I had my thyroid removed about a year ago due to multiple nodules. There was no malignancy, I'm grateful to say, and the surgery was the easiest thing I could imagine. I was in hospital just overnight....little or no pain and a clean very thin scar. The meds are a little tricky sometimes, at one time, I lost almost 30 pounds (yippee)but also my nails got really funky and my hair thinned. When the doctor adjusted the dosage, I found the 30 pounds and my nails and hair improved. He keeps a close check on my numbers and adjusts the meds accordingly. Don't fear the surgery, it's a piece of cake.

vickij, Check out the forum that I linked in one of my above posts. Also check out Mary Shomon's site and Stop The Thyroid Maddness site. There is so much info on Armour. bigbaby, I commend you for trying to live a more healthy lifestyle. There is a lot of info to help you learn about a natural life. I like Dr. Andrew Weil's books. As far as eating, try to eat foods in their natural state, i.e. from the ground, the sky, the water, not a box, bag or can. Eat a lot of fish, brown rice, fruit, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, small amounts of antibiotic free meats, whole wheat pasta, (unless you are going gluten free), organic dark chocolate, 60% or higher Cocoa. STAY AWAY from sugar, too much dairy, chips and all junk foods, cookies, cakes etc., meats injected with growth hormones, soft drinks, juices, alchohol, anything out of a box, bag, (except frozen veggies), or can. You get the picture. Try and walk daily and live a stress free lifestyle. Listen to your body!!! If something doesn't feel right find out why. Western medicine loves to throw pills at any symptom. Sometimes pills are a necessary evil. Most times a lifestyle change would benefit more. Do you know what the number one risk factor for heart disease and cancer is? Constipation. That's why diet is so important. You only have this one body. Put the best foods you can afford in it. Organic is best if you can pay the prices. Nourish your body with fresh healthy foods and it will give you many years of vitality. Try and keep stress levels low and get a good nights sleep. Donna

Hey Mini- I had thyroid surgery in late 2006. The biopsy results went on about abnormal cells, but it was enlarged enough as to be visible on one side. The surgeon had specified an out-patient surgery, but I questioned it and ended up staying overnight. I was concerned about what was going to happen, but when all was said and done, it was not so bad. I had one side of the thyroid removed during a morning surgery. They kept me on humidified air thru the night because you can suffer from a sore/dry throat. I had no problems with my voice and generally felt groggy/fuzzy. In the hospital they took blood every 2/3 hours and checked my blood pressure. I had a little trouble with side affects from the anesthesia, but other than that I was not even in pain. The doctor had made the incision low on my neck, just above the V of my collar bone. Most folks donÂt notice the scar. I was surprised that the doctor did not require me to cover the incision or even put antibiotics on it. I was self conscious of the visible staples, but strange enough, it was easily dismissed as a silver necklace and no one seemed to notice it (or they did not say anything). Once the staples were removed, I was told to keep tape on it for an additional 7 days. This was to keep from straining the newly healed area. I was surprised that I did not have any pain or discomfort. I was keenly aware of the incision and tried not to turn my head too much. Overall my imagination was far worse than the surgery. I was back to work Monday (surgery was on Friday). The thing I did learn is that when you are in the hospital, you may not get service unless you ask for it. Simple things like an additional blanket, being able to reach the call button, telephone or TV remote, getting jello or whatever, you may have to ask for it. DonÂt be shy, they are there to ensure that you are comfortable. I had read that this surgery is very very common and well practiced. DonÂt worry, you will be fine.

Anyway, I had no idea to check adrenal function when (preferably before, actually) going on Thyroid (similar to Armour). The doctors are supposed to do this, but they do not unless the patient has a problem. I had a huge problem as I raised my Armour.. I kept getting more hypothyroid and my doctor kept raising my Armour. I almost ended up agoraphobic, I would get so freaked out in a traffic jam or even driving though a row of trees! It did a number on my mental well-being, I had major brain-fog, swollen legs/feet and terrible constipation. All due to low cortisol and probably a high reverse T3... things my doctor never checked. My blood was FULL of thryoid hormone but it wasn't getting into my cells. I'm doing better now (not great) and it's only due to my own research. I frequent the forums mentioned above and both are very helpful. I also just bought the "Stop The Thyroid Madness" book and am really impressed so far. Lots more info here than on the website.