I was very ill for a month prior to being diagnosed with Graves disease in Dec 2012. I have been on 30 mg methimazole and 50 mg 2x Metoprolol for 3 months. I feel great. Endocrinologist says I need to have thyroid surgery to completely remove my thyroid. Why can't I just keep taking the Methimazole? What is the long term effect of taking the drug? I see the horror stories of people sorry they had the surgery or the RAI. They say they have no quality of life after killing or removing the thyroid. I feel good (granted I have gained 20lbs, but I feel good). Why can't I continue with this protocol?