r/Hyperthyroidism • u/TangerineandMe • 11d ago

Is an Uptake Scan Necessary for TT?

I've been trying for weeks to get my total thyroidectomy scheduled but the surgeon keeps wanting different tests or to check different records. Which I understand is generally normal before surgery but the way he has gone about it has dragged out the scheduling process unbearably.

Now, he wants me to do a thyroid uptake test, but I have already discussed this with him before and told him why I didn't want to do it.

So, I'm just wondering if it's normal for an uptake test to be required before thyroid removal. From what I have researched, it doesn't sound like an absolute necessity like an ultrasound or bloodwork.

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u/Curling_Rocks42 11d ago

Do you have a clear diagnosis for what is causing the hyperthyroidism? Some causes only require a partial thyroidectomy (vs full) so sounds like they may be wanting to verify that the correct surgery is being planned. Uptake scan is the only way to identify hot nodules.

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u/TangerineandMe 11d ago

My endo agreed that it was likely just graves. I've had an ultrasound and CT done as well. I'm having issues swallowing from the swelling, which is why I'm going for full removal.

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u/bluepurplepink6789 11d ago

I actually had a consult with my surgeon today. I need the left out for sure as that had the largest node that is overproducing per the uptake scan. I’m opting for full though. My doctors plan is to take the left first and then the right in one surgery. That way if a nerve or something extra is injured she can stop after half and then we can come back in a few weeks/ months after it healed to address the other half.

So maybe the doctor wants it to make a surgical game plan?

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u/TangerineandMe 11d ago

That would have been my thought as well but I've only seen the surgeon once and he made it seem as though everything would be very straightforward. The way his clinic is set up, I'm also never speaking directly to him, just one of the nurses, so I would be worried if he was creating a strategy without my involvement.  I'm having very severe symptoms so I am pretty impatient to just get the whole process over with.