Worried about anaesthetic and hypo.

[jaxnbreeze]

I am due to have an operation in about with six weeks and am worried about having anaesthetic as I am hypo. I take 50 mg. per day so would I need to take them pre-op? Will recovery time take longer and is there anything I should be doing to build myself up ? I am doing yoga, walking, eating whole food and taking Nutri Adrenal, Nutri Thyro. D3, and B12.my TSH is 0.75 and T4 15 T3 not tested. I have had a VERY stressful six months and I know this has impacted on my health. I am almost 70 so need to have this 'ladies' op. asap. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jax

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Properly treated hypothyroidism is not a problem.

However, from what I have seen, your anaesthetist should be satisfying himself that is the case. Talk to him/her as soon as reasonable practicable.

Rod

[Hidden]

I've had quite a few general anaesthetics over the past few years.Take your thyroxine as usual, when they tell you to take your meds.Anaesthetists are indeed always aware that you have hypothyroidism.You'll be fine, although for me, recovery does take a little longer, but this may not be the case with you. Good luck with the op!

[jaxnbreeze]

I can only reply to you both by going own this route- unable to use 'reply'. I suppose the first contact with the anaethetist will be just before my op. I had a blood test last week which he will no doubt be made aware of - is there anything else I should be doing about this? The Gyno. knows and says as I am on a low dose of thyroroxine there shouldn't be any problems. Obviously when I get to hospital I will be reminding everybody! I am most anxious about building myself up to cope with it all.

[Hidden in reply to jaxnbreeze]

I know how you are feeling. I was supposed to have surgery at the beginning of the month, but the hospital is not happy with my thyroid result which is on the high side of normal! I have to reduce a bit before they will operate. They will soon let you know if they don't like your blood result, after the pre op assessment!

It is normal to feel apprehensive before surgery, but you will be fine! When you get back to the ward after the op, remind them that you have hypothyroidism-i always do.

I know I have to have my op soon and I know that feeling about 'will I cope'. But you will. As my surgeon said to me: I don't know why you're worried, I'll be doing all the hard work!!" Which is true-we'll be asleep while they are working hard!

[Stourie]

I have had a couple of ops since being diagnosed hypo and have not had any problems. Recovery was fine too. Try not to worry too much and best wishes.

Jo xx

[jaxnbreeze]

Thanks everybody for your re-assuring replies. Jax x