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Registered users can submit a thread (each thread is a single question) on any autoimmune, thyroid or health-related topic – including questions about your pet! Questions will be answered by Elaine Moore.  Because this is not a community forum, members will not be able to reply to threads once questions are asked and answered. Questions may be edited for brevity and grammar. If you need technical help, contact Admin.

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ForumForumDiscussionsDiscussionsQuestion and An...Question and An...Medical Treatments for GravesMedical Treatments for Graves' and Hyperthyroidism
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 8/14/2009 4:04 PM
 

Elaine,

I read your archive article regarding medical treatments for Graves' and Hyperthyroidism, but am curious as to whether there is a preference for RAI or Thyroidectomy.

I have posted several questions to your site and your answers have been most helpful.  After being diagnosed with Graves' in March, I have tried PTU and now Tapazole.  My liver enzymes have been elevated in both cases as well as having a "dangerously" low white blood count.  Since I am unable to tolerate either medication my endocrinologist recommends removing my thyroid.  What questions should ask to determine which procedure (RAI or surgery) would be best for me.

Thank you as always for your expert advice. 

KK

 

 

 

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 8/17/2009 10:51 PM
 

Hi KK,

Recent studies recommend using a 10 mg dose of Tapazole to start out since higher doses are likely to lower the WBC count. Ask for the WBC value. Dangerously low would be lower than 1.0. I've heard doctors say dangerously low when the WBC count was just slightly low, like 4.0.  Liver enzymes are also usually elevated when the ATD dose is too high.

If the ATD dose was low and still caused problems, than surgery is usually a better option than RAI.  Radioiodine stimulates the immune system and worsens the autoimmune process. This often leads to thyroid eye disease, pretibial myxedema, and other autoimmune diseases. 

Partial thyroidectomy is a good option because your can keep some of your thyroid tissue and produce a small amount of natura hormone. Thyroid replacement hormone isn't always well tolerated.

The size of the gland is also important in considering what type of replacement hormone works best.

See http://hashimotos-encephalopathy.blogspot.com/  

I'm going to write a blog on this lady's experiences with treatment for Graves' disease, but it's very pertinent to your question.

Best, Eaine

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