After partial thyroid removal, when do I get blood work?

[JohnD212]

I had a partial thyroid removal exactly a week ago today due to a large hemorrhage in my left thyroid that resulted in a blood filled cyst (size of a large egg) which was closing off my windpipe and moving my trachea over. My doctor is a highly skilled surgeon and has been doing this for years but he isn't the most patient and giving of information. My calcium levels are all normal so no issue there but does anyone know how soon after surgery I should have my blood work done to verify my right thyroid is doing the work?  I know in the hospital (I only stayed several hours before being released) they ran blood work but only mentioned my calcium. I just want to make sure hypothyroidism isn't going to be an issue but also want to make sure I don't jump too soon. Any advice?  

[gimel]

I recall reading some info from a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic that suggested waiting for 2 months after the surgery.  So I think that would be the longest time to wait.  If it had been a TT then I expect that testing sooner would be advisable; however, with the partial thyroidectomy I don't know how long it will take for the remaining thyroid tissue to respond to TSH stimulation and whether it can totally compensate for the overall reduced capacity to produce thyroid hormone.  Another factor is that in the case of inadequate output from the remaining thyroid tissue, after starting on replacement  thyroid medication it takes 4 weeks for T4 med to reach over 90% of its final effect on serum levels.  So in view of all this, if it were me I would ask the doctor when he plans to re-test your Free T4 and Free T3 levels (not Total T4 and Total T3 levels).  If more than 3-4 weeks, in view of the above, I would question why?

I would also ask for a copy of the blood test results from the time after surgery, and see what tests were done.  If you get that info,and want our input, please post results and reference ranges.

Has the doctor given you any indication of what may have caused the hemorrhage?