Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
Am I way too high risk for total thyroidectomy?
Female, 44 years old, smoker (trying to quit), BMI 41. I have just lost 8 kg, weight varies between 70-100kg, currently 101kg, 158cm tall.
Graves' disease 2008, remission after 1 year on medication.
Relapse April 2014, still on Neomercazole , T3/4 stable, TSH now elevated, antibodies present, recently diagnosed Hashimotos as well as Graves' disease. I saw my endocrinologist and he referred me to a surgeon for TT. Surgeon says I am far too high risk for surgery because of my smoking history and BMI. What are the real risks and how high are they really? I'm an RN of 26 years so I'm well aware of general risks. My weight is mainly a problem BECAUSE of my thyroid disease! I gain weight with Graves instead of losing. I just want my thyroid out! Located Brisbane Qld. Would love to hear some more opinions before searching for another surgeon who is confident I won't die on the operating table! Don't want to have RAI, unless surgery really isn't an option.
