Thyroid removal due to hyperthyroidism

[mila8]

Hi I'm just wondering what side effects have been experienced by those who have had their thyroid removed due to hyperthyroidism. What symptoms did you have before the removal and what were your reasons for the removal rather than continue with medication (non cancer).
I have been taking medication (carbimazole) for the last 5 years with increasing anxiety, brain fog and heart palpitations in the past 6 months, so I'm just seeking more info at this stage. Thanks :)

[Barb135]

Very rarely is one kept on anti-thyroid med for life... Surgery is "not" only recommended for thyroid cancer or goiter; either it or RAI are the treatment of choice for Graves Disease...

It's a decision that must be made between the doctor and patient.

[youngandold]

Usually you can continue using antithyroid drugs for life.
Surgery is better left ONLY for thyroid cancer or severe goiter.

[mila8]

Thanks for your reply, that's very helpful information. I'm so glad to know I can come back here if I have any further questions :)

[mila8]

Thanks for your reply. I did have a panic attack earlier this year which no doubt has triggered my symptoms. Thankfully my sleep hasn't been affected. My current specialist said to increase my meds if the symptoms increase, but this hasn't helped much. I've booked to see another specialist for a second opinion as I feel the other doc is not thorough enough. In the meantime i've been reading through my self-help books again to remind myself on strategies to help mentally relax, as I agree this is an important part of treating this condition.

[Barb135]

Hyperthyroidism can be seen in anyone, no matter how busy (or not) their lifestyle is.  Hyperthyroidism often causes one to get little sleep, but has nothing to do with how much "time" you have to sleep.  Slowing down and relaxing is next to impossible for most people with hyperthyroidism, unless they are taking anti-thyroid medications.

Doctors usually don't like to keep patients on anti-thyroid meds, indefinitely, and often removal of thyroid is the recommended treatment.

Since removal of the thyroid leaves one permanently hypo and on replacement thyroid hormones for life, you'll need to make sure you have a good thyroid doctor on board before you have your thyroid removed.  Make sure that doctor is willing to test Free T3 and Free T4 and to adjust them to alleviate hypo symptoms vs relying on TSH to determine the amount of thyroid hormone needed.  You'll also want to make sure that doctor is willing to prescribe various types of thyroid hormones, including those containing T3 and/or desiccated hormones, since we don't all need the same thing...

We can help answer a lot of questions you might have; feel free to ask.

[des900]

surely side effects there.

anyway had you made any modifications in your lifestyle. hyperthyroidism usually seen in people who have very busy lifestyle, little time to sleep etc. slowing down and relaxing will surely benefit. also some medications there to slow down. so no need to quickly jump to removal option.

can also resort to alternative medicines like homeopathy, ayurveda etc if conventional medicines not helping.