Expert: Robert Borucki - 11/3/2009

Question
I have been a thyroid patient for years.  Recently, my hair started to break really bad, weight piled on, been really tired.  I am on a large dose of synthroid already and my doctor increased it again.  But my bones ache now and i am a wreck.  I was give I131 7 yrs ago and it only slightly shrank my thyroid.  Also, my endocrinologist at the time (7rs ago) told me my uptake was triple but thyroid levels only slightly low so my gland would eventually burn out and could become toxic or even cancerous hence the reason I was given I131.  Was told I wouldn't have a gland anymore, but have a large one still with mult. nodules.  My current physician has ignored my concern.  What do I do? I want it out.  I'm on meds forever anyway.

Answer
yes, you are on meds forever... but you need a full eval by an endocrine doc.... they didn't dose the I-131 correctly.  And you gave symptoms of low thyroid, but as long as your TSH is between .5 and 1.5 you should be adequately replaced....  but I would have you see the specialist.