Should I get my thyroids removed?

Question

I have some nodules on my left and right side of the thyroid. I also have a 3 cm cyst on the right side. Should I have my thyroids removed? I'm not sure what to do right now and I need to know what to expect after I would have my thyroids removed? Would I gain a lot of weight? What kind of medications would I have to take. Anyone out there has had their thyroids removed?

Answer 1

People with multinodular goiter usually don't need to have their thyroid removed, but this isn't always the case. Write down all of your questions and then go visit your doctor about this.

If you get your thyroid removed, you will need thyroid replacement medications, which in general are inexpensive and well tolerated.

Answer 2

I had a small benign tumor in my right thyroid and i had the whole thyroid removed. I researched the surgeon very good beforehand. My scar is very small and very thin. It took over 1/2 year for the redness of the scar to fade, but now you would not even notice anymore that I had a thyroidectomy.
I am on Synthroid which I have to take every single day until the rest of my life - I guess....
I have not gained weighed after the operation. The doctors will adjust the pills. I had for a few month different ones...starting out with 100 mg going to 125 mg and finally ending up with 112 mg.
I was moody after the operation, but with the right dose of pills this should not happen.
Good Luck to you! Find a good surgeon! Ask lots of questions..how many sucessful thyroidectomies has he performed etc...

Answer 3

As someone who just had a total thryoidectomy (complete removal) this past January, I would strongly advocate against surgery at all costs if the thyroid is non-cancerous. You can shrink your nodule with the use of iodine. If I had known what I know now, I'd have cancelled my surgery. My Endo and Surgeon were way too "cut happy".The nodules are only dangerous if they become cancerous or start to grow in a multi-nodule goiter which starts to imped your airway. Again, that too can be taken care of with the use of iodine. It's far worse to try to live thryoidless and go through months of hell trying to get your medication levels correct. Plus, the scar is pretty ugly from the surgery. I still feel like a freak and it's been two months post op. I'll include a great web site to check out about the use of iodine below. By the way, there are several groups on yahoo groups which can also help you. One is called "thyroidless" and the other is "iodine".

Answer 4

I havn't had my thyroid removed, but I live with hypothyroid, which is what you will be diagnosed with after the thyroid removal. I have to take a T3/T4 supplement (levyxtrol) to replace what my thyroid can't make, but I'm guessing there will be additional medicines you will have to take for the rest of your life. Maintaining your weight may be harder for you because you don't have your thyroid to help with your hormones. I'm over weight, but that's also because of my eating habits.

I hope that helps some. I would suggest purchasing a book. There is a really good one but I can't think of the name right now, but it explains a lot.

Answer 5

With a recent diagnosis, of 3 tumors, the largest being 3cm in diameter, today I went to Emergency Room, couldn't breath this morning, 4 days after needle biopsy, feels worse than the first 3 post days. Dr. in ER says biopsy wasn't malignant. nurse said report was not available yet. I come home. The full report for todays ER visit all on Hospital web site. along with blood work report. NO BIOPSY report....Frustrating. given a steroid shot. So, in 5 days I can't breath again.

Answer 6

i suffered fr. hyperthyroid disease i only take anti-thyroid drug now my thyroid is in normal level already try to take thyroid med. if it does not work u should have to remove ur thyroid

Answer 7

Have you talked to a doctor yet?
I don't think you can live withour your thyroid.