Concerned about regulating functions after removal

[scounseling]

I went to see my doc, who sent me to a specialist.  I was given information and options.  Same as I have been reading. My goiter is quite large with several nodules on each side.  The likelihood of a biopsy giving sound information was minimal.  I opted not to do it and consented to surgery to remove the whole thyroid.   I am having second thoughts.  I would like to know if there is homeopathic or medical remedies to shrink nodules and goiters so I can at least get a good reading from a biopsy.  I would also like some feedback on the hormone replacement,  I am more concerned about that then the initial surgery.  Does it regulate body functions well, is there a ton of weight gain, I have been very healthy and still do not really have symptoms, the swallowing, can't wear turtle necks, etc. has been recent changes.  My blood work was "normal."

[goolarra]

The nodules are large.  However, it sounds like you are being rushed into surgery with many unanswered questions.  Do you have any idea what percentage of nodules this size are benign?  There is a threat of cancer with all nodules.  Have you had an FNA (fine needle aspiration) to determine the makeup of the nodules?  Is this surgery being recommended solely on ultrasound results?

All tests have a reference ("normal") range, and that varies lab to lab.  So, whenever you report a test result, you have to include the reference range so we can see where you fall in it.  Typically, that's done as follows:

Test     Result      (Reference Range)
FT4        1.0              (0.8-1.8)

I'm glad you are seeing an endo.  You deserve to have all your questions answered before committing to surgery.    

[scounseling]

I am a little overwhelmed, they are quite large, almost 4 centimeters and 3.8 I believe.  There are 2 nodules on each side.  I do not believe I have Hashis.  I went to an appointment to see a new practitioner APN on a Monday, had an ultrasound on that Friday.  Got a call that next Monday to set up an emergency appointment with a surgeon.  I was on vacation.  When I returned I went to the appointment and scheduled surgery.  This happened very quickly.  I canceled my surgery for this Wednesday.  Have been to a DC that specializes in thyroids, went in and had more blood drawn, Requested that my APN refer me to an endocrinologist, I am not familiar with ranges etc.  I will need to get the lab report information to post.  I have been trying to learn as much as I could since Friday.  There seems to be a threat of cancer with nodules this large.  

[goolarra]

How large are your nodules?  

Do you have recent thyroid lab work to post?  If so, please do and include reference ranges which have to come from your own lab report.  Let's take a look at how "normal" it is.  

Thyroid hormone replacement will often shrink both a goiter and nodules by giving the thyroid an opportunity to "rest" and thereby decreasing inflammation.

Do you know if you have Hashi's?

I think we have the treatments available to regulate body functions well, but I also think the medical community is in the dark about how to use them by and large.  So, a large part of how your treatment goes has to do with finding a doctor who knows what he's doing.  Too many of them aren't willing to keep increasing meds until symptoms go away.  Once labs are "in range", they're finished.  You get to a point where you pretty much can figure out for yourself when you need a meds change, but you still have to get the guy with the prescription pad to write you the script.