... 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
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
35 Answers
Velezclan
19 June 2018
Do not take it out!!! I had my thyroid taken out in 2012 and I have not felt good ever since. If the goiter is not causing swallowing problems keep it in.
I got from hyper to hypo and I never can get on track.
christianbabe410
8 Jan 2018
I had mine removed to multinodular goiter and I regret it daily. its been almost two years I'm still exhausted all the time, don't have energy for anything, headaches, muscle pain, weakness, brain fog, all despite being on thyroid replacement and having optimal levels. I lost a bunch of weight due to upset stomach and not being able to eat post op. If you don't need to do it don't.
MyMikee07
15 Nov 2018
I thought having my thyroid removed was the best decisioned i made in my life. I was having a lump for 8 years. 8 years being ashamed the nodule in my neck get noticed by others. 8 years not wearing shirts that has a low neck line. July this year my endo already convinced be to take out my thyroid already because the nodule already big (7.6cm). Sept 21, 2018 I undergo an operation the surgery and recovery are smooth but after a 3 weeks of surgery my endo prescribed me to take 100mcg euthyrox. My nightmare start food break outs,brain fogs,dry skin and my body feels cold always. The worst is that my bf and i always have a fight because I'm too paranoid. And I'm just 25 yrs old but my face look 35 yrs old..It sucks...
Knitwit59
30 Sep 2017
Had to respond as the mom of a woman who had her thyroid removed. 12 years ago, at age 27, my daughter gave birth 9 weeks early to a 3.5 lb preemie. Her regular doc noticed a lump in her throat. After testing, an ENT doc found a semi solid, half blood filled cyst. Half her thyroid was removed, with a 50% chance she would need the rest taken, which did happen within the year. Now we know thyroid probably caused the preemie birth. Since then her health has fallen apart. She had a third surgery for scar tissue & now has another as yet unidentified growth in her neck. She's developed fibromyalgia, extensive osteoarthritis, a strep infection caused a heart valve defect, she needs at least 1 knee replaced. Her moods swing back & forth. She's s no longer able to work; a disability hearing is scheduled for Nov. I myself am disabled, but help care for her 2 children; her 9 year old daughter has been diagnosed with heart disease also.
During her last surgery a salivary gland & blood vessel were both nicked, & things were iffy, but she recovered. Now she is so hard to deal with life is often almost unbearable, but she can't see the issues. Please keep up with your med & blood check to keep your hormone levels on track. I hate to think of others going through what we live with every day. We see our doc every few months; blood work is done a few times a year, but we can't seem to get on an even keel here. I wish you more luck than we've had.
Shotsy
17 Aug 2017
I had my thyroid removed due to hyperthyroid , exophthalmia, and goiter , as a teenager in 1964 . Stress and hormonal changes, were a big factor in its development. During surgery the doc touched my parathyroid resulting in tetany of my left arm, long since gone. I have been on various meds ever since, and also at 50, also a time of hormonal shifting, developed another autoimmune disease called Pemphigus. The thyroid affects so many things, that if I had it today I would first try alternative doctors using natural food and vitamins to restore health to the body. Meditation, deep breathing, exercise, hypnosis,massage and yoga to regain normal functioning. I would like to find an endocrinologist that prescribes Armour Thyroid, which Is what Hillary Clinton is taking, does anyone know one in the NY/NJ area??
tluchinski
17 July 2017
Hi Lacy,
I see this is a post from 2012 but I was wondering how you have been feeling since having your thyroid removed. My story is similar to yours as I have a 4.5 cm nodule on my thyroid along with terrible hyper symptoms even thought my numbers are all in normal range. My endo wants me to have a total thyroidectomy and I of course am scared to death. I have an appoinment with a surgeon this friday. I would love to hear from you! I hope and pray you are doing well!!
luckyu0414
22 June 2017
I had mine taken out about 7 years ago at 25. I had goiters and had a full removal. I was hyper and went to hypo the last month before removal. My experience was difficult as I went from not putting on weight if I tried, to I could look at a cookie and gain 5 lbs. I was an emotional basket case as my hormones were all out of wack. It takes awhile for your medicine to get settled in you system. I was very emotional so be prepared if you notice that you seem off. I went from being the man in my relationships, in emotional terms, to being a complete women with pms. I ended up getting graves disease before they got the thyroid out so my eyes had a lot of puffy to them which is a mild case. Never let lack of insurance stop you from getting medical help because if you wait too long it ends up having a bigger effect on you. The lessons learned in your early 20's.
