... hyperthyroidism. An ultrasound revealed I have a fairly large goiter on my thyroid an my symptoms from the hyperthyroid are worsening so, doctor has decided its best just to remove my thyroid. I was wondering if there was anyone out there with something similar to my case. How did you feel once the thyroid was removed? Did you begin to gain a lot of weight? Did you have a plan prior to removal? Did you immediately become hypo?
Hypothyroidism - After Thyroid Removal - I am 28yrs old having my second "thyroid storm" due to?
Question posted by Lacy241422 on 15 April 2012
Last updated on 14 November 2018
35 Answers Page 2
abilillyjordyn
15 Feb 2015
I just had my thyroid removed then ended back in the hospital because my body got very tingly like when your foot falls asleep so I just want you to know that it is very important to take calcium pills after surgery
Tabby34
9 Nov 2014
Hi my name is Tabitha and I'm a 34 ye old female and is was born with a dead thyroid gland, it devistated my mom at the time we found out cause I was only like 9 or 10 yrs old when the doctors realized I was too short for my age. There was certain foods I wasn't supposed to eat and certain drinks I wasn't supposed to have, I for the most part had to completely change my diet. And I think it was when I turned about 24-25 yrs old my weight started to fluctuate alot, I used to be 115 lbs.
up until that age and was in a size 5 jeans, but now since Ive gotten older my weight is hard to get rid and it will be for the rest of my life and I too have to take Levothyroxine .112mg for the rest of my life, and alot of people think that this isn't anything major, well they are definitely wrong because it affects your weight, your hormones, and I also have a problem with my hair falling out and some hair not growing where it supposed to and I also cannot take a shower everynight it has to be every other night cause I get really dry scaly skin and sometimes it Burns so bad it feels like my skin is on fire. So these are some of the things you have to look forward yo if you haven't experienced them all ready.
Im-the-mom
25 July 2014
I had the left side of my thyroid removed 4 years ago, in 2010, due to a large goiter, about 7.5 cm. It took 2 years of going from doctor to doctor, trying to find out why I felt so bad, so fatigued, hair falling out, so many symptoms. My tsh was in the normal range, so no one wanted to look at my thyroid any further as the source of my problems. I was in an endocrinoligists office one day, and he gave me my blood test results, telling me my tsh results were normal, everything was normal, and he couldn't really help me. Tears came to my eyes, and I asked him what I was supposed to do, because there was still something wrong with me. He looked at me, and asked me if I had ever been to see a psychiatrist. If I had had the energy, I would have punched him right in his nose!! I finally found a doctor that suggested we ultrasound my thyroid to see what was going on in there. The left side had a large goiter and the right side had a small goiter.
We did another in 6 months and the right remained the same, but the left was growing fairly fast. Had an inclusive biopsy, and had the left side removed. Benign!! Now, 4 years later, the right side is growing, after having remained the same for all this time!! When they grow, that can be an indication of cancer, so now I'm going to be totally without a thyroid, not to mention the risk that there may be cancer. I'm not afraid of the surgery. I'm not having symptoms right now. I am just really bummed about having no thyroid at all. And scared about the possibility of cancer. :(
nellie2
8 Aug 2014
For 2 year i have been telling my doc that my thyroid was acting up but my tsh was in the normal range. My hair was starting to thin, my weight gain was a lot and i was just feeling yucky. So i practaly begged for an ultasound. Well i just went to my doc yestureday to get results and i was right my right side has 4 noduales and i have one on my gland now the doc has put me on levothyroxine 0.1mg to see if this will help but what will it help. I asked for a biopsy and he said to wait 6 months to see if the pills will help. But help what is it not better to have them removed. please can someone advice me on this :)
Im-the-mom
25 Aug 2014
nellie2 - I believe the meds are to stop the nodules from growing by making the thyroid believe it no longer has to work so hard. The wait time is to see if the nodules are growing, and to give the meds time to work. When I first found out I had the large goiter, I felt so rotten. I didn't go on thyroid hormones then, just waited the 6 months and had another ultrasound. My left nodule went from 5.2 cm to 7.5 in 6 months. We only decided it needed to come out because of the size, and the 2 biopsies that came back inconclusive. Once that thing was out of me, and I was on .50 mcg levothyroxine, I finally felt normal again. Lately, I think slowly, I have been slipping back to that old feeling of fatigue, with some of the other symptoms. Not quite as bad as last time, though. Not yet, anyway. I hope the meds help you feel better. Give them time. You don't want to have your thyroid removed unless you have to. I hope there is no growth when you have your recheck in 6 months.
