TSH Post complete thyroidectomy

[cashep32]

I had to change doctors recently due to insurance coverage and am not totally happy with my new dr

I have made an appointment to see an endocronoligist, but cannot get in until January 2008, which my PCP says is not necessary. The surgeon from U of M who performed a complete thyroidectomy in January 2007- no cancer, was working with my former PCP with the understanding I would see a specialist in my home town.

I would like to know that my TSH level should be after having a complete thyroidectomy - is it different than if you have hypothyroidism, but still have your thyroid.

[AlonaJ]

If you have had your thyroid removed then you will become hypothyroid and need to take medicine.  What is your TSH level?  As of 2003 according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists your TSH should be between 0.3 and 3.0, so anything out of those ranges is not normal, even though many Doctor's still use the old levels of 0.3 to 5.66 or even higher.

If your PCP is under-treating you, then a specialist visit may be very necessary.  I had to go to a specialist after 4 different Doctor's dismissed my TSH level as fine, even though I feel aweful. :)
I hope that helps.

[GravesLady]

Being hypo and being hypo after treatment/surgery, levels will be no different, but only in the fact how far along the hypo stage is and becomes throught life.