High TSH levels after TT

[Intrigue]

I had a TT one month ago due to a large substernal goiter (8.8/8.6 cm. lobes) w/ Hashimotos.  The surgery relieved so many symptoms and I felt really good for about a week after surgery.  Then I crashed and now have debilitating fatigue.  I went into my ENT yesterday for my first checkup since surgery.  He said normal TSH levels are .2-5, with 1.0 being optimal.  My TSH level was 35!  He said he doesn't know how I'm even getting out of bed. He had me on .100 levothyroxine and upped it to .150.  He said it may take another month or two to get my level to a point where I'm functional.  My question is:  is this normal??  There's no way I can work....I truly am barely able to get up to eat and lightly clean my house to get a little exercise.  Is there anything I can do to boost my energy level until my levels come down enough so I can function?

My thanks to the doctor and anyone else who might have any suggestions.  What a gift this forum is!

Intrigue

[diovi]

A related discussion, effects of thyopid removal was started.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is normal -- the average dose post-surgery is 125mcg depending on the person -- see what happens on 150 but have it checked 4-5 weeks after the change -- the ENT is right about 1.0 being about optimal.

[Alesma]

Hello--I had a thyroidectomy years ago because of a large goiter and Hyperthyroidism.  A high TSH --ie Thyroid stimulating hormone- is high because it is trying to tell the thyroid to put out more of its hormones.  Since the Thyroid is no longer there--that is why your TSH is so high.  They will need to continue raising your medication until it becomes optimal.  I was on medication for a long time and was still having trouble until they put me on the old stuff called Armour Thyroid.  Only after being on that did I start to feel better.  Anyway--What you are going through sounds normal to me following thyroid surgery  and your doctor is addressing the problem with you. SO Hang in there!!--Good Luck and hope you feel better soon.