Post op thyroidectomy, need advice please

[Vampire2013]

Hi

My wife has had a total thyroidectomy on Monday and is feeling a bit offside , she’s bringing rubbish up which I presume is from the anaesthetic, can anyone offer any advice on what to expect so we know what is normal and what isn’t ref feelings, moods, aches and pains etc , thank you in advance

[Hidden]

It sounds like she has reacted badly to the anaesthetic. I could only stomach natural yogart after my last op. I have not had my thyroid removed so not an expert but hopefully other more experinced will respond.

[Vampire2013 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that appreciate the reply 👍

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Make sure GP or endocrinologist test her B12, folate, ferritin and Vitamin D

B12 can get used up by anaesthetic

Low vitamin levels are common with Hashimoto's or Graves

We need GOOD levels of vitamins for replacement thyroid hormones to work well

Which brand of Levothyroxine is she starting on?

Many people do not get on with Teva brand

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.

Many take Levothyroxine early morning, on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime.

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients

[Greekchick]

Hi Vampire,

Your wife can expect lots of tears. I cried for two weeks post TT (6 weeks now) and still cry once a day for no reason. I couldn’t get out of bed for 2 weeks . Remember that no matter what the doctor says, this is a very big surgery. It is normal, as one of the members of this forum shared with me, that a good cry is not unusual. I am due for a re-eval if my meds tomorrow and hoping that the tears will be a thing of the past soon.

It takes 6 weeks for the Synthroid to get absorbed in the tissues and you have been given good advice to wait and not be in a hurry to adjust the medication yet. You don’t want to get too much Synthroid, which causes hyper symptoms and are just as bad as the crying. It is best to proceed slowly.

Nausea is likely from anaesthesia and it will pass. Do not expect to feel better after 2 weeks. This is very optimistic and most people in my experience do not find this to be the case. I started to feel better in week 4. I am now walking about 45 minutes a day and able to do light chores at home. I am not yet back to work and likely will not be for another month or so.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Your wife will feel better soon . She needs to be kind to herself and go slowly. Have her do things that make her happy and that she enjoys. Take it one day at a time. She will have good days and bad days. Your support (and I am sure you are giving her plenty since you took the time and concern for her to post here) is invaluable for a good recovery.

I wish you both all the best and am sending you positive thoughts for a successful outcome. Good luck to you both.