bettylove53
17 Jan 2016
I HAD ALL MY THYROID REMOVE 6 YEARS AGO I DO HAVE SOME PROBLEM BUT NOTHING THAT BAD I STAY COLD ALL DA TIME MY JOIN HURT SOMETIME BUT THAT COULD BE CAUSE I'M IN MY 50's IN I USED TO BE A C.N.A FOR YEARS IT'S BETTER TO HAVE THEM REMOVE IF CANCER CAUSE IT CAN SPREAD I KNOW A LADY WERE HER SPREAD TO HER LUNGS PRAY TO GOD FOR YOUR ASNWER
LauraGaGirl
16 April 2016
Nellie2:
I agree with I'm-the-mom about waiting to see if the meds work. (I would be curious to know if it worked for you and stopped the goiter growth.)
My mother is 80 yrs old this year. When she was 30 docs found a goiter in her thyroid. Back then there were no blood levels taken for tsh but synthroid (or synthetic hormone) did exist and the medication was used to stop nodule growth. She has been on synthroid for 50 yrs and no issues at all with her thyroid.
However in 2009 I was going to her then endocrinologists (supposedly one of the best in Atlanta) with hypothyroid symptoms and a pretty large goiter but showing perfect tsh levels in blood work. He chose to do nothing. After getting a 2nd opinion and then a third it was decided to take my entire thyroid out. I had a healthy enlarged thyroid but my biopsies (many) always came back inconclusive. It is a big deal to have the thyroid removed. I wouldn't do it again unless it was cancer.
Some people do fine without it but most have some or many side effects especially extreme fatigue and just never feeling the same. I was very energetic and a multitasker before surgery but that has changed. It's one day at a time even 6.5 years later.
I hope maybe you are living with your thyroid and supplementing with the synthroid. It has sure worked for my mother!! She can run circles around me and does!! Lol
tq4517
9 June 2014
I just wanted emphasize how important it is to find a doctor the you have confidence in and trust and definitely listen to your body. My journey started way before diagnosis. I luckily knew the symptom's off hypothyroidism( my oldest sister had thyroid cancer and had been on meds most of her life). I was only in my teens when symptom's started to show. I went to many doctors none of them would do anything said "I was to young" and the nodules they did find they ignored as just calcium deposit. Finally at age 21, I found a doctor just starting his practice I decided to write the 2 pages worth of family history of cancer going back 4 generation and it scared him enough to check even then it was a battle to get the ins company to ok a biopsy since I was so young. Sure enough I was diagnosed with a aggressive type of cancer.
I had a full thyroid removal in 1998 unfortunately the surgeon was new and did it in two surgery's and kept me off meds for 3 months ( gained 40 lbs.). finally got seen at UCLA .Well to try to make this short after 3 surgery's and 4 batches of i131 radiation I've been clean for the last 4 years. It took along time to get my meds regulated I am on a high dose of the thyroid hormone to repress the cancer and every time I get a new GP or go to different doctors for other things they freak even some not up to date endocrinologist they want to change my meds. So again listen to your body and make sure your doctor is educated in your specific illness
Messa
22 July 2014
I had hyperthyroidism as a teenager and had been on thyroid meds ... It regulated itself until apparently it got to the point of burning out. I've lived with a goiter and nodules for most I my adult life. I was happy to have it removed and be able to eat without choking or be able to lie on my back without feeling my windpipe being closed off. Ive had a total thyroidectomy on June 10th. I've also gone from 6 meds down to two ... I'm no longer taking antidepressants, Ativan or having palpitations or panic attacks. I feel in a sense "lighter" after the surgery. My only issue now is being tired all the time, I have bursts of energy then I crash ... I'm on 100 mcgs right now, was started on 75. (Switched about 2 weeks ago to the 100. I have some pain on the right side of my neck as well as a bit if swelling in the one area on the incision and have been waking up with a sore throat.
