonomous nodules

[kidsnchicks]

Has anybody here been diagnosed as having Hyperthyroidism with an autonomous nodule?  What treatment did you decide upon?  Why did you choose that option?  Are you happy with your choice?  My Endro suggests RAI but I am unsure about making a permanent decision at this time.  Thanks for your input.

[kidsnchicks]

Hello again!  Thanks for confirming my thinking.  This is puzzling to me greatly!  The Endro did say that he would treat with meds if that is what I wanted, though he doesn't agree.  It just seems that he is awful eager to do the RAI, especially since I am over 40 & expect no more babies (I have 4 teenagers, oops one just turned 20).  This is all so new and my symptoms are up and down.  Except for my "mind" and weight, I feel like myself.  At least I think I feel like myself.  I'm not sure what I am supposed to feel like anymore.  I have this gut feeling that I need to wait a bit or see another doc for a second opinion.  At least I think that is it.  Truthfully, I don't know what to do.  I feel like such a wimp, especially when I read of others who are having a much harder time than me.

I have my test results with readings.  The technician stated that no nodules were found.  You can read what they are here -> http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/what-does-this-mean/show/957539?personal_page_id=476636&post_id=post_4490564.  I don't have the readings from the technician from the latest scan yet.  Are these results anything like yours?  What were your test results & scans like?

[skeeterknitwit]

Well, this is stressful stuff.  Anxiety goes along with the hyper.  You just can't deal with it as you normally would.  It's not you, it's the hormones.
Since it appears that you are improving, and since you don't require any meds yet, I certainly understand why you would want to wait to see if this resolves itself.
Your scans look quite different from mine.  On mine, one side was invisible, not working at all because the autonomous nodule was doing all of the work.
Did your ultrasound show any nodules?  Your whole situation is quite a puzzle.
But there should be a nodule somewhere because you don't get Graves on just one lobe.

[kidsnchicks]

Thanks for the input.  I'm a bit concerned/confused because I was only first told that I had an overactive thyroid in February of this year.  I had some blood work done, an ultra sound, and scan with uptakes.  Then last week, I had another scan and uptake.  My uptakes were down from before but still high.  I am on no medication for anything at this time and have never been treated for my thyroid.  Today was the second visit to the Endro.  Last time he said there were no nodules, then today he said he thought it was an autonomous nodule though the scan showed a smaller affected area than before (you can see pics of this in my profile -> http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/list/877337?personal_page_id=476636 ).  He said surgery wasn't needed in my case.  You mentioned emotions.  I don't understand the emotions I have when I go to the Endro.  Am I under that much stress?

[skeeterknitwit]

Yes, I can claim that one too.  I had RAI 12/08.  It was not my decision.  My Endo would not refer me to a surgeon.  He said it was too dangerous.  My hot nodule was huge and I got very T3 toxic.  
The RAI itself was very easy.  I followed all of the directions and had no big complications afterward.  Except for needing Levoxyl for the rest of my life.  No big deal, you just take a pill everyday. ;)
However, there is a HUGE emotional aspect to this treatment that the Endo did not mention.  You have to stop all anti-thyroid drugs before treatment.  You have to intentionally go toxic in order for it to work.  Mine felt like a one way ticket to the looney bin.  Then you wait, and wait, and wait.  It took 11 weeks for me to go hypo.  Now I'm doing pretty good with trying to get the meds regulated.  I switched Drs. to manage my hypo.  At my last visit, my new Dr. said that I should expect to have some "off days" for the next 6 months to 1 year.  It's probably not done cookin' yet.
So, in conclusion, autonomous nodules rarely, if ever ,go into remission.  If insurance deductables are an issue, you might consider getting this resolved before the end of the year.  I've heard that surgery gives you quicker resolution to symptoms so that you can get on with your life.  You still may need replacement hormones.  It is also possible that the RAI treatment will not work the first time.  Hot nodules can be stubborn.
Big Hugs, this is a tough decision for you.
A~