Follow up after partial thyroidectomy, or lack ... - Thyroid UK

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Follow up after partial thyroidectomy, or lack of...

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I had a partial thyroidectomy nearly 15 years ago due to a multi-nodular goitre. The only time my thyroid blood test results dipped away from normal was when it was severed! I didn't have a single symptom other than the huge lump in my neck. Two thirds of my thyroid was packed with nodules and two fine needle biopsies proved inconclusive. I was 22.

After the op my surgeon told me he'd left my remaining lobe just under my sternum. I asked him how I would know if the nodules came back and he said he considered that very unlikely, but as I'd asked, there was no way of me knowing. I've had my blood tests checked every year and they are on the lower side of normal but not low enough to make my doctor refer me, despite changes to my sleeping patterns, huge weight gain and lethargy in the last year.

I have now set about a fairly radical thyroid diet in an effort to fix myself, or at least aid the little lobe that is predicted to fail in the next five years, but I can't help feeling there has been a distinct lack of follow up. My doctor knows little or nothing about the thyroid gland (none of my GPs ever have) and not even my very well-regarded endocrine consultant at the time was really able to tell me what had happened to cause the nodules. He'd sent my case off to a leading specialist who'd written back to say he thought I'd had a case of thyroiditis with no symptoms. My consultant gave his letter a very dour look and said it was little more than a guess. It left me in no doubt as to what he thought of the specialist's view, but still he discharged me after surgery with no further advice than get your blood checked yearly. And a lot of good that's done me!

Do you think I should pursue referral? Have you seen any success with thyroid diets? What is your experience post partial thyroidectomy?

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Tattyhead53 profile image
Tattyhead53

I had a partial thyroidectomy about 15 years ago in South Africa. I was informed that my other half of the thyroid should start producing enough hormone for me, but this didnt happen and a year later I started on Eltroxin. Everything had gone swimmingly until my British doctors swapped me onto Thyroxine. I did not respond well and they put me back onto Eltroxin. Once again life went swimmingly but now Eltroxin is no longer available so I am looking into alternatives. Now someone on here said that being on throid replacement can kick start the half thats left, so with my doctors support I am exploring this avenue. However, if it doesnt work I want to try Natural Dessicated THyroid. So maybe you could investigate this avenue. Have a read of the book Stop The Thyroid Madness by Janie A Bowthorpe. It may help you. Good luck.

hblower profile image
hblower

Hi I had a partial last year, the complete thyroid had nodules, the left side being bigger was removed because of previous surgery a benign cyst 30 years ago I was told it was too risky possibility of nerve damage, on last appointment was told fine the other side will compensate, no follow ups, not even a letter to my gp to do TSH levels.

Best wishes Helen

Shayeee profile image
Shayeee in reply to hblower

Me too! After surgery they told me to wait 3 weeks get a blood test

5 months after my surgery I get a call. Oh ya can you come in for a follow up appointment.

It’s like they called to see if maybe I was alive. 5 months really :(

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Divided

Thanks for your imput. I don't trust TSH levels and always insist on Free T4. They do the TSH anyway though.

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