I also have a swollen node and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Or if anyone had any advice ... I'm on med leave and I go back to work next week to a very physically demanding job in a Health Care Facility and I don't want to crash! Any advice or info would be appreciate. Ps thanks for sharing your experiences ... It has helped
knowing we're not alone ...
Milette
24 July 2014
Hello All!!! I am just new here.I am 32 and I was hyperthyroid 3 years ago and after taking different kinds of medication from carbimazole to methimazole and now PTU I became hypothyroid... The doctors had adviced me to undergo RAI or surgery after having an ultrasoud just yesterday. I really don't know what i should do... would i choose RAI or Surgery? please help me i really don't know what to choose. But seeing most of your posts I got really scared of having a surgery...
jeanne512
9 May 2014
Without a thyroid you will become hypo so meds for the rest of life is a small price. I believe everyone is different so read the post but mostly listen to your body. Ask questions and keep your doctor abreast of your situation, If ever you feel he/she is not listening then you may have to change doctors. Remember you are a customer. Make sure you get calcium T4 T3 and TSH levels pre surgery. Document your journey this will help you in recovery and help you in communicating with your doctor. My family history is maternal grandmother, maternal first cousin and her daughter all with hyperthyroidism. I am a nurse who just had her thyroid removed 4/21 due to hypothyroidism. Surgery went well. D3 post surgery developed the tingling due to loss of calcium from parathyroid response to surgery. This was corrected with a trip to the ED.
I am now having issues with the my vocals not opening and closing so I am getting some breathy moments, light raspy voice and difficulty with swallowing thin liquids. Surgeon had me see ENT and I can tell you I was not impressed. ENT seemed to be very eager to give me a tracheotomy (hole in throat). I am just at 2.5 weeks post surgery and I will get a second opinion before doing something so drastic and I still have healing to do. I believe the nerves will be restored. This is not that common so I will err on the side of caution and wait at least 6 weeks. In my years of nursing I have heard horror stories of patients who took the word of doctors without yield to their gut instincts. This is my body and I only get this one so I'm not letting someone else tell me what I'm feeling. I am able to get in 2 miles of walking daily. My pre surgery was 3 miles. I am tolerating my Levo dose w/o difficulty and on steroids. I have also lost 3 lbs. I had a pretty large goiter. yet a small scar (awesome surgeon) My symptoms pre surgery were fatigue, extreme cold, constipation, weight gain regardless of exercise, hair loss, dry skin, sinus issues, shortness of breath, right shoulder pain, tired tongue, and chronic fatigue. I have instant relief of all symptoms with the exception of of shortness of breath oh and I guess I will have to wait to see if my hair grows back. In preparation I shaved it all off so that I could see first hand how soon it will grow. I am not worried about my current state after reading study literature on my same issues, things look hopeful. I have always taught my chemo patients to stay as close to normal as they can while going through treatment and rest the body or the body will rest you. I take this literally and as I can I am adding my daily routine back into my life. But I listen to my body. My surgeon is one I have referred to many times so I know his reputation. I am pleased that I now have red cheeks and warm skin. My children noticed immediately that I don't need a blanket in the house. I am switching endo docs (another story) so right now my surgeon is in charge of my meds. You should do well.
