Hi, I'm hoping you guys might have some advice or suggestions. TLDR: Longtime multinodular thyroid, developed Graves last year, just told I also have hyperparathyroid which is probably why I have osteoperosis in late 40s. Referred for thyroidectomy surgery (but not parathyroid). Also, one side of my thyroid is extending into the mediastinum behind my sternum & slightly compressing my trachea and esophagus.
Longer version. I've been having my thyroid monitored due to nodules for over 10 years. Then last year I suddenly developed Graves Disease, or at least it felt sudden. I had two low tsh results in a row so my Dr ran a full thyroid hormone/antibody panel just in case and it showed really bad Graves. Then this year I had a bone density done as part of organ transplant evaluation process (to see if I can be listed), and it was terrible. Full blown severe osteoporosis in my hips and lower back. Saw the osteo endocrine Dr and they added hyperparathyroidism to the list, which I didn't know until an anesthesiologist asked me about it for something else. I said I had Graves, and he came back with : and also hyper parathyroid... But maybe you didn't know that... (after I gave him a look like, huh?). Anyhow, I saw the surgeon for a consult this week. I'm seeing the surgeon that does high risk cases because of congenital heart defect & bleeding disorder history. My regular Dr had told me that if/when I get the thyroidectomy they'd keep me in the ICU, overnight because of close monitoring of calcium levels because of cardiac history. So, I guess I'm wondering how this surgery goes if you're a complex case because of other medical issues? Did you feel better? part of me is wondering if Ill feel better heart wise too if this is removed. Since it's my understanding that Graves and parathyroid things are very hard on the heart, and it kind of lines up to when I started feeling worse from a cardiac standpoint too. Has anyone here had a more complicated case where maybe they kept you in ICU or even just regular hospital for a couple days VS going home next day? Also, anyone else have a thyroid that was extending down into the chest? (which may potentially require them to do a sternotomy as part of the surgery VS the standard incision. But hopefully not.).