Voice weak after thyroidectomy

[red_devil22]

I had a thyroidectomy 5 years ago and after surgery had a check on vocal cords which were fine. However my voice has recently become a bit weaker and I constantly have to cough to clear my throat.

Is this normal so long after surgery?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

welcome to the forum

What was reason for thyroidectomy

How much levothyroxine are you taking

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Clearing throat could be acid reflux or lactose intolerance both can be common on levothyroxine, especially if dose needs adjustment

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common on levothyroxine

what vitamin supplements are you taking

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

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

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[SlowDragon Administrator]

have you had vocal cords checked too

[Rosebud1955]

Hi red-devil

Sorry that you too are suffering with this uncomfortable feeling. I don’t have much to offer but just want to let you know that you’re not alone. I had thyroidectomy 7 years ago and is still suffering. Voice is weak, constant clearing of throat - very uncomfortable feeling. It keeps me awake at nights. It started six months after my surgery. I was finally told by the surgeon (5 years later) that I had laryngeal nerve damage. Very dishonest that he covered it up for 5 years because I was complaining with each follow-up visit. He must have been sick of my complaints and he slipped up by mentioning it. I saw several ENT doctors with no improvement. One of the ENT doctors finally told me the mucus and throat clearing is caused by acid coming up from into the throat. I was also told that it can cause sinus problems, which I have as well. All the doctors I have seen said the only treatment is PPI’s, the same treatment as gerd but for a longer duration. They refer to the condition as LPR - (laryngeal pharyngeal reflux) I have been reluctant to take the PPI but I have finally decided that I will try it. I now have a prescription for pantaloc. The aim is to block the acid from coming up to the throat. Maybe you should ask for a referral to ENT or gastroenterologist. I hope that will help. So, good luck and I hope you get some relief. It’s very annoying and uncomfortable. All the best to you!

[Litatamon in reply to Rosebud1955]

Just want to note that PPIs can lower b12 levels, in case anyone reading is not aware. So keep a close eye on that.

All the best.

[Rosebud1955 in reply to Litatamon]

I avoided taking them for a long time but I think I need to try them, in case I get some relief for my reflux. I take sublingual B12 and my levels are above range. Will just continue taking them to stay optimal.

Thanks for the reminder!

[Cavapoochonowner]

Hello there I had a thyroidectomy 2 years ago due to graves disease and my voice is different.It is definitely not as strong I don't shout but I don't think I could do that without my voice breaking up.Some days it is worse than others and I liken it to a young lad when his voice is breaking,a little up and down.My throat can feel very dry but that may be due to the amitriptyline and atenolol I am taking for migraine prevention,Both can cause dry mouth.Also,not a singer at all,but can't even sing along to records as my voice breaks all over.Did sing at my daughters wedding but think I sounded like the cats chorus.

If it bothers you you may want to get it checked,but I have accepted it as part of the new me.Hope this helps.

[Ukie]

I have ongoing mucus problems, in my throat and sinuses. To treat the symptoms (not a cure) I find Halls Extra Strong very helpful. Try to get the sugar-free as the others get sticky if it’s warm.

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to Ukie]

NAC is supposed to be good for reducing mucus, I take it when I have a cold and it certainly seems to help

[FallingInReverse]

I have been investigating this recently - both red devil and  Rosebud1955 - article sounds similar to what you’re describing. And Rosebud - possible it’s not gerd at all:

my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...

Again - I’ve just recently read a post here about this and it’s one of those things you’d think more people would have an idea about!

[Brightness14]

I only get that when my FT3 is running low. My voice starts to crock and it's harder to swallow. I have no thyroid like yourself. I am not allergic to anything either.

[Poniesrfun]

Guaifenesin (Mucinex) can help thin mucous and relax tight throat muscles. A voice therapist/occupational therapist (the kind that often works with stroke patients) can help to both pinpoint the cause and improve speaking.