After Partial Thyroidectomy

[Di01782]

I had partial thyroidectomy, the left side was removed last year in February. Two years prior they had been monitoring me by Endocrinology Department at our local hospital,as I was diagnosed as having thyroid nodules and goitre. Biopsy was unsuccessful on 2 occasions on the third attempt a biopsy was successful take, results came back suspicious. So they said my left side needed to be removed and depending on outcome I may have to have further surgery to removed right side. Thankfully I had good results and thyroid removed was benign. They said my right side would work aswell as having full thyroid. I beg to differ as 17 months on I suffer with my weight and struggle to loose any, I have very dry eyes and mouth and sweat profusely especially my back and face. Being 53 year old female I'm on the menopause and been for last 4 years. I too have fibromyalgia, I'm tired most of the time, very low and suffering dreadful mood swings.

I would be extremely grateful for any tips to help me improve.

[Marz]

Do you have any test results to share ? Fibro can be linked to low T3. Are you on any treatment ? Vitamins and Minerals ? - have they been tested ? B12:- folate - Ferritin - VitD ?

[Di01782 in reply to Marz]

No I don't have any test results to show.

I am taking Menopause vitamins

[Marz in reply to Di01782]

You are legally entitled to have copies of all your results. This enables you to monitor your OWN health and check what has been missed. Yes that happens all the time.

If your menopause tablet is just one - then possibly won't contain enough of anything to help you. I would test the ones I suggested above and treat accordingly ...

[Di01782 in reply to Marz]

Thank you I will.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Di01782]

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need enhanced access to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018

[Di01782 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you I will request print outs of previous blood tests if there is no online access. Appreciate your help.

[teasel90]

Are you not on any medication? I had semi thyroidectomy over 20 years ago and was started on levothyroxine straight away, am currently taking 125mg a day.

[Di01782 in reply to teasel90]

No medication as Endocrinologist said my right side would work sufficiently to compensate the left side which was removed.

I beg to differ......

[Kell-E in reply to Di01782]

I would beg louder.

[teasel90 in reply to Di01782]

Seems odd to me. I was immediately started on 25mcg, which was then raised to 50mcg and when they wanted to raise it to 75mcg my GP said to save time should go straight to 100 as that is where I need to be. I was then having a blood test every 6 months and was getting told off if I'd taken my medication before the test.

[Di01782 in reply to teasel90]

I will make another appointment see GP. Would you mind if I show your answer?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Di01782]

Getting full private testing is next step then. As per my advice below

NHS rarely tests FT3....or increasingly even FT4

[Di01782 in reply to SlowDragon]

I'm not in a position to pay for full private testing but thanks for your advice.

[MindyMil in reply to Di01782]

Hi. I have no advice to offer as I'm also currently stuck in the se position as you. I'm 31 and also had a partial thyroidectomy two years ago due to goitre. Genuinely sick of trying to fight for support from the Dr's. I hope you get the help you deserve soon

[Royalname]

Hi, I too had a partial Thyroidectomy last December. I know the weather is hot, but I have been sweating profusely, so bad, it’s embarrassing. I also have put on a lot of weight. I mentioned this to my GP, she said it’s too early to do so (4 months after op). Can anyone tell me, how often I should have a blood test? I am not taking anything at the moment. Isn’t it awful we have to turn to these forums for advice & support. I am old enough to remember getting this from GP’s, alas no more

[Marz in reply to Royalname]

Read through the post below from SlowDragon for more info. Can you obtain your latest results with ranges from your surgery and start a new post so members can help.

I would ask for a test now - are you able to have Private Testing through Thyroid UK - 1000's on this forum do. It's the only way to have all the correct tests done. Link in SlowDragons Reply ...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

Are you on any other medication that may be affecting thyroid?

Or taking any vitamin supplements already?

[Di01782]

Thank you for your replies and tip. I will request a thyroid blood test but this time do as you say.

This is a list of medication I'm on:

Amitriptyline 50mg

Atenolol 25mg

Losartan 50mg

Atorvastatin 10mg

Ranitidine 150mg

Was on Venlafaxine 37.5mg and 75mg

Been taken of these now and been replaced with

Duloxetine 30mg only been on new tablet for 1 week.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Di01782]

Atorvastatin in a statin. Cholesterol is often a side effect of being hypothyroid

nhs.uk/conditions/statins/c...

Duloxetine

Depression and anxiety are also hypothyroid symptoms

Ranitidine

Low stomach acid is more common than high stomach acid when hypothyroid

[montieth]

Hello, I had partial thyroidectomy 7 weeks ago and now am just starting on 75 mcg of Levo. I too was told by the surgeon that most people make enough thyroid hormone after partial to not need any thyroid replacement hormone. This seems to be a common problem. I am also having to battle for the needed tests (here in the United States) and the only advice I can give is just keep trying, don't give up. It is hard when you aren't feeling well to fight for what you need. I find it helpful to take a rest now and then between the battles. Hopefully you can get on the dose you need and feel better. I have only been on this forum for a few weeks but I find it so helpful and supportive. I am not in the U.K. but I have found this to be the very best forum for thyroid anywhere in the English speaking world.