Hi all, I’m 5 weeks post hemi-thyroidectomy for a large benign single nodule. I’ve been recovering well although my thyroid is definitely not back to normal yet (I’ve put on weight, had constipation, dry skin, been tired etc). Anyway I’ve been gradually building up my strength. I have 2 very active dogs and over the last few weeks have been increasing my dog walks so I’m now back to doing 2 hour long walks a day this week. Next step is to add swimming back to my exercise regime. I tried going last week and after swimming I was exhausted and aching all over (to be expected) but the day after swimming I came down with a 2 day cold (which no-one else in the house has had). Didn’t think much of it, and then last night I went swimming again. Today I’ve woken up with a cold again! Aching all over, head feels like it’s in a vice and I’m sneezing and blowing my nose all the time. It seems very strange. Can thyroid issues cause cold like symptoms?
A bit more background. I’ve never been treated for hypothyroidism. My readings have always been in range and my docs insist my thyroid is fine. I’ve always suspected it’s not right, and now I’ve had a nodule I’m more sure. My TSH is always about 2.1-2.5 at 8am (range 0.5-4.2 ish) and my T3 is generally at the lower end of the range. My TSH goes down to about 1.6 at 10.30am. The reason I say that is because at my 2 week follow up the surgeon measured my bloods and my TSH at 10.30am was 3.1, which, for that time of the day was quite high. I can only assume that if I’d done the test at 8am, my TSH would have been nearer 4. I’m doing a full medichecks thyroid and vitamin test this Thursday to see how things are going as I suspect it’s not great.
In the meantime, I’d appreciate anyone’s views on the weird cold reaction to swimming. It could be a coincidence or I could just be overdoing it? It maybe thyroid....
Written by
Julesboz
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Well first step is to get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing....ideally 6-8 weeks after your operation
Have you ever had thyroid antibodies tested?
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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies.....or test privately
You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative. NHS refuses to test FT3 most of time
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
Cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )
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
Thanks for the advice! Yes I’ve already purchased the test and am having the bloods drawn Thursday morning.
I’ve had antibodies tested a couple of time and nothing ever shows up, but I’m aware that about 25% of Hashimotos sufferers never show antibodies. I have bought the test that covers full thyroid panel, antibodies and vitamins. I will post when I get the new results.
I’m already fairly hot on vitamins, I take sublingual B12, iron, vitamin d & k, and folic acid because I become deficient if I don’t. I’m pretty sure that they’re all ok (but I am testing) as I get pretty distinctive symptoms if I’m low, e.g. spontaneous bruising with folic acid, eye twitching with B12 etc.
I’m just interested to see if this cold like reaction to exercise could be thyroid related and to see if anyone else get this as this is a new one to me! It’s very odd.
Hi Julesboz, Do you get swimmers ear? I had to give up outdoor swimming and sure it inflammed my thyroid somehow. Are you on an immune booster vit complex?
No I’m lucky, my ears are fine, I’m not brave enough to do outdoor swimming, I just do pools. And no I don’t use an immune booster vitamin complex, just take separate vitamin B12, folic acid, iron and vitamins d & k because I become deficient if I don’t.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Thyroid testing post partial thyroidectomy
Post thyroidectomy, 3 years
thyroidectomy and Post menopausal
Post thyroidectomy 
Recurring toxic nodular hyperthyroidism 3 years after hemi thyroidectomy 