Gettingusedtothis
6 April 2014
I had my thyroids completely removed Feb 17th due to nodules that turned out to be positive of that dreaded word... Anyway, the surgery was 3 hours and I was given RAI 3 days ago to get rid of any residuals from the surgery. The recuperating has been horrible because the swelling, constipation, mood swings, eating habits, weight gain and the feeling that I am wearing a tight dog collar has gotten the best of me. Have not started my meds yet until a scanning is done. Once those results are in I should start. Thanks to the support of my family I am getting through this and the grace of God. I am glad to read in other comments that you do go back to "normal" which is a good thing ! Thank you all for sharing!
lisamatt3
12 April 2014
I had my thyroid removed in sept last year and like u it was awful the after effects were horendous, I ended up on anti depressants but im glad to say im over the worse and my thyroid levels and symptoms are now fine.. good luck hope u feel better soon x
hippie chick
29 Oct 2014
Hi I'm having problems which I think is due to my thyroid I feel like someone is choking me aniexty and panic is really bad for me. Dry itchy skin red tonened skin. can not gain weight, hands and feet are either ice cold or really hot! I get migranes and hot flashes sometimes hard to swallow. If you guys can feel me on your symptoms from thyroid prob would be great
millydog467
22 Feb 2014
I had all my Thyroid removed 8 years ago
My neck swelled up overnight I had many tests and was told I had an over active thyroid. the hospital treatment I first received was awful, I was put on Carbimasol ( ? spelling) I was on this for 3 year in which time I put weight on. eventually I was sent to another hospital to have radio active treatment, when is saw the Dr there he said it had been left far to long and that all he could do was remove it, but he did ask me if I suffered from heavy periods is said yes very, he said that was caused by the drug carbimazol which had very bad side affects and that I had been kept on it longer than was recommended.
He then sent me to a 3rd hospital Dartford were I had the operation. I was in for a week a 5 hour operation when I came round I was very sick and had two drainage pipes from my neck to two bottles which I had with me and were filled with blood for 3 days. the scar was from ear to ear the Surgeon told me one of my thyroids was the size of a tennis ball the other the size of an apple he said he could see how I breathed.
8 years later my life has never been the same I have put on so much weight felt miserable and fed up and over 8 years I am still having thyroid blood tests for thyroxin levels because they just cant get them right I had another Thursday and am of to the Drs Monday for the result. DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO
fay
Alisha5
19 Jan 2014
Hello all, i'm having my daughter type this for me. I had a complete Thyroidectomy On Thursday Jan 16, 2014 the decision on having a compete removal was my Drs decision because my thyroid was attacking my organs. I was having heart palpitations, was diagnosed with lupus a few weeks ago an after being on methimazole 100 mg daily for 2yrs an, my numbers was at heart attack an stroke range, I was getting to the point I couldn't swallow an breathing was difficult. I have severe arthritis an edema due to my thyroid, my surgery didn't go as well as some of the others I read, I had to get 23 staples because my Goiter was very large so my cut it almost from ear to ear. I'm having a lot of pain associated with the incision, I popped two of my staples an have an infection..running a high fever, nauseated an still swollen which is expected.
haven't started my synthroid yet due to infection, but I have started my propranolol,Trama-dol, Norco,Trazo-done Meloxicam, an throat spray with cough suppressant, the medicine is helping to an extent but I knew going into the surgery it was going to be a long recovery, I have Great Dr's and Surgeons an now my next step is staying on a regiment an following my Dr orders, keeping my appt an I'll have to get my bw done every 6weeks for 6 months then every 3 months if all is well. I know up be hypo an have to watch out for signs of a thyroid storm, due to my other health related issues. But I have strong faith. An at age 35
single parent of 5 ( 20, 17,15, 13 an 2) year old giving up is not an option. Good luck to Each of you an y'all are i'm my prayer
ving up is not an option, , , surgeont
Alisha5
19 Jan 2014
I forgot to mention from my previous post, I was in hospital for 3 days, so i'm on bed rest, until my follow up, I will make sure I repost after my follow up with up dates. My dr did state each person an procedure is different due to what health issues you may or may not have going into surgery. Graves diseases doesn't run in my family but hypothyroidism does an i'm the complete opposite. An they had no complications while only one of then had partial thyroid removed an she had no complications, but as I started before I knew my risk going into it. I'm bored out my mind an tired of laying down an resting I thought having to be pampered an not having to hear my kids complain would be fun an a vacation of sorts but its too quiet lol (did I say too quiet) Once again good luck everyone an prayers works wonders...
maldencancersurvivor
26 Jan 2014
This is my first post, I am concerned about my cancer reoccurring.
