I have an upcoming operation and following my pre-op they have written to my GP.
As my TSH is suppressed <0.01 and FT3 is in range the anaesthetist has contacted an endocrinologist whose advised to reduce my T3 from 50mcg to 45mcg.
Has anyone else had any issues with operations and anaesthetic? I can reduce to 45 but it’s not easy with 25mcg pills plus I’ll probably feel tired. And I’m in range?!
How long does FT3 take to show up in bloods? If I reduce a week before the test and get retested. And maybe keep it that low til after operation but it could take weeks to get a date?
I’m really not sure what to do.
Written by
MissFG
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I don't think it takes very long. But, it's not the FT3 level that is bothering them. It's the suppressed TSH. And that could take a long time to rise - weeks, months, maybe never if it's been suppressed for a long time.
My old Endo who discharged me said a suppressed TSH on t3 only was fine and to be expected.
So why would another Endo recommend reducing it as I didn’t think it would make a difference. Unless I stopped taking it altogether and that’s not happening.
I know it’s the TSH and just read that it’s actually quite risky. So how do any of us get on with having an operation?
Your old endo was right. But, he was an exception in that he understood that. Most endos don't. The majority of endos are diabetes specialist with a sketchy knowledge of thyroid. So, I'm not in the least surprised that the other endo told you to reduce your T3. He wouldn't even be aware that it was unlikely to raise your TSH. They just don't fully understand how it all works.
I wouldn't reduce it because they will be giving you a blood test before your operation and then monitoring you during it. Just make sure the Anaesthetist knows about your condition. Also you need to make sure you have your medication with you to take after your operation and know what pain relief you will be given afterwards.
It’s my anaesthetist whose contacted a Endo as she has concerns for my operation. After researching it I realise why. We are high risk if your severely hypo which I am. I think I’ll just have to contact her when I’m back off holiday as if I’m in range for FT3 lowering my dose won’t affect my suppressed TSH.
I don’t even know how we’re ever looked after properly with such little knowledge of our condition.
They want me in a euthyroid state but that’s impossible whilst on t3 only. That’s why it’s postponed until I reduce my t3 and normalise my TSH. Think this is just going to be yet another battle.
Try to print off as many articles as you can explaining that if you TSH is in range it will affect your T3 levels. My TSH is 0.37 and I feel ok at the moment when it was 0.80 I felt dreadful. The TSH means nothing imho.
Yeah I’ve been suppressed for a few years now but trying to explain this a patient to the medical professionals in England is very difficult due to their lack of knowledge. I’ll contact my anaesthetist and discuss it with her. I’m in Thailand so going o try to get thyroid s and see if some T4 and t3 combined might help but I doubt it
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