Help understanding post Thyroidectomy numbers

[Litatamon]

Hi,

Almost a month out of thyroidectomy. Do not have pathology back - both surgeon and endocrinologist are perplexed and frustrated, don't know if it is a staffing issue due to Covid or if I should be concerned by that. But I will hear tomorrow if it is now in (Endocrinologist). But the surgeon said the thyroid was diseased, and she thought Graves' - which makes no sense to me. But did say she should waiting for the pathology and not speaking to it.

The thyroid was not taken out for that reason, because it was diseased - no one knew. The nodules were causing physical issues. That is why the operation was performed.

Numbers (no T3 tested)

Ph 7.8

Calcium Ionized Adjusted To pH 7.4

1.15 (1.15 - 1.40)

TSH. 28.3 (.32 - 4.00)

Free T4 9 (9-19)

Parathyroid Hormone Intact

7.3 (1.6 -6.9)

Questions -

*Does the parathyroid number mean something was nicked? The surgeon did not mention anything. Or am I way off base and this is normal coming out?

*TSH, is it common to be so elevated after a total thyroidectomy?

*I just brought up T3 with the endocrinologist. She does not have any patients on it and said all are doing fine on T4 only (Yes, I know - I can hear you all). But noted in her residency she did have a few that needed it.

Thank you. Appointment is tomorrow. On 112 Synthroid.

[Brightness14]

I cannot understand why you are saying, sorry. Have you had your thyroid taken out?When the thyroid is removed the surgeon should carefully replace the parathyroids somewhere else, these are four rice sized parts that you must have for proper function.

Mine where replaced in my arm and back of my neck and started working again within a week.

[Litatamon in reply to Brightness14]

Thank you Brightmess. Yes I had my thyroid out. I assume the parathyroids were properly replaced/put back prooerly. I was wondering if the lab numbers meant there was an issue a la Parathyroid Hormone Intact value being outside of the normal range. And was asking does that mean the parathyroids were damaged during the operation at all? Or am I reading that value incorrectly?.

And was also asking about my TSH being at 28.3 after a month out.

My apologies that I am not clear..

[Brightness14 in reply to Litatamon]

When you thyroid is removed the TSH should be about 1 not as high as yours. You will need a FT3 test to actually find out more. You can order one online as many of us do on here. Keep on asking questions and reading more it's done to this site alone that has helped me get better. Your parathyroid test seems high. Did the surgeon put you on calcium tablets and Vitamin D when you left hospital?

[Litatamon in reply to Brightness14]

Thank you Brightmess. No, no calcium given. I had my appointment. The endocrinologist said she did the parathyroid test because I was low in my testing of calcium when they released me.

She said she is not overly worried about the parathyroid being high, but she will definately keep monitoring.

I knew that my TSH should be around 1; I was just curious if some go high for a bit after surgery, if that is a normal occurrence.

She upped my medication.

And thanks for the suggestion. I doubt she will ever test t3, so when I can afford it I will get the test done privately.

Thanks again. I appreciate it. The appointments are so short, I wanted to be prepared.

[Brightness14]

Personally my TSH never went high at all after my TT , anyway good luck.