Thyroidectomy on 5/19

[Leigh120]

I had a TT this past Monday for 2 nodules and an undetermined biopsy (with some suspicious cells).  I have been hypo and on synthroid since 2003.  At present I am feeling much better than I thought I would.  My doctor said that the thyroid was inflamed??? which was triggering the growth of the nodules.  Something about hyper-activity within the thyroid.  Don't quite understand that except that I have been feeling quite strange of late, sleeplessness, racing heart beat at night, and even though there was no discomfort when I pressed my thyroid, I felt like I had an infection right there- can anyone shed any light?

Also, my doctor has me on Oscal (calcium supplement) with Rocaltral (I think that helps with calcium absorbtion) in addition I am still taking my regular vitamins and nexium, but no synthroid.  What's the deal on that after a complete TT.  Will I stay on the hormone for life?  I would suspect so.  Has anyone not needed hormone therapy after TT?

I am to F/U with the doctor next week for final pathology analysis.  This is a great forum and has been a wonderful support system for me.

[shannon828]

I was going to guess Hashis myself.  Agree with dscoochie, they aren't starting you back on Synthroid in case your path report comes back malignant.  Although the new protocol for RAI is to use Thyrogen, some doctors aren't going that route and are still making people hypo.  I think it's inhumane, but it was only approved in December of last year for ablation.

I had minor calcium issues after my TT in April.  The parathyroids can get stunned even if they are left intact.  They control calcium in the blood.  Signs of low calcium are tingling in the feet hands and lips.

I had the heart racing thing after my surgery, I think it's a normal post-surgical thing.  Your body is missing a gland and it takes a while for things to even out.  I am 6 weeks post TT and just starting to feel like my old self again (4 weeks on Synthroid).

Best of luck to you :)

[dscoochie]

I'm going to guess that they want you off synthroid on the small chance that your pathology cames back malignant and you need RAI.  I'm only guessing.  AND dont worry, there is only a small chance of cancer.  Like redheadaussie said, it sounds like hashimoto's.

So stay strong and get lots of rest!

[Leigh120]

Thanks for the advice. I called my doctor's office, yes they do not want me to take any synthroid until my follow-up appt on Tuesday 5/27.  Not too happy about this, but I guess I have to follow doctor's orders.

[redheadaussie]

Your case sounds like mine! You more than likely had Hashimoto's disease in your thyroid. This causes inflammation and swelling. It can also trigger nodules to grow. Symptoms of pressure or soreness are common in the throat area. I had pressure and swelling and couldn't breathe very well.
   Having to take calcium is normal after surgery as often the parathyroid glands get knocked about abit. These help with calcium and if they are whacked can not cope and then you need to take a supplement. Often the levels even out after a few weeks and you may be able to drop them, but never do that without being tested for calcium levels first!
  I think your doctor may have assumed that since you were taking Synthroid prior to surgery that you are still taking it now. I would call the doc immediately and tell him/her that you aren't on anything. In a week's time you will probably feel lousy due to no replacement hormone. I do know some doctors wait up to 3 weeks, but they aren't the ones going through it!  Yes, you will need the hormone for life. No thyroid means no hormones made so you have to replace that.
  Again I would not waste time waiting to see the doctor, just call and explain you aren't on anything and see what they say.
   Good luck!