Weight gain after partial thyroid removal for follicular cancer

[overweightme]

I've put on 5 lbs in 2 weeks and am concerned that the partial removal of my thyroid is causing this and I want to get it under control asap. I had my op 2 months ago

[Clutter]

Overweightme,

Ask your GP to check thyroid levels. The remaining thyroid lobe may not be producing sufficient hormone. Arrange the blood draw early in the morning when TSH is highest, and fast (water only), as TSH drops after eating and drinking. Ask for the results and ranges and post them in a new question for advice.

[overweightme in reply to Clutter]

Thank you will see my GP monday

[ThyroidThora]

Hi,

I had my right thyroid lobe removed 3 years to remove follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer. The surgeon though the left lobe would take up the slack but it was not producing thyroid hormones. I gained one and half stone in 2 months and I wasn't eating much at all. I was started on Levothyroxine and this didn't make a difference. Then I was put on a mixture of Levothyroxine (T4) and Liothyronine (T3) I lost a bit of weight but not much to talk about. Then because this combination wasn't working and I wasn't converting much T4 to T3 my endo trailed me on Armour thyroid (NDT). I've been much better on this and I've lost just over a stone in weight without trying. I still need to lose half a stone but my endo won't increase my dosage even though I know I will be better on a slightly higher dose. He's scared I'll develop Atriall fibrilation and osteoarthritis, even though I'm already at risk of these conditions anyway. I argue that quality of life is better than quantity of life, and I'd rather a few good years than 20 of bad riddled with more medical problems.

From what you've said in your post you are hypothyroid and need to be started on Levothyroxine soon. After thyroid cancer surgery they should check your TSH, T4 and T3 4 - 6 weeks after your surgery to check if you're going hypo and then see you every month to check and make sure your bloods are stabilising and increase your meds if necessary. Your TSH needs to be seriously suppressed to 1 or just below to stop your pituatory making TSH that causes the cancer to return.

I hope this helps.

TT x

[overweightme]

Thank you for the information. I had my op 2 months ago and my check up is in a months time so I'm going to see my GP tomorrow to see if he will up my Levothyroxine dose as I'm on 75 mcg at the moment.but having hot sweats etc. Will update when I've seen him thanks again OVWM