Had a partial thyroidectomy 2 weeks ago, I have a constant headache, my eyes hurt and the muscles in my arm ache and I'm tired. Am I hypo?

[Moomin2]

I'm on penicillin

[debjs]

these are the hypo symptoms I had after my thyroidectomy. When I told the surgeon in my follow up appointment he increased my dose. Are you due follow up soon?

[Moomin2 in reply to debjs]

Hi follow up in few weeks with surgeon, not on any medication. My gp reckons shouldn't have any symptoms as they only took half.

[appyalison]

I wonder if he penicillin is having an effect. Yu do sound a bit hypo though. They might be waiting to see if it settles down but you are clearly not feeling well. Could you ring blf helpline? 0300 030555 open 9 to 5 Mon to Fri. Good luck. Alisn

[Moomin2 in reply to appyalison]

Thanks Alison, I see how I am after I finish the penicillin you could be right x

[Hennerton]

Sounds as though you need a blood test to see what the other part of your thyroid is doing. Why is your doc so sure you do not need any meds? You sound hypo to me. I have had a TT and your symptoms are very familiar. Sorry to say you will probably need to chase docs and endos or nothing will be done. Do hope you manage to sort something out soon. It is miserable to have an op and then feel ill.

[Moomin2 in reply to Hennerton]

I rang my gp this morning and asked could I be hypo and she said very unlikely as they've only taken half. I've got few more weeks yet to wait

[Hennerton in reply to Moomin2]

If you could tell us what you are supposed to be waiting for, perhaps that would throw some light on the situation.

[Moomin2 in reply to Hennerton]

I had a partial thyroidectomy on the 8th, had a 3cm follicular neoplasm with hurthle cell changes removed. My gp told me it was benign. My consultant told me I had to wait six weeks to have my thyroid levels checked. The past couple of days I have lost my appetite, giddy, eyes hurt, headache, arms ache and I could sleep for Britain. I was put on penicillin 6 days ago as my neck was very swollen. I spoke to my gp and she said she didn't think I would have any issues eg hypo as I have only had the left lobe and isthymus removed. So basically I have to wait to see the consultant in 3 weeks to shed light on my symptoms.

[debjs]

Sorry can't seem to reply directly to your comment above. As Hennerton says these symptoms sound very familiar. I too have had a TT but even though I was put on replacement straight away it seemed as though all my body systems went into shock and had very severe hypo symptoms. I found that unfortunately I had to nag though I do have a good GP. I really don't see how your GP can be sure the other part of your thyroid is working adequately without any blood tests. Perhaps it has gone into shock due to the surgery. I would ask again if they could check (and not just TSH) as the worse the hypo symptoms become the longer it takes to recover. I know how hard it is to fight and take control when you feel so unwell. Could you see a different GP and see what they think?

[Moomin2 in reply to debjs]

I'm going to give it another day see how I am then go see my gp and tell her can't go on feeling like this.

[spring13 in reply to debjs]

2 weeks after a partial thyroidectomy is too soon to measure thyroid hormones. T4 has a long half life (it hangs around in the body for at least 4 weeks) so if you do a test now you will be measuring some of the hormone produced before moomin2 had the op. That's why she has been told to wait for the follow-up appointment as then there will be a true picture of what the remaining lobe is producing. You were put on thyroxine because you would have no thyroid hormone production. The symptoms are also consistent with recovering from major surgery.

[DMthyroid]

Hi Moomin2

Not sure if this will reach you given that you were posting six years ago. I hope you are well now.

I have just had the same operation - 2.4cm Hurthle cell benign nodule on right thyroid. Had the right half removed. Two weeks later I have the same symptoms - constantly sleeping and crushing headache, but no medication or large swelling.

Can you tell me how your symptoms (esp' headaches) resolved in the end?

Thanks.

[Moomin2 in reply to DMthyroid]

Hi have seen your reply, I went through a lot of changes after having the opp, very tearful etc. And I did have an infection in my neck also so was prescribed antibiotics which I think was a key to me being poorly. I did have 3 weeks off work, which wasn’t long enough, so please do not rush back to work as I had major brain fog. The specialist told me my levels were normal and I didn’t need any medication, so was basically left to get on with it. I did go through a phase of depression and was prescribed anti depressants which I only took for a short while then was told my levels were low so was put on 25mg tablet which has now been increased to 100mg. If they keep telling you your levels are fine but your body is saying different do not take no for an answer! Message me if I can help with anything else 😊 xxx

[DMthyroid]

Thanks for getting back so quick - much appreciated. I hope you are feeling better now.

How long did it take for the headaches to stop? My GP can only recommend strong painkillers, which I really don't want to start. I also have very loud tinnitus. There's very little about post-thyroid removal headaches on-line, but there is some stuff about swelling and trauma to the neck after thyroid surgery causing headaches.

[Moomin2]

Hi funny enough I have been diagnosed with chronic meniers disease, have had tinnitus for about 15 years. Maybe your levels have gone low but they cannot test them for at least six weeks. Have looked online for you does say could be a sign your calcium levels are low I would go back to your GP and ask them to do a blood test