Multinodular goiter, hypoglycemia and upcoming thyroidectomy

[Justicemom]

In Dec. 2005, my heart started skipping beats...after seeing several doctors, my OBGYN found a very enlarged thyroid.  Had all the bloodtests imaginable, ultrasound of thyroid and biopsy done...after a whole workup at the cardiologist, he said it wasn't my heart.  Holter moniter showed benign PVC's. I don't have the energy like I used to.  I was put on Synthroid in May to try and help shrink the goiter and nodules.  Finally saw an endocrinologist in Aug. who thought not all of this was thyroid related.  Underwent a 6 hr. glucose tolerance test that revealed reactive hypoglycemia.  Went back for a check-up at the endo. last week to find out that she suggests a thyroidectomy because the Synthroid isn't working to keep the goiter/ nodules from growing.  I have an app. with the ENT/surgeon next week to discuss surgery further.  I just want to feel better.  I was told that I wouldn't be guarenteed that the heart palpitations would stop after the surgery.  I have talked to several women that have had RI done and symptoms stopped afterwards.  I am worried about this surgery and if it's the right thing.  I am on 25 mcg's of Synthroid right now, but how will they know what amount to give me after the surgery.  I'm afraid I will go up and down like I have over the past year with this...also, I've heard that if you have your thyroid removed that you tend to gain a lot of weight...I have gained about 15 lbs. since all of this has happened and don't want to gain anymore.  Has anyone else gone through this?  What's the surgery and afterwards like?

[utahmomma]

Valentines Day!  I can't think of a better day to start healing.  Please let us know how things go and I'm glad that you are getting it taken care of.

Regardless of the biopsy results, there are tons of people here to answer any questions and to lean on.  So lean on us!!  :-)

[Justicemom]

Sorry I haven't been able to post a note on this website the last few days...something happened with my password...my biopsies all were negative, but I saw my ENT on Wednesday and the goiter has grown so they are doing surgery on Valentine's Day of all days...At this point, I just want it done and over with...I have a couple of weeks to soak it all in...Thanks also for telling me about the diabetes...since I already have hypoglycemia, I don't know what will happen, but I will keep a close eye on it.  

[utahmomma]

Azqtpies just went through the surgery and many of us have been there too (twice for me) and it was the easiest surgery I have ever had.  I also went through RAI but for an entirely different reason (cancer).  The RAI was more difficult for me than the surgery.

You said you had biopsies - were they suspicious or malignant?  *IF* they were, and because the nodules and goiter are growing, please consider surgery, it is the only way to thoroughly get rid of the malignancies.  If your endo is not overly concerned about thyroid cancer (if your nodules are functioning or cystic) then you have more options.

Please also keep a close eye on the hypoglycemia - my entire family has had TTs and we all either developed Type II diabetes, prediabetes, or hypoglycemia after our thyroids were removed.

[Justicemom]

K~
I take it the doctors were not too concerned about going under for surgery with the heart palps?  That is one of my main concerns.  Thanks for letting me know about your experience.  This entire site is so great to be able to talk with others and get some peace of mind.

[azqtpies]

I have heart palpitations  fro the past several years doc always say if not pssing out there nothing! I also had my right thyroid removed 10 days ago for large nodule that was suspcicous, cam eback benign I still have n odule on my left that is benign as well. The surgery was very easy not alot of pain at all actually the only time it hurts is when  you swallow cough, eat , sneeze for the first several days. My calicum levels are low since surgery so on calicum 3x daily till I go to my post op appt. They told me my heart  deal was not related to my thryoid... any way no driving for 1 week and  no lifting 10+ lbs for 2-4 weeks afterr surgery, othet than that really after few days all is good neck is still little tight feels like I got be-headed and sewn back on...LOL
Best of luck in your decison, but dont let  the fear of surgery stop you... it is the easiest I had ever been through :)

K~

[Nimrod78]

I am going through the same problems as you with the heart etc and weight gain, having surgery on Feb 27th so cant tell you more until then. stay strong and good luck