Partial Thyroidectomy

[Edydon96]

Hi all I had a large nodule removed and half my thyroid on left side around 6 weeks ago. The test came back clear.. But I'm exhausted all the time. My neck is still a little sore. And I'm having terrible pain in the tight side of my neck and shoulder, so bad sometimes I can't lift my arm. I also feel lightheaded regularly even if I'm sitting down. Does anyone else feel like this??

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Do you have any blood tests you can add?

Presumably you have tests from before nodule removed and after. Best to wait at least 6 weeks after operation

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

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.

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

All thyroid blood 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, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

You could test vitamins now

[Nanaedake]

As Slowdragon says, you need thyroid blood tests to find out what your levels are now. Your remaining thyroid may not be producing enough thyroid hormone but only blood tests will confirm this. As for the pain you have on the right side, you need to ask the doctor what it could be. There are numerous causes of bone, muscle pain and so you need a proper evaluation. If the doctor can't tell you then ask for a referral to an experienced physiotherapist. The doctor should be able to advise the right pain relief in the meantime.