Should I have remove my thyroid and which method should I use?

[rsdramirez]

I just saw my Endocrinologist and he told me that he would like to remove my Thyroid because my level was 5.2 and should be at 1.5. I have been on medication off and on for two years and it seems it is not working. My husband and I would like to have a second child and in talking with my Dr. he would like to remove it using radioactive iodine. He asked that I do my research on the iodine vs. surgery as well as taking the medication during pregnancy. What do I do? I know that I have to wait 6 months to a year before trying to get pregnant, however we do not really want to wait that long. Would you recomment the surgery? What are the effects of iodine and could it effect the baby if it is not out of my system completely?

[ifupleze]

The thyroid is not usually removed unless you are hyperthyroid.  5.2, if this is the right reading, is hypothyroid.  Have you been on only one medication?  You might discuss changing meds, maybe to a natural armour med if you are on a synthetic.  I would certainly research possible choices instead of having it removed.   If it were removed, you would still have to be on meds for the rest of your life, anyway.  You can't really live without them.  This is a good website to visit www.allthyroid.org for more information.  search pregnancy or RAI or other questions you have.  Good lluck.

[utahmomma]

Whoa!  Hang on a minute.  What "level" is 5.2???   You need to get a copy of your labs (with reference ranges) to post here.   Why does your doctor want to remove your thyroid???  Usually the only reason to remove the thyroid is because of cancer, a nodule/goiter constricting your throat, or uncontrollable hyperthyroidism.  What is going on with your thyroid??

Second thing - radioactive iodine (RAI) does not "remove" your thyroid.  It nukes it - basically microwaving the thyroid tissue - but it doesn't remove it.  RAI is serious stuff and has long-term repercussions and is usually a followup to treatment (surgery) for cancer or treatment for hyperthyroidism.  If you have thyroid cancer or nodules you need to have the thyroid removed surgically before having it radiated.

You might want to talk to another endocrinologist to get a second opinion before you do anything as drastic as RAI or surgery based on any set of labs.

Please post more information so we can help you.

[ifupleze]

It also sounds to me like your endo is using you as some kind of guinea pig or has no idea what he is doing..  Asking you to do the research is ridiculous, too.  He should have the answers already.  I agree with utahomma.  You don't remove the thyroid by RAI.  I would run to another endo.

[ChitChatNine]

I third the same opinions above, Cheryl