Exhausted after Hemithyroidectomy

[Lana-62]

I had a hemithyroidectomy three weeks ago today, and cancer was found but was inside the thyroid side taken. I have returned to work fulltime this week and am exhausted. I work for 8 hours struggle for the last 3 hours and go straight to bed for a few hours rest. Is this normal?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Are you on any Levothyroxine at all ?

If not you may need to be. The remaining side may not be producing enough Thyroid hormones

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

Ask GP to run test

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

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. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

[Lana-62 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you. I will go see my GP. I am on no medication and wasn't advised of any. The specialist made an appt to see him again in a year or come back if I have signs in the other half of my thyroid.

[Df92rt]

Hi ya sorry to hear you are having issues since your operation. Gp can do bloods to check how well the other side of thyroid is functioning but can’t do that until a month has passed since surgery as it takes a while for everything to settle and stabilise. I am awaiting repeat bloods after a hemithyroidectomy as I’m feeling the same. I have since however found out kidneys ain’t functioning as well as before surgery. So all has an impact. You may also need to have a chat at work to advise how you are feeling and see if they can assist you whilst you’re body is still making adjustments.

Good luck

D

[Lana-62 in reply to Df92rt]

Thank you for this information. I will go see the doctor in a few weeks if this doesn't improve.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Lana-62]

Recommend getting a blood test a month after operation

GP may not test everything required

Come back with new post when you have results

[Lana-62 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you, I will go to the doctors in a week and ask for the blood tests. I will post the results.

[Nanaedake]

Partial thyroidectomy is quite a big adjustment for your body so you are bound to feel tired. However, as others have said, you need to find out if you are lacking thyroid hormone by having bloods done. Do you have a follow-up apt with your consultant?

Were you counselled on the symptoms of hypothyroidism? I presume that you did not experience hypothyroidism before surgery? When you get your bloods done, also ask GP to check for vitD deficiency as good levels can aid recovery I believe.

[Lana-62]

Hi Nanaedake, only follow up was for a years time with ultrasound. Nothing was spoken about hypothyroidism, just that the thyroid side left would function as the full thyroid had. I will go see my GP and organise a blood test next week.