Symptoms following partial thyroid removal

[helterskelter123]

Hi all, I'm new to this site and looking for some advice. I had the left side of my thyroid removed at the beginning of March due to enlarged nodules. The surgeon did not put me on any thyroid medication following the surgery as she hoped that the right side of the thyroid would over compensate. Recovery has been ok but I'm now, I think, showing signs of an underactive thyroid? I am constantly exhausted, could sleep all the time, I'm cold when everyone is hot, I'm getting bad headaches that last for days, weepy and very emotional. I've not to see the surgeon again for another 3 months but have made an appointment with my doctor for next week. I just assumed everything would have settled after the surgery. Any advice would be appreciated x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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 or if hypothyroid

Recommended on here that 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)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all 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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

Medichecks currently have an offer on until end of May - 20% off

thyroiduk.org.uk/index.html

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_...

[helterskelter123 in reply to SlowDragon]

I have never had any tests at all since my surgery. Had a check up with the surgeon approx 3 weeks ago but no tests done at all

[Mary-intussuception in reply to helterskelter123]

I would write a list of all your symptoms to show your doctor and also list all the blood tests you are requesting. Make sure to ask for the Thyroid Antibodies too. Maybe Bone (Calcium & Phosphorus ) .

Enquire about having Adrenal Function checked also?

Request an urgent referal to an Endocrinologist, especially if refused tests.

[helterskelter123 in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Thanks so much. I'll see what docs say next week. X

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to helterskelter123]

Tick all symptoms on the check list

Request GP do all tests listed

Any not done can be done privately

[pennyannie]

Hey there Helterskelter123

Just for reference a fully functioning working thyroid would be supporting you daily with approximately 100 T4 + 10 T3.

I just think It makes sense that both these vital hormones are on the patients prescription pad, just in case, and for if and when.

Some patients are fine on T4 ( Levothyroxine ) alone, some people simply stop converting T4 to T3 at some point in time and some people simply need both these hormones bought into balance and dosed and monitored independently to an acceptable level of wellness to the patient.

Obviously the above is a guideline and you may still have some thyroid function left but it does sound like your remaining thyroid is now struggling so would suggest all that has already been said.

If you doctor is not able to complete the full thyroid, vitamin and mineral blood tests you can arrange them yourself and then post the results back on here along with the ranges and people more able than me will advise you of the next steps in recovering your health.

[helterskelter123 in reply to pennyannie]

Thanks so much. I'll see what docs say next week x