Thyroidectomy

[Aniela]

Some 8 weeks ago I had a total thyroidectomy as a result of an enlarged nodule pressing against my windpipe so I was advised to have my thyroid removed to prevent complications. So immediately after my op I was put on 150 mcgs of Levothyroxine and told no damage had been sustained to any parts of my throat/voice box. My calcium levels were very good. Got a call from GP Pharmacist informing me I needed to have a blood test in six weeks time to check my Levothyroxine levels. As a result of the blood test my results were TSH 0.30 and T4 26.1 (out of range). These results I picked up from Pathology at our local Hospital as GP surgery had sat on them for five days and I was told the GP had to check them before I could get the results. So I created fuss at the surgery and as a result got a call from my GP saying that my Levo would be reduced to 125 mcgs as a result of raised T4. No mention of further blood test so does that mean I will have to chase GP to have these done. Is there anyone who has had a thyroidectomy that can tell me how they coped with the levels. Thanks.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

You need to be retested 6-8 weeks after any dose change.

Ask for TSH, FT4 and FT3 - the complete thyroid function test. T4 (Levo) is a storage hormone and converts to T3 which is the active hormone needed by every cell in our bodies, so even though it's rarely tested it's the FT3 test that tells us what we need to know, ie are we over or undermedicated.

[Aniela in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for your response. My next blood test is due in April so I will ask for FT3 in addition to TSH and FT4. Let's see what the GP plans to do but if I have not heard from the GP Surgery by mid April then I shall chase them up.

[cjrsquared in reply to Aniela]

Just be aware that not all gp’s can order a ft3 test, it depends on the local contract. In my area only a hospital consultant can order this test. It isn’t always gps being difficult. Good luck.

[Aniela in reply to cjrsquared]

Thank you for that info. If the GP cannot order T3 bllod test then I am more than happy to have a private one done.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How do you feel

If you don’t feel over medicated, recommend getting FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done before reducing dose

ALWAYS test thyroid levels early morning, ideally before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Is this how you did your test

Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking

Many people find different brands are not interchangeable

Once you find brand that suits you best, stick with it at each prescription

Important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once a year

Are you currently taking any vitamin supplements

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

Come back with new post once you get results

[Aniela in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your advice. I take 500 mcgs Vitamin D3 (one tablet taken once a week) apart from Glucosamine for joint pain. My parathyroid was not damaged so calcium levels okay, after being tested by the hospital after my op. Brand of my Levothyroxine for the 100 mcgs is TEVA and for my 25 mcgs is Wockhardt. Otherwise I must say I have been feeling okay even with my T4 being out of range when on 150 mcgs which was then reduced to 125 mcg.

[Hidden]

I have been in your situation after TT but with higher FT4 than yours. It’s really important that you get FT4 back into range and are then regularly tested.

[Jacarilla]

I had my thyroid removed 6 months ago for same reason as you. I was started on 100mg of Eutirox (I live in Spain) but suffered anxiety, feeling jittery and trouble sleeping as well as night sweats. At first I blamed menopause being in the midst of it, and thought that my HRT meds may have been upset by the changes my body was going through. I saw my endo 8 weeks later and he immediately said I was over medicated and reduced my dose to 90mg and subsequently 6 weeks after that to 75mg. My symptoms have resolved although I’m now suffering low energy levels so possibly may have gone a tad the other way … due to see him again in 2 months. It takes time for each dose change of dose to settle. My blood test results looked a bit odd last time but my endo says symptoms are more important… I hope that helps… I’m new to this too and feeling my way through .

[Batty1 in reply to Jacarilla]

Menopause and no thyroid = crazy times! It’s taken me 5 years to feel half human after thyroidectomy and Im also menopausal from hysterectomy.

[Batty1]

How did you feel on 150mcg?

[Aniela in reply to Batty1]

I was initially started on 150 mcg and felt well. Following my blood test 6 weeks later my Levothyroxine was reduced to 125 mcg due to out of range T4 and feel just as well. I now wait for a further blood test in April to see how I have coped on 125 mcg. I am also due to see the Surgeon who removed my thyroid next week and will see what I can glean from him. I have a few questions to ask.

[Brightness14]

I had a TT back in 2015 for the same reason as you. Before the TT my thyroid was working fine I had never had any issues at all. I could not get on with Levo and after six months joined this site. I read everything from the other experienced people and started myself on NDT thyroid s. I am well now, it took a few months to sort the dosage out. I have a private blood test once a year to check the levels. This is done online with a nurse who will come and take your blood. Good Luck.

[montieth]

I hope you can get the right levels and get the tests you need. I found after a partial thyroidectomy that my ferritin levels were really low. I had to push for those tests after the good advice I got here. I was prescribed 75 mg levo and have been taking it for 3 months now. It seems about right but I would like to try to go down to 50 mg. because of a study I read that older people (I am over 65) might not need as much. It does take a while to get adjusted to the dose. Lots of good information on this site. Hope you feel well soon.