Derranged Electrolytes Following Full Thyroidectomy

[Battling-warrior]

So i had a full thyroidectomy back in February, since then i have had derranged electrolytes twice which have hospitalised me up to a week each time, previous to my electrolytes derranging, my calcium levels and potassium levels have both dropped also resulting in calcium replacement being needed through IV, has anyone else had these issues? There is talk my parathyroid gland may now be acting up, wondering if this has happened to anyone else or similar? Tia.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

There are 4 small parathyroid glands in the centre of thyroid

With thyroidectomy the aim is to leave these untouched …..but perhaps they were damaged

Have you had ultrasound scan done

What are your most recent thyroid and vitamin results

How much levothyroxine are you taking

Always same brand at each prescription

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Always test thyroid levels early morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

[humanbean]

When you had your thyroidectomy were you told if any of your parathyroid glands were lost during surgery?

[Litatamon]

Hi,I watched the surgery online the night before my thyroidectomy and had a talk with my surgeon afterwards about how technical this surgery can be. Why? Not the thyroid itself - separate from cancer of course - but how tiny and intricate the parathyroid glands are for them to manipulate. She told me it is the most difficult part, not to damage or nick them. It is what gives the surgery its length in time.

Go back to your surgical report or if you do not have it, ask for a copy. And make sure there is no wording about the parathyroid glands re: damage.

And if you are seeing your surgeon, ask him or her directly about the parathyroid glands.

Also know that after surgery it takes a while for the parathyroids to 'calm down a bit' (my endocrinologist's words). My PTH intact was high for a month or more (but my calcium and vitamin d were not off). My calcium numbers were only off coming out of surgery.

As for electrolytes. This has been a mystery for me for a long time, I know that mine are off somehow. But this was happening before surgery as well - but worse after -so I am no help there. And obviously not anywhere near your severity. I only know because once in while I will replace them by coincidence for cycling - drinks/powder/diet-vegetable juice and it is like I am a new person. But I can not seem to get to the bottom of it.

I am so sorry that I am rambling and do not have any great insight but your thyroidectomy report is your best starting point. I am sorry that this is happening for you. All the best going forward.

[Jazzw in reply to Litatamon]

I thought this was a great answer Litatamon. No signs of rambling at all. 🙂👍

[Litatamon in reply to Jazzw]

Sweet of you!