dosage after total thyroidectomy

[dedicatedreader]

I had a total thyroidectomy on 1/21/09.  Before the surgery I was on .05 mg of levothyroxine.  I also had issues with hypocalcemia while in the hospital and take calcium and rocalcitrol.

My TSH was 5.6 and the doc said I did not need to change my dosage of levothyroxine.   But, I feel terrible on that dose - very hypo.  I don't understand keeping the dose the same as before my TT.

[kipland]

What did you have the TT for?  Are you scheduled to have the RAI to kill off any remaining thyroid tissue?  What has your doctor said about your dosage and your tsh level?  

I wasn't put on any meds after my TT for six weeks, as I was waiting for my tsh to rise enough to have the RAI.  Could this be a possibility?

[dedicatedreader]

The surgeon's office said my tsh at 5.6 was okay.  Nothing has been said about RAI follow up.  

But, I feel seriously hypothyroid.

[kipland]

I think this definitely warrants a call to the surgeon's office so they can explain what's going on, and what the next steps are.  Your tsh is high and I'm sure you do feel hypo.  I'm surprised they kept you on the same dosage that you were on when you had your thyroid?

You never mentioned what you had the TT for?  The reason that I ask is because if you had it removed due to cancer, more than likely, they'll want to follow up with RAI.  In order to have that, your tsh needs to be above 30.  Have they mentioned any follow up blood work in the near future?

[dedicatedreader]

Thank you so much for your response and help with my questions.  I had a large goiter on each node, but no cancer involved.

It is helpful to read that you are surprised that I am on the same dose after the surgery. Just that alone helps me not feel so confused and alone.  I was dumb founded when they didn't want to change the dose.  

I'll call and see what gives with this.

[kipland]

I'm sure they probably have their reasoning - which they need to share with you.  :-)  Let us know what they have to say.