I was admitted to the ER back in Oct 2013 following a car accident, CT scan showed masses and cysts on both sides of my thyroid. Four inches on the left side, cysts and small masses on the right side.
My surgeon had no idea what she was in for after the surgery started, the usual 3 hour procedure went into 6 hours. It was cancer. Stage 1 99% removed.
Thyroid with three nodules were removed.
Surgeon said that if I waited any longer, the mass would have wrapped around my spinal chord. It was sitting right next to my spinal chord during surgery.
Lucky and blessed yes.
I go to MGH in Boston for a cancer consultation. Very few cancer cells are in me right now. I go back in 4 months for a checkup.
My fear is, can this cancer come back? Since my body is going through some crazy changes with fatigue, depression and eating a lot more, how can I tell if I have cancer?
I quit smoking forever the day before the surgery, when I found out it was cancer, I had no desire to smoke. I don't allow it around me.
Cancer runs high from my mother and father which I both lost. Alcoholism and smoking from them. I got the OCD ADD and bipolar. Meds are evened out and I am balanced.
Can someone please read this with a heavy heart and let me know if the cancer can come back?
You hear and read these stories about people who have battled cancer and over come it and then it comes back worse than before.
JaimeSue
27 Jan 2014
Hello I am 37 I had my thyroid completely removed when I was 20 yrs old and have never been sorry I did!! The summer right after I turned 18 I became very sick they did every test on me an came to the conclusion I had Crohn's Disease. So for almost 3 years I suffered unbelievable intestinal problems. Finally I was at a routine check up at a no name Doc.s office because I wasn't feeling good when he noticed I had a massive goiter. He asked me if anyone had ever checked my Thyroid level. I had never even heard of those words. They drew my blood an found out I was way over active. I use to sweat like 4 fat hairy men, my heart rate was at about 120 calm, never needed sleep. I could go a week on about 5 hrs of sleep. So after 3 yrs of complete hell an probably a few when I didn't even realize there was something wrong with me I decided to just remove it.
It was the only option that had a very high rate that if they got it all out I would never have to deal with it getting like that again. So they put me on some meds to start dropping my levels an took it out. Down side they told me I would have just a tiny scare on my neck but it was 3 times the size they thought it was going to be so I ended up with a 5 inch scare that took along time to become not so noticeable. I got a lot of looks for many yrs when people would notice it an it was super red an sensitive for a long time but now 26 yrs later its barely noticeable and hasn't had sensitivity for a long time. I also because exhausted very easily, I need to take naps during the day, I also was cold all the time. I spent the entire summer in long johns an a sweat shirt an I worked in a factory..lol my heart rate was 50 times a minute calm. I also gained about 30 pounds in the 1st month. So I did a complete 180 after having it removed, but after about a year of up and down on the Sythroid meds I started to become more normal feeling. Oh and I no longer have intestinal problem, that took a few years to not have lasting effects but THANKFULLY it is all normal. Long story short everyone is different an will make the choice best for them. Me I am VERY happy to this day with the removal even though the side effects were awful for about the 1st yr after surgery.
EmmaMitch
13 June 2014
Hey I'm just wondering if a swollen thyroid is due to lupus ? I have lupus and also my thyroid has been swollen 2 times bigger than normal for around 17 weeks now , my doctors haven't said much and keep saying it will be a flare up with my lupus should I push for them to do something about it ? I pretty much chock on a lot of foods can't breath properly lying down or swollow my own saliva
Shalonbaby
15 Feb 2015
I hope all gets better for you, my recovery was pretty smooth. Up until now with the racing heart and anxiousness and tingling in my hands and feet, I was wondering if you have experienced any of these I feel as though I'm alone on this
bless50
13 Feb 2016
Hi Alisha, I commend you on being a strong person. My prayers goes out to you. I was reading your story because I'am in the process of making that same decision and be honest I'am afraid that they might find more than just my goiter.Keep your head high and know God is taking you through to be a bless to someone else comes along dealing with the same conditions.He will see you through and bless you too. Keep fighting it will get better. God Bless you...
