Back pain

[Poppi4]

Hi Has anyone else suffered with a bad back after a hemithyroidectomy.

I had my right side removed 8 weeks ago due to a goiter and when they went in discovered a tennis ball sized nodule. I felt awful before even thougth I was ensured my thyriod levels were fine. I had extreme tiredness and out of body feeling. Then went the other way and lost nearly 2 stone in 6 months. I have felt fine since it has been removed, back to normal apart from awful upper back/ shoulder blade and arm pit pain. . The back pain is mostly on the right. I am having physio which seems to be doing nothing. I do exercises and stretches daily and nothing seems to be helping. My latest blood test came back as normal.

Any advice would be appreciated lovely people.

[Nanaedake]

What has the physio said?

[Poppi4 in reply to Nanaedake]

Just to do some stretches. Only had one session so far have the next one on Friday. He wasn't sure said to see what the exercises would do. I had the pain for 3 months before op. Wondering if the nodule was pressing on something. My neck at the back is also very tight dispite the exercises.

[Nanaedake in reply to Poppi4]

Ask the physio what he thinks is causing it based on his experience with other patients. It might not be connected to thyroid at all. It can take quite a long time to release and tone muscles. I've been exercising for about a year and only just beginning to free my shoulders, get much better muscle tone, balance and strength. I expect it's quicker when younger. It has hugely reduced muscle and joint pain, especially in my back. Can you swim? If so, it could be a good gentle exercise but ask the physio what would be best.

[Poppi4 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you I will ask him Friday. Maybe I'm just being impatient. Swimming could be the way to go. Glad you are getting result.

[Nanaedake in reply to Poppi4]

The right exercise definitely pays off in lots of ways. You have to work it into your daily life but start gently as you are still recovering.

Stay well hydrated too. You can get a cheap sports bottle with the amount of fluid you should drink notched on the side. You fill the bottle and drink a couple of ounces every hour until it's gone by lunch time then refill it again for the afternoon.

You should also get your vitamin D and calcium levels checked. When you have results then post here for good advice. Ensure your diet has enough calcium rich foods and if vitamin D is low then you could supplement along with co-factors magnesium and K2-MK7 but for best and more detailed advice about supplements, get results and then post them here.

Ask GP to test levels and explain about your muscle, bone, joint problems. Muscles need good calcium and vitamin D levels to function well.

[Poppi4 in reply to Nanaedake]

I have just requested to have my results. I am picking them up on Friday after the physio appointment. Thank you for your advice.

[Hidden]

If you can visit a chiropractor they will give you exercises to help your muscles regain their strength. I do a set of exercise with bands three times a week for a similar problem. After I had my thyroid removed the pain in my neck and back was bad but it's now fine.

[Poppi4 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. How long did it take for your neck and back to get better? Where abouts was it in your back and neck?

[Hidden in reply to Poppi4]

About one year simply because I could not find a good chiropractor whilst living in France. I had to wait and visit one here in the UK. They will access you and then allign things up. If you visit a Bournemouth trained Chiro they are the best trained ones to visit. You may required an ultrasound of your neck first and visit one with plenty of experience.

As I said before it took time but I put in the effort and have no pain.

I did have horses and sometimes had a fall so have used a good chiropractor a few times before with good results.

I am 72 years old with a really straight back and shoulders.

[Poppi4 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you x