Since then I have had a hard time loosing any of the weight I put on and have a hard time using the bathroom (polite way of saying it). I am only able to go once every 5 days'ish. My personal trainer said this is why I have a hard time loosing the weight. Every one is different and I pray that it's an easy transition. Watch your body and be in tune with your mind body and soul. Keep your doctor aware of any problems and if they are unable to give you answers find someone that will. Good Luck!
Kristiehuny
18 Nov 2016
I have hashimotos thyroiditist I had my thyroid removed a year ago I was constantly flipping between hypo and hyper for years before a year ago my thyroid started dieting
As far as the surgery it went very well I had an amazing Dr the recovery is not so bad and now my scare is barely noticeable
There are minor to severe complications minor you must take a thyroid hormone for it stimulates all the other gland glands that control every function in your body remember your thyroid is your thermostats you can over heat very easily I have given up outside activityities .it takes 3 months one 1 medication to determine who you body is absorbing it.
As long as your tsh stays within normal range for you not what the books say your appetite will not change you may actually lose a few lbs .be prepared to developer food allergies gluten soy nuts dairy and eggs that seems to be a common theme with women .caution if you start vomiting all the time passing undigested food as I have recently found out that is a sign of and allergic reaction to your thyroid meds .and it's extremely rare but you can be allergic to all thyroid meds which I am having my thyroid was the best thing I ever did please be a strong advocate for yourself a lot of end is have the aragance about them due to their education so if you don't feel right don't take the pat on the head only you know your own body
Good luck praying for you kristie
Bamwinnie
15 Feb 2017
Kristie .. In your reply did you mean having your thryoid "removed" was the best thing
Bettyboop1966
7 Sep 2016
I had my removed in 2015 and gain a lot of Wieght, my doctor says they have my levels right but I'm sill gaining and sweating like a mad person.The symptoms are worse now then when I had a thyroid.
nadine046
21 Sep 2016
I had my goyiter and half of my thyrod he keeped my left out in july 2016 and I feel no enegy in me cant be bothered to do anything I sweat all the time do u think they should of give me a tablet or something any one had this op please thankyou Nadine
Srose805
28 July 2016
I had mine removed 2015 and now iam having problems loosing weight voice changed and its a strain when i talk fir a while and i cant yall loud for anyone anymore
Sweetpea96
5 April 2016
I know its was 2012 since your post but I had thyroid cancer last year in 2015 of march and every since the surgery I have gained about 60 pounds no matter how hard I try I can't lose weight I was wondering your same question ands I also have no energy even being on 200 mg of levothroxion it does not help I'm so tired all the time I don't even won't to go any where
LauraGaGirl
16 April 2016
Hi SweetPea96
I too had my total thyroid removed several years ago- 2009. Mine wasn't cancer but the exact story as one above where I had every symptom and blood work was perfect therefore nothing done as a goiter grew in my thyroid.
The surgeon decided on total removal with nodules in both sides. Parathyroids were untouched and he counted 5- this is what helps keep normal calcium levels and thankfully I didn't have a problem with that. I started on synthroid immediately after surgery having never taken it before. I was put on 137? Mcg. That was normal for height weight etc. well I am medication sensitive and by the end of the week I was climbing the walls and cleaning every inch of my house! I had never experienced anything like it. We had to back off meds right away and start low at just 75mcg. Eventually I settled at 100mcg. Typically this is too low a dosage for most people without a thyroid. It took months to level out and I felt terrible.
I was a stay at home mom with little ones in elementary school but felt like I never could've gone to an office job- the energy level was nonexistent! At least I could rest while they were in school. Now they're big kids and I'm back to low energy levels again but here's what has helped me through the years. I'm not an exerciser just bc I have no energy but whenever I can get a good walk in that helps. Also very important-- if you're not on these vitamins you probably should be. B12 & D. Most post thyroidectomy patients show low levels. I take 1ea daily when I remember and trust me I feel it when I forget. The dosages will depend how low your levels are. Also I've read vitamin C helps your body absorb the synthetic hormones. I don't take a multivitamin bc it has other things that might interfere with medication (maybe) and so I take these individually. I know firsthand the severe fatigue that is experienced which then can set off depression so I'm constantly searching for answers. One other note: some docs prescribe T3 along with synthroid to increase energy levels. I chose not to take this bc it can cause a rapid heart rate and I had issues with that prior to surgery and didn't want to take the chance, however I hear it's a good fix for most people. Hope that helps!! Good luck and feel better!!