lisamatt3
18 Dec 2013
I had my thyroid removed in sept this yr 2013 I felt great for around 5 weeks after surgery then bam it hit me paulputations anxiety depression hot sweats tight chest (breathlessness) and all together feeling awful my levels are now normal but I still feel down and anxious has anyone experienced this even when there levels are suppose to be normal?
endlessPred
18 Dec 2013
Hi. See my answer in recent questions. More detail there.
Shalonbaby
15 Feb 2015
I had the Same results after my surgery, have your doctor managed to to get you on the right dose? And if so has these symptoms stopped? I go in this week hopefully he will adjust mine.
lisamatt3
14 March 2015
Yes im fine now but still on citriaplam for depression mainly to help with panic attacks due to having my thyroid removed, hope ur well hun its very hard no one prepares u for the after effects x
ming lee
9 Sep 2015
yes, i experience these symptoms all the time. it is comforting to know that I am not the only one who is ignored because my levels are low normal.
tluchinski
17 July 2017
Yes I experience this all the time and my levels are always normal! Are you feeling any better?
MsTracyMarie
14 Aug 2013
Hello All:
Haven't seen any response about an update of your surgery Lacy, hope all is well.I appreciate the words of encouragement that I have read for those that have had surgery.
Here is my story:
I am 30-years old and I am scheduled for thyroid removal surgery in 2 weeks. I am definitely nervous since all of this has accelerated in the last month. I have had low end but still average TSH levels for years now. Early on they detected a goiter, but nothing was done except for ultrasounds to determine if it had grown or not. There was no substantial growth so nothing was done. Last August I missed my ultrasound due to changing insurances, and locating a new Dr. that was in "scope" of my plan. I put off getting an ultrasound due to those factors and early this year I felt uncomfortable pressure on my right side of my neck. I knew it had to be my goiter getting bigger.
After still having insurance issues in getting the correct label and coding for my current Dr., I seen the office as an "urgent care" patient, something I have been having to do all year due to confusion in paperwork. I had asked my primary care doctor to provide be labs to get it tested and she told me to wait until I schedule an appointment due to my insurance issues. Anyways, I received a referral to ENT specialist for a different minor reason and mentioned my thyroid since this was my chance to speak to a specialist. The doctor touched my neck and his whole face changed, he immediately scheduled me for an MRI. I had the MRI done and the doctor scheduled surgery 3 weeks after the scan.
According to him, my thyroid is one of the largest he has seen. Only one other as been bigger. I may have to be sedated over night due to swelling. My operation is scheduled for 4-5 hours, a typical one is 1.5 hours.
My question to those that have hyperthyroidism is after removal were you able to lose weight? I have recently lost 50 lbs with diet and exercise. Is this going to set me back? I have heard stories of people losing weight afterwards but I do not know what their TSH levels were.
Also, I have another question:
Has anyone had a severely enlarged thyroid as myself, mine is suppose to be 4x the size of the average persons. How did your surgery turn out?
Thanks in advance for your response. I hope this encourages others to monitor their goiters more closely. It could be the difference of a routine surgery, to a major one like mine.
endlessPred
25 Sep 2013
Hello. Looks like you have not received an answer. Why don't you copy your story and repost as a separate question. This will get a great response and you won't be lost in this jumble of answers. We can help you better there. Karen
MsTracyMarie
25 Sep 2013
Hi Karen,
Actually I did already, and got some good answers. I should make an update as my suregery was postponed and suregeon switched due to an injured hand. Besides that the surgeons had a difference opinion on many things, from the proposed size of my cut to the radiologist reading my MRI correctly.
Thanks for your response. I will be updating today.
endlessPred
25 Sep 2013
Cool.
