constipation after thyroidectomy

[Marleys_Ma]

hi all, I haven’t been on in a while but wanted to know if anyone else has had a problem with constipation after total thyroidectomy? It’s been over a year since my op and it’s not got any better. I’ve contacted my doctor and they’re going to see me on Tuesday but wanted to see if this is common…

[tattybogle]

constipation is a common symptom of low T4/T3 levels (hypothyroid).

if your dose of levo is not enough , constipation is to be expected.

When was your last blood test to check levo dose ?

[Marleys_Ma in reply to tattybogle]

last blood test was done in December as far as I can remember

[tattybogle in reply to Marleys_Ma]

What were the TSH / fT4 / fT4 results ?

[Marleys_Ma in reply to tattybogle]

this is the results sheet the doctor gave me

Results

[tattybogle in reply to Marleys_Ma]

OK, well Nov 12th result looks ok in theory , but that was long time ago .

since it's such a long time since 12 th Nov .. and as you are suffering from constipation . i think you should ask GP to do another TSH / fT4 test to see what they are now, if they didn't already suggest it when you saw them last week .

Was your dose of levo increased following that Sept 2022 TSH result of 8 ?

What dose of Levo are you currently taking ?

How long have you been on that dose ?

It is perfectly ok to ask for a retest .... because until you have had 2 consecutive results that are in range ,the GP is expected to be testing you more than just once a year ,, especially if you have hypthyroid symptoms.

[Marleys_Ma in reply to tattybogle]

got a blood test done this morning so will hopefully have the results by Monday. I’m on 125mg currently and have been on that since October/November time.

[tattybogle in reply to Marleys_Ma]

ok . let us know what new results are when you get them x

[Marleys_Ma]

I don’t have a copy of the results. Unfortunately my doctors don’t seem keen on giving them to me. I’ve asked a few times and with a bit of chasing I get them.

[tattybogle in reply to Marleys_Ma]

How have you tried getting them before ?..

GP's themselves are often not keen on giving them out , but that doesn't stop us getting them. You have a right to see them as long as GP has already seen them first.

Don't ask GP ...just go to receptionist at GP surgery , ask confidently for a " a printout of my latest thyroid blood test results from 'date' "

if they say they will need to check with GP first , say "that's ok ,i will come back in day or so to pick them them up "

if they ask what you want them for , the best reply is " for my own records"

it's not possible to give much useful advice until you know your actual results.

You are asking for :

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) result and [lab range] ..... looks like this 2.5 [0.4 -4.5]

fT4 ( free T4 / thyroxine) result and [lab range] .....this may or may not have been done.

fT3 ( free T3 /triiodothyronine)..... result [ lab range] .. unlikely to have been done , but useful it it has.

[pennyannie]

Hello again :

Constipation is just one, but a very painful and debilitating symptom of hypothyroidism.

We have been waiting on a blood test result from you since some months ago when you first contacted the forum.

I read your doctor is not forthcoming with your results so maybe it would make sense to register for ' online access ' - you are legally entitled to copies of all your blood test results and many surgeries are up to date and offering this service.

We need to see a TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 readings and ranges and then we can better help you get back on track and restore your health and well being.

[Marleys_Ma in reply to pennyannie]

I have to collect my tablets on Monday morning so will request a copy and post them here whenever they give them to me. Thanks 😊

[Hoxo]

It’s definitely worth getting blood results and keeping track for your own records as other on here have mentioned. I was left severely hypothyroid after thyroid surgery and trusted physicians to monitor and treat me for this but they didn’t. My TSH went up to 110 and my resting pulse rate was 44 and I was very cold and constipated. Get your results and check back in here after posting. You have to proactively chase and advocate for adequate treatment unfortunately or you could get very poorly. You need to keep on top of your results symptoms and dosage.

[Brightness14]

Only when your T3 is low. Hypothyroid you probably require an increase in Levo.

[Marleys_Ma]

these are the blood results doctor gave me today

Blood results