nikki Sutherland
17 April 2016
I would say go to a different doctor. When I had my thyroids remove March 2016. I fell like I can run marathon. I start taking levothroxion .75 a day. But I change my eating habits. I add more flax seeds and legumes into my meals. I have lost ten pounds since my surgery a month ago. Back on the subject. I had to see a different doctor. One just trying to get more money out of me and didn't listen what I was saying about my graves disease. When I gain over 100 pounds in a year. And they told me to eat more green leaf. I laugh in there face. My respond I do and don't drink soda, eat potato chips, ice cream, and cut out bread. Most doctors have so many patients and you just a number. I went to Christian healthcare center and they did my surgery less then month.
auntyann53
13 Dec 2015
Hello I had more thyroid storms.i took my synthroid and other meds but still felt crappy.I bothered my thyroid surgeon and regular doctor.ran to hospital thinking I was having chest pains to no avail.i am trying to feel normal after surgery.my life has changed since my thyroid removal april 2015.please say the thyroid prayer online.it has calmed me a lot plus find a good support system in friends and family.pray each day.
Sweetpea96
5 April 2016
You had yours removed a month after me I had my removal 3/4/15 I felt crappy before and I still do a whole year later I beginning to think this as good as it get it makes me so sad I fell helpless I hate asking for help I have 5 kids one with aspergers disorder
oddiefloyd
31 Oct 2015
I had my thyroids removed in 2006, complete removal and I have never did anything except 1) taken med in the am around 7 am "every morning, 2) full glass of wather 3) no food in stomach within an hour before or after taking medication.
Smith031923
12 Sep 2015
Hey. I had my thyroid out at the age of 26, I'm 33 now. Did you remove your thyroid and if so how are you feeling now?
felecia1957
2 April 2015
I just had my thyroid removed on Friday. The surgery went well. Was sent home on Saturday. Was feeling fine all weekend. Monday my hands and legs started having spasms. They got so bad that i could not control them. My doctor told me to come to the office. He sent me directly to ER. They took some tests and found that my calcium level was way too low. They had to give me four bags of calcium before it reached the desired level. I'm still having slight twitches in my legs. I don't know what's causing that. I don't know if it's due to my sciatic nerve problem or what but it is very painful. My legs and hands are so sore from the spasms.
Nikki_86
5 May 2015
Hi Felecia,
I was wondering if you were given anything for pain control...
... I only ask because after reading everybody's stories on this thread it looks as if its pretty safe to assume that there's pain associated with both hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism. 65% - 70% of the comments mention suffering from some sort of a chronic type pain, but 0% mention it getting addressed & treated...
wilmabryant
6 May 2015
I am 64 years old and I had thyroid cancer when I was 32 years old and had part of my thyroid removed. I followed up with radio-active iodine which I was told that my thyroid was thirsty for and would soak it up and it would kill the rest of it. I had to have full body scans for 2 years to make sure the thyroid was gone and no cancer left in my body from the thyroid. A goiter had showed up while I was pregnant and the doctor told me that happens sometimes while you are pregnant and she continued to monitor it. When my baby was 6 months old she had me to go to a surgeon and he aspirated it and sent it to lab which said it was cancer. We kind of freaked out at that point but a friend told me it was the easiest form of cancer to treat and I guess she was right. All I have to do is take a little pill every morning and I'm ok. I do have it tested every year with my physical and haven't had to change the dose in several years.
sprukay1
6 June 2015
I've had thyroid for 10 years but still don't have my thyroid level yet. I'm still feeling tried and had a ultra sound and everything is normal. But still don't have any energy thinking about seeing if taking out the thyroid will help. My throat hurts a lot but sometime it's from my sinus. I need to know have anyone had this done to help give them more energy back and weight under control because mind is out of control and don't have energy to be able to work out.
nikki Sutherland
2 March 2015
Hello I was diagnose Hyperthyroidism May 2013. Now they want to remove both thyroid gland. I don't know if the surgery well help. Or something temporarily. Right now it doesn't bother me as much. Still have symptoms: not sleeping, constant eating, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, depression, hard to breathe, tiredness, pain, etc.. But after all these years I learned to deal with it. I feel that the doctors don't listening to me when I say the medicine doesn't work. I still don't understand hyperthyroidism and why surgery.
Related topics
hyperthyroidism, thyroid disease, thyroid storm, hypothyroidism - after thyroid removal, hypothyroidism, doctor, ultrasound, thyroid
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