2rozzi
4 Aug 2014
Hi MsTracyMarie
I know time has passed since your last post, but I stumbled upon it and was wondering how your surgery went. Did you feel better after surgery? Were you able to maintain or lose any weight?
I'm not sure what all you've dealt with having thyroid/goiter. My daughter has had lots of problems. Her biggest problem was chronic back pain. I would like to think it was somehow related to her enlarged goiter. We were told surgery was on average 3-4 hours but 7 hours later she was finally out of surgery. Dr said hers too was large and it was a tedious operation with a lot of dissection as it was wrapped around a lot of nerves. (That there is where I'm praying some of those nerves affected her back pain) her surgery was just today so don't have a lot of details yet. I've been doing a lot of reading and seen so many people posting that they feel so much better than before. Do you feel that way?
Won't keep you, your enlarged goiter (like my daughters) caught my eye and I was wondering how you are doing now after your surgery.
Thank you.. Robin
MsTracyMarie
3 March 2015
Hi Robin,
I never had my surgery. The new Dr. had a difference of opinion on many things. Always get a second opinion is the moral of this story. They said that I did not have symptomatic issues, and can monitor the thyroid for growth. I have had really bad back issues. Did your daughter's back issues improve. Sorry it took so long to respond.
jennyscats
2 April 2016
i have a enlarged thyroid im haviny total thyroid taken out on april 11th dont know how big it is but dr says its enlarged im nevervous about surgery
addenike
15 June 2013
Your question and all the responses have been so helpful. My surgery is next week and that plus being reliant on a drug the rest of my life scares me.
These posts have been calming. I hope your surgery went well and your feeling great.
Any thoughts on knowing if you have a good doctor?
endlessPred
9 July 2013
Hi. Long time since I checked here. Your surgery done?
Finding a good doctor is asking questions. Ask the nurse. Ask the doctor how many of these have been done. Check with the licensing board. In the US board certification shows higher standards. Always ask.
jempress32
27 July 2014
Hi addenike, I had my thyroidectomy on 4/17/2014. I feel great! I eat whatever I want but I do try to watch my diet and not go too crazy. So far, I'm so happy I did the surgery and I realize how sick I was now that I feel so good. I'm on 100mcg of levothyroxine 6days and 50mcg on Sundays.
leetseepaz
6 June 2013
I had a full thyroidectomy 5 1/2 years ago. I had Graves Disease and nodules. I became very sick one winter and started to rapidly loose weight. 60lbs in 3 months. I decided on my own-to have surgery to remove as the nodules could be cancerous. Surgery took 3 hours as I had a large mass below my thyroid. Nodules turned out to be cancerous. I met with an endo and we started the process of getting ready for radiation. I was on no thyroid for a few months until my levels bottomed out. During this time I was severely constipated and just overall sick. I took the radiation pill and for safety reasons-for 6 weeks I stayed away from my grandchildren (my choice). I used paper plates and paper cups for the 3 days and took my 5 showers a day. All in all the cancer is gone, I have dry mouth which is very annoying. My hair is thinner and coarser. It falls out easy. I did gain weight afterwards more so than normal.
My eating habits have not changed, but I am now hypo thyroid, no energy what so ever. Depression and night sweats, mood swings. I blame the thyroid. I am glad I had the surgery and the radiation. I am I the care of a fantastic endo. Review your options and talk to GOOD Dr.'s. Take care and God Bless you all.
Yanaosh
20 May 2013
Hi I am currently same age and have been given the choice of surgery or radiation bomb I have three kids so I'm unsure of radiation but my symptoms are bulging eyes goitre headaches sore throat racing pulse and the flu like symptoms I also have trouble sleeping so I am miserable all the time I wanted to know if you have had your surgery and if it was done in Australia ?
endlessPred
21 May 2013
This is a very common surgery and is quite safe by any good surgeon. Any hospital that practices good medicine, anywhere in the world does this surgery. You will be safe in Australia. Be sure to ask the surgeon how many he has done. That will reassure you.
I have had the surgery and did feel better after it was removed. It is important that your doctor implants the parathyroids, there are four. These are placed in the neck muscle. Recovery is quick as I said above.
