Constant Colds after total thyroidectomy

[keb5332]

Had anyone else suffered after having a total thyroidectomy? On 150mcg of levothyroxine. Had mine at the end of September and ever since had a cold. Just as I get rid of one another one starts. Really getting me down. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks x

[shaws Administrator]

I am sorry you have been having problems since your thyroidectomy. My personal view is that you are now deprived of all the hormones your healthy thyroid produced. Levothyroxine is T4 and should convert to enough T3.

Natural Dessicated Thyroid Hormone is from pigs or cows thyroid gland and contains T4, T3, T2, T1 and calcitonin and is also more synergistic to our bodies.

Unfortunately, the NHS is backward in prescribing a Natural Dessicated Thyroid Hormone as it is more expensive. Some rare Endos do prescribe.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/thyroi...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

[keb5332 in reply to shaws]

My existing gp will only test tsh and t4 and says there's no need to test vitamin levels. Head and brick was string to mind. I am worse off since my tt than before yet everyone thinks it shouldaall be resolved now x

[Hennerton]

It may be that your immune system has taken some knocks this year. Do you take any supplements? It might be an idea to ask your GP to check iron, ferritin, folate, B12 and Vit D. If these are less than optimal you will not be converting T4 to T3 and the body is deprived of everything it needs to function properly. Post results here with reference ranges for advice. Do not accept your GP's idea of ideal levels. They are generally happy with bottom of the range and you need better than that.

Also ask for thyroid blood tests of free T4, freeT3 and TSH, to see what your levels are. Then post here again with reference ranges. Whilst waiting, maybe take a good multi vitamin and high dose vitamin C. I hope you start to feel better soon. x

[keb5332 in reply to Hennerton]

I haven't been taking any supplements no as my gp told me not too! Had my last blood test about 3 weeks ago but they haven't been sent to my gp so they are being chased up. My surgeon is happy with how it all went and doesn't want to see me again so now I feel like I've been deserted. Just before my tt I divorced and moved house, I now need to change gp practice and really not looking forward to that xx

[Clutter in reply to keb5332]

I found surgery, one hemilobectomy and second completion lobectomy followed by 2 x RAI was the easy bit. Everything else has been problematic.

My endo claimed my blood tests in July were fine. In Nov my GP agreed to tests and i was severely deficient in VitD & folate, low/normal B12 & high/abnormal white blood cells.

Research the GP practices in your new area and see if any state thyroid as a speciality. Maybe ask at pharmacies in the area, they'd probably know.

Your current GP is wrong btw & you'll be well rid. If you're vitamin & ferritin deficient you'll struggle to absorbe and utilise thyroid hormone. 'Ware high dose vitC, can give you the trots.

I hope 2014 is kinder to you x

[shaws Administrator in reply to keb5332]

You have had a lot of upheavals in your life in the past few months, plus your op and recovery etc.

When you get a copy of your latest blood test results post them on a new question for comments. Please put the ranges too as they are important.

If you are able to get a private T3 blood test it will show whether it is low as T3 is the active hormone needed by each cell in order for to function properly. Also Vit D and B12. You could enquire about the cost.

People with thyroid gland problems frequently have low levels of Vit D and Vitamin B12, which deficiency can cause problems in themselves. I do not understand why your GP wont do these. You can supplement with Vitamin C each day as this helps to convert T4 to T3 plus as you are having frequent colds it may help this too.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Blue horizon do a pin-prick blood test and you can get a discount.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...