Can a thyroidectomy get rid of graves disease?

[gapeach30518]

Once you have a total thyroidectomy, do you still have graves disease?
I was diagnosed in June 2007 with hyperthyroidism and graves disease.  I was on Toporol and Tapazole for 6 months prior to having surgery.  I had a total thyroidectomy in November 2007 and my recovery was great. I'm on Levoxyl now and still trying to find the right dose but so far so good.... it just needs a little tweaking here and there. I don't miss the graves symptoms at all. I've researched everything I can get my hands on and I still haven't found a clear-cut answer.... a client of mine also has graves and he said he's seeing one of the top endocrinologists in the country who told him that even with the surgery, you still have graves disease.   Someone else told me this: Graves' is the autoimmune disease that can cause hyperthyroidism. so if it makes any sense then think of it as having 2 diseases, one which is caused by the other.  So when you have your thyroid removed then you don't have the hyperthyroid disease anymore but you still have the autoimmune disease (there is no cure, so unless someone comes up with one you'll always have it)



What confuses me is that graves is the most common FORM of hyperthyroidism. I had a total thyroidectomy, therefore, I have no thyroid and am now technically hypothyroid so how could I still have graves disease?



Can you please help me on this one?  

[AR-10]

If you have the antibodies that led to a diagnosis of Grave's, you have Grave's.

You always will. Be thankful you do not suffer from the symptoms of a thyroid under the influence of the antibodies any longer.

You have Grave's disease regardless of the hormone levels in your body. The distinction between Grave's disease and Hyperthyroidism is very simple, and very important.

Hyperthroidism is a condition involving thyroid hormone levels.

Grave's disease is an auto-immune disorder that is not curable, and can lead to other auto-immune disorders.

That last sentence is very important, and is something to keep in mind the rest of your life.

[SPencak]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I have Hyperthyroidism from Graves Diease as well & I just made the decision to have surgery instead of RAI. I am meeting with my surgeon in 2 weeks. Is your scar still visible? Do you have any tips for me about the process of getting surgery? I am confident about my decision to have the surgery, but I am still very nervous about it.

[Mary97]

Can I just say that I sometimes find the level of pessimism on this board to be irritating.  
Should we really need to keep in mind that it can lead to other autoimmune disorders.  I am told by my endo that there is a very, very small percentage that might apply to.  Sorry, but I have avoided this board for awhile for this very reason.  Look at Faith Ford, Barbara Bush, George Bush Senior.... All Graves' patients doing very well.  

[Mary97]

Sorry again if my aggravation offends.  It is just that truly this board can put me in a bad mood.  

[Mary97]

Oh and to answer your question... yes, you may always have the antibodies although they can lessen and even go away, at least according to my Endocrinologist.  Regardless, it sounds like you are doing excellent!  How wonderful that your hormone replacement tweaking is going so well.   All the best, and remember your success.

[chigirl29]

I had one autoimmune conditions--ten years later--I had another.
But I have a strong family history of autoimmune diseases--that might be the difference.

Antibody counts can go down to very low or even normal levels. It might take a while after thyroid removal though.

[chigirl29]

I'm deep south southern too:)

It is unfortunate that I have been displaced to the midwest:((

Roll Tide

[barleypop]

War Eagle!!

Had to do that since I don't see too much of that on the forum!  

[chigirl29]

Hey!!  Oh my goodness, now I feel at home.

My family is War Eagle...I'm a convert to Roll Tide..by way of--well--I liked the colors better.

Just kidding.