In a message dated 08/06/97  17:00:52, you write:

<< The basic gist is that some researchers found that surgery may end up in
 better outcomes than antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine. >>

And why we wonder, perhaps common sense plays a part in deducing
the answer. If you had a rotten appendix it would be considered madness
to leave it there. Why, because in the long run surgery is probably less
invasive to the individual than attempting a drug cure? Apart from that the
public would make a lot of noise.

Can any one name one other condition with the potential of a cure, which is
exchanged for a debilitating chronic condition through choice? Is this potty
or what?? There is a little difference between having a go at getting within
the normal range and deliberately *not* doing so. Even with Cancer there is
a certain pride about going for the cure, is the life of the thyroid patient
not
 worth the hassle?

Apart from anything else surgery is an art and the outcome is almost
entirely in the hands of the surgeon. There is no art, or logical reason to
go for leaving people in a hypothyroid state and the eternal hassle of
drug control.

Remember this people, your insurances are lower if you are not
hypothyroid.

Your health, your care, you suffer, you pay so you are entitled
to have a voice!!

Carol