How do people manage after having a total thyroidectomy with regards to ensuring enough calcium is being absorbed and not gaining weight.

[Carrola]

I had total thyroidectomy nearly 13 years ago and have been ok generally have gone down from 150mcg Lexothyroxine to alternate days of 100 and 125. Weight fluctuates except when I went on a strict diet to cure colitis (succesfully) I lost 2st which was too much for me to lose. Since regained it and could do with losing 1 st. now. However I have been messed about with the dosage prescribed. My latest results are T4 - 20pmol/L - Serum free triiodothyronine 4.1 - Serum TSH 0.05 - Serum triglcerides 1.26. Waiting for thyroglobulin to come back. Its all double dutch to me. Also since messing about with thyroxine level my cholestrol has gone from 7 to 9.5. I believe there is a definite link there with inadequate thyroxine meds.

[bantam12]

Calcium is controlled by the Parathyroid glands not the thyroid. Vit d aids absorption of calcium.

[Carrola in reply to bantam12]

no idea if they took them out along with the thyroid gland!

[roslin in reply to Carrola]

if they took them out you would have to take alfacalcidol or something similar for life.

roslin

[Clutter]

Carrola I've had TT post cancer too. Endo tests for calcium every six months I think. Says it's 'normal'. He won't be getting away with that in future. All the tests he ran mid July were 'normal' despite my obvious ill health, but a significant no. repeated by GP in Nov were extremely abnormal and deficient. I shall be insisting on print outs, not just the TFT and thyroglobulin results the endos reluctantly reveal.

My calcium levels dropped immediately after TT but righted themselves within 7 days. Signs of calcium deficiency are tingling in fingers, hands and feet.

I'm unable to gain or maintain weight on T4. Its my fault though. I don't eat enough, the right things, need frequent smaller meals. Eating the same but off T4 I've gained 2½kg in 10 weeks and I'm almost back to my post TT weight.

When your thyroglobulin results come back, repost all your results with the lab ranges for comment.

[Carrola in reply to Clutter]

Thank you I will.