How often do you have blood tests?

Not diagnosed but I had a partial thyroidectomy 8/9 weeks ago, shouldn't I have had a blood test by now?

I felt better at first but now feel so tired, tingling hands, aches & very unsure of myself etc. My kids tell me to stop being a wimp and grow some balls!!!

[RedApple Administrator]

In your situation, I'd go back to the GP and explain your symptoms and request a test. It may be that a wrong assumption has been made that you'll be fine without any meds since you still have a partial thyroid. It's not unheard of for people to have total thyroidectomy and get forgotten about completely with regard to testing.

<b>Updated on Oct 31 2010 6:16PM:</b> Thyroid Manager (a bit heavy weight but probably the most comprehensive source of thyroid info on the web) says:

Course After Surgery

Some surgeons give their patients replacement thyroid hormone for an indefinite period after the operation in an attempt to avoid transient hypothyroidism and to remove any stimulus to regeneration of the gland. It is not obvious that this is either necessary or efficacious. In 50-70% of patients, the residual gland is able to form enough hormone to prevent even transient clinical hypothyroidism. Serum hormone levels should be determined every two to four months until it is clear that the patient does not need replacement.

thyroidmanager.org/Chapter1...

[Hidden in reply to RedApple]

Thankyou Red

Yes I'd booked a GP appointment for Tuesday, blood tests seem to be left to her - wasn't sure what to say (as usual!)

I stupidly didn't ask pertinent questions at the post op appointment, I had a list but was just glad it wasn't cancer. He also said that he liked doing a big scar unlike his colleague (which threw me off a bit!!).

I meant to ask 1). whether the surgeon left the parathyroid glands intact so I don't have calcium worries etc.2). If he thought I had Hashimotos or ??? wrong person to ask I thought.

I did ask about the blood test (the leaflet said one would be done after the op) but he said it was too early to tell.

Jane x

<b>Updated on Oct 31 2010 8:05PM:</b> The article says, 'Probably the thyroid remnant is not normal.' I hope this refers to a near total thyroidectomy