numbness and tingling

[forestdweller]

In late August I underwent a total thyroidectomy.  I have been on 150mcg Synthroid.  Earlier this month I had my first blood workup since the thyroidectomy and my TSH was 5.564 and Free T4 of 1.15.  My endo raised my Synthroid to 160mcg and I have since started experiencing slight tingling in my hands.  I have read that with hypothyroidism a symptom can be tingling and numbness but would I be exhibiting these symptoms on higher Synthroid dose.  I am also having some confusion and forgetfulness that seems to have occured since the thyroidectomy.  The tingling makes me think of other issues like circulation issue that could lead to a stroke and diabetes but I am not having any other clinical symptoms that would clearly define that something else is going on.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[lhowell]

Do you know if your parathyroid glands were damaged during the procedure, or has anyone checked your calcium levels?  Low calcium can cause tingling and numbness.  Since your thyroidectomy was not too long ago, it may just take some time to get your dosage leveled out which means some weird side effects until that happens.

Best wishes.

[forestdweller]

Good point about the calcium.  My calcium was checked before I left the hospital and I took Calciferol (sp?) and lots of Tums, per