surgery vs. RAI

Which is less risky: RAI vs. surgery : considering that I have Thyroid Eye Disease, Sjogren's, and lupus ABs?



This discussion is related to questions about RAI ablation process.

[stella5349]

Medicall most physicians perfer RAI over surgery. It is listed as a simple treatment for correcting hyperthyroid disease. I had RAI and was given no options for surgery at all.

If you need to make a choice - it really is best to consult with your physician and see exactly what is the best option for you.

I don't know what the outcome would have been for me if I could of had surgery - but RAI seems to have taken a toll on me and I question what would have been better.

[tm514]

Carefully consider RAI if you have Thyroid Eye Disease - it can make the symptoms worse.  My doctor didn't really push RAI at all (I have Graves and Graves Eye Disease), he was afraid it couldn't be "taken back" once done if it caused worsening eye problems.  I already had enough problems in that department, couldn't imagine it being worse.

RAI has its uses,  but so does TT.  I am glad I had my thyroid removed, I feel much better without it that I did with it those last couple of years.

Good luck with your decision.

[smalltown99645]

The more you read about RAI, TT or long-term ATDs, the more empowered you'll be at dealing with your Endo, and eventually you'll be sure about what's right for you. Many people feel "pushed into" getting an RAI prematurely and have plenty of time to (in some cases) regret it later. It's worth remembering that RAI is so aggressively presented because it's considered the cheapest of  the three options. Learn until you're confident and you won't have to deal with second-guessing yourself. There are terrific books and terrific online resources.

[stella5349]

Great post smalltown...

What a unique name... That was cleaver. :)