Tremors after Total Thyroid Removal

[moosey619]

I am a 32 year old female who just underwent total thyroid removal after the surgeon found out that my nodule was cancerous.  
I didn't have to do the radio active iodine, but I have been on Synthroid starting 4 weeks after surgery. Post Operation I was shakey and felt like I had tremors through my body, they found that my calcium was low so I was taking calcium supplements for about 6 weeks.  I no longer have to take calcium since my levels are back to normal but I still get real shakey.  It starts around 2:00 in the afternoon and sometimes later and tends to get worse as the evening goes on.  The only thing that will relieve my body tremors is xanax.  I know my TSH levels are still high- I believe they were at an 11, 6 weeks ago, and I have to go back in soon to get the retested.

I was curious if you know what could be causing my tremors?  My high TSH levels? Post Traumatic Stress? A reaction to Synthroid ( I tried the generic version and I felt tired more so than I do when I take the Synthroid so I switched back to Synthroid. )
My body tremors feel like I am shaking inside.  You can''t see me shaking but if you held on to any limb of mine you could feel me shaking most of the time.  I am nervous that this may never go away.  Is there anything I can do or just wait it out?  

Thanks

Carissa

[stella5349]

HAs there been a full check on your parathyroids to make sure no damage was done at the time of the TT?

Ususally hypo TSH levels do not cause tremors - Hyper levels whether naturally or medically induced with meds may do this.

Your TSH levels show hypo.

I would get a PTH level test.

[mags59]

I'm just 5 days' post-op for partial thyroidectomy, and I feel exactly the same way.  I'm shaking all over and it really has me down.  I was hyper prior to surgery, and it feels like I still am only moreso.  I haven't gotten my levels checked yet (calling endo today to see when that will be done since I can't function like this).  My heart goes out to you because I can sympathize totally.  I hope it stops for you; do what Stella says and get your parathyroid function tested.  (BTW, I had two parathyroids removed as well).

[moosey619]

They said all my parathyroids were in tact and none were left behind on my thyroid.  I see my endo in late September but I hate waiting like this.  

Mags59 - let me know what your endo says.  Everytime I try to tell my doctors I feel like this they just stare at me and tell me hmmm maybe we should wait until the meds kick in.  

Thanks for your input Stella

[mags59]

I really wonder sometimes if endos go to medical school.  From what I hear from a lot of people, their primary care dr was better at diagnosing and treating them than their endo.  Like you said, they just stare at you like you're the first person to ever have these kinds of symptoms.  I'll let you know what mine says (if anything useful!).  Keep in touch.

[laura1967]

I started getting tremors really bad and went to a new internist who tested my free t3 levels to check for conversion problem. My t3 level was low and she told me that is why i was getting tremors and joint pain. As soon as I started armour the tremors and joint pain went away. It starts to come back when I need a dosage increase. You might as dr to test your free t3..........conversion problems are common in women especially over 40.

[moosey619]

Thanks for your input.  It makes me feel better that I am not the only one going through this although Idon't wish this feeling on anyone.

Mags - I hope you are doing okay .  Please keep me posted as well

[stella5349]

I don't understand what you meant by :

They said all my parathyroids were in tact and none were left behind on my thyroid

You are sayint two different things in my brain fogged head. They are in tact being they are there? -

and none were left behind - which says to me - you have none - which would be death. You need one still left to live.

CAn you help me understand?

[moosey619]

Sorry for not clarifying.  I know I can be a bit cofusing and not spit out (type) the correct words.

My Parathyroids - which produce calcium and are attached to your thyroid- were left in tact - I still have them.  None were left on my thyroid when they removed my entire thyroid - meaning they picked them off or detached them from the thyroid before they removed my thyroid.  Therefore, they (parathyroids) are still in my body producing calcium like they are supposed to.  They were in shock at first and not producing calcium like they were suppossed to and now they are.

[mags59]

I saw my Endo yesterday and unfortunately for me, I'm still hyperT.  He said when you have thyroid surgery, the thyroid releases all of its hormones into the bloodstream and it can take several weeks for your body to expel them.  I'm hoping that mine get expelled real soon, I can't take the tremors and the tachycardia much longer.  He's also testing my calcium levels as well (I have to go for the bloodwork tomorrow), so it could possibly be from that too.  I do wonder, however, if it's not also from the trauma of having surgery.  I think whenever they open you up, it really traumatizes your system.  I know when I had a hysterectomy, I had all kinds of problems for months afterwards.

[kl42]

same here , had tt nov 20  still having slight tremors in my hands chest. and also i think its afecting my heart rythym. it has been improving, calmer at night, but i know what your saying i feel like im shaking inside, you notice when your sitting, or trying to sleep, feel it my legs also, doctors said i have to give my body time to adjust, that the father away from the surgurey the better it will get. so far they been right but its slow, going for retest in another week. stilltired i think im still hypo only on meds 4 weeks. , which is why do you feel this still if your hypo?  it was much worse when i was hyper.  feeel better Kevin

[moosey619]

My doctors told me that the surgery was such a shock on my body that time would eventually lead to feeling better.  It took me about 6 months for me to feel better (the tremors finally settling down and me feeling better overall).  Once in awhile I can still feel shaking throughout my body.  Usually when I am tired.  
I don't know about you but it took me 2-3 months before I could talk again.  My right vocal cord wasn't working but it finally decided to.  

I hope you are doing well.

Carissa