rai or surgery?

[radioactivate]

Hello Dr.,

I have been having a very hard time with my graves disease (diagnosed in 2001).  I am a male and originally took methimazole 30mg and beta blockers to calm the thyroid.  I eventually got off the meds in 2003.  After about a year my thyroid acted up again and it has been a battle ever since.  I have had fluctuating readings and fluctuating dosages since then.  I am currently on 20mg of methimazole and beta blockers and my Endo says I should get rai immediately.  I mentioned that I would prefer surgery and she was not having that.  I have been reading about rai and I am extremely nervous about the procedure.  I know it is a long battle getting to feel "normal".  I really want surgery and not to have a total thyroidectomy only partial, as I would rather stay on methimazole than be totally hypo.  I dont have any cancers and from what I hear the surgery is a simple procedure.  I would not have even considered any sort of thyroid ablation had it not been for my recent sore joints and extreme nervousness.  My last test results showed my TSH to be .2 and my free t3 at 14 (range 8-17) and my free t4 at 145 (range 80-170).  I need help anyone else felt good with either the rai or the thyroid surgery

[Smilerdeb]

I agree with FTB4 and have had both RAI and TT (keyhole).
I had RAI first (June 2008) due to thyroid storm and then keyhole surgery (Sept 2008).
Your levels dont look too bad and unless there is a specific reason for permanant treatment (RAI or TT) then I would sit on the ATDS for a while longer if you can.
Your TSH is low but the FT3 and FT4 arent too bad.
Research all you can and then make a desision.
Dont be rushed into anything.
All the best:)

P.S
I am doing great now 10 months later but it took a lot of hard work and research.

[FTB4]

I do not know too much about the Radioactive Iodine Treatment, although when I discussed the future removal of my thyroid (Surgery)with my Endo if required, he stated that surgery would be the last thing he would advise, he said this opinion was based on the fact that #1 The surgeon would have to be skilled in removing the Thyroid without damaging or removing the Parathyroids at the rear of the thyroid itself, and that there was a risk of damage to vocal chords/voice during the surgery. I would do more research into the Pro's and Con's prior to making your decission. Good Luck FTB4