HASHIMOTOS and wanting to remove thyroid

[suzanna1]

has anyone had better results with just removing the thyroid since its going to be destroyed anyway..

[stella5349]

I am not in support of surgery for Hashi's

[Smilerdeb]

Most Endos and Surgeons will not remove the thyroid even if it has only 1% function.
Usually the thyroid is only removed ib cases where the levels cannot be controlled after 12-18 months on meds and also if cancer is present.
Research thyroidectomys as there is also a lot of side effects to surgery involving damage to the parathyroid glands sometimes.
I am not saying this happens in every case but there are a lot of cases where inexperienced Surgeons are doing TT's and damaging the parathyroid glands.
I would research hashi's and TT as much as you possibly can.

You dont say what your levels are at the last blood test?

[MANmom]

Do you have any nodules or just inflamation (inflammation)?  I have hashi's, but I also had nodules.  All my levels were in normal range, but they removed one lobe and found small cancerous tumors, so I did have a TT.  The Endo said I shouldn't necessarily remove the other side, that my cancers were small, and we could just watch and wait, but my surgeons said take it out, and I just had a bad feeling.  My thyroid was failing anyway, so I chose to have the TT, glad I did, they found a big tumor in the other side.  I am awaiting ablation, but feel OK.  I have two brothers with Hashis, my dad also had it and was on hormone until he died.  My brothers are taking synthroid, but now are concerned about my diagnosis, however, they don't have nodules.

[goolarra]

I have to agree with both Stella and Smilerdeb.  

TT is major surgery, and it comes with the risks Smilerdeb mentioned plus possible damage to the larynx (voice box), all the risks of any surgery and the risks of general anesthesia.

After a TT, you are still hypothyroid and dealing with all the issues of meds adjustment, etc.  So, what has it really gained you?

My endo says he only recommends surgery for Hashi's if the circumstances are "dire", i.e. the thyroid is affecting breathing or swallowing, or cancer is also involved.

Smilerdeb's right...do your research.