Good luck on the surgery. The radiation may not be a good choice, i believe, as you will have to be away from your children until it is out of your system. If you do choose this, remember that the toilet you use will have remnant radiation for a time as well, so don't share it with the kids. I don't know the timing, but when I had radiation to see if my thyroid cancer had spread, I was warned about that and to wait a few days to be around kids. Details would come from your doctor. Karen
jaygee9
1 March 2013
I had been taking Thyroid Med's for a long time. then I finely developed a small lump below my ear, which kept moving down my neck an getting bigger. till it was pressing close to my wind pipe. had ultrasound taken an a Biopsy which was Negative. but had to have a Sub-Total Thyroidectomy. i had no problem . I did not gain weight. an was not Hyper either. I do not even have a Scare . i just take a higher dose of medicine , I hope you had good luck with your Thyroid being removed.
B
slickla
20 Nov 2015
I had partical thyroid removed in o7. had the rest removed last year. my dr and i have been keeping a close watch on my levles, but i seem to b better on the low side of hyperthyroid. my question is how much is too much meds to treat this? I have saw a srink for depression, angziaty and still have all the classic symptoms of hypo. dr just upped my dose to .250mic. is there a such thing as too much synthroid. or do u just not let it get into hyperthyroid and go on?? need a answer
nenejaz
25 Jan 2013
I had the same the situation with my thyroid and I just had it removed 2 weeks ago. I do not feel any different, but the medication has made me feel different. I feel swollen and no matter how much I cut back. I still feel reallyl big.
endlessPred
25 Jan 2013
Hello. Just wanted to give you some information regarding thyroid surgery. Your neck and throat will be swollen for a period of time after the surgery. This is normal. Sometimes the skin is pulled too tight over the incision and it will feel like it is pulling whenever you turn your head or swallow. There also can be swelling in that area until healing is complete. So please give it some time. Of course of you think it is an infection, see your doctor right away.
As for cutting back on medication and feeling different, this is more serious. First do not adjust your medication without the doctors order. It will take months to adjust your thyroid levels and many side effects if you do so. So whatever you are prescribed, take the exact amount at least half an hour before you eat or drink anything but a full glass of water after you wake up in the morning.
Also be sure you take the prescribed amount of calcium each day with food containing calcium for best absorption.
Finally, stay on top of your TSH blood tests, usually one six weeks or so after your surgery. The thyroid hormone is a complex interaction with the pituitary and changes are slow. Your best results come by carefully following directions. Your next periodic blood test will be scheduled regularly.
Since you are adjusting your meds, please call your cdoctor right away and let them know. Also tomorrow morning start with the prescribed dose as I stated above. Never take with food, coffee, tea, etc. it changes the absorption.
Yes, you do feel different. You have not felt normal in a long time. You are now regaining normal. Once your TSH range is between .5 to 3.0 you will be more normal. Then it is adjusted to where you have regular energy. Levels different for everyone. Wishing you good response and feeling better soon. Karen
tianii07
10 June 2013
Hi had my thyroid removed a week ago, still not had one slight pain, had no pain relief medication since operation, spoke normally as soon as I woke up, and ate a chicken sunday dinner in hospital. Has gone fantastic,my neck aches at the back from leaning my head forward which is my own fault! A bit sleepy in the day but I have an active 18 month old so no.naps for.me!
arlitab
8 Oct 2014
i had my thyroid removed and lymph nodes on august 20th.. already took my RAI.. but i don't recognize myself anymore, I'm big, i gained almost 20lbs in less than three weeks< I'm very depress i don't want to go anywhere i feel weak and my face and all body are swollen, I'm vegan and I'm also trying on ph balanced diet... i switched endocrinologist because the previous one didn't care about my situation, so i start Synthoid 0.112 yesterday.. i guess i should wait until the body respond? or what can i do to feel better??
Related topics
hyperthyroidism, thyroid disease, thyroid storm, hypothyroidism - after thyroid removal, hypothyroidism, doctor, ultrasound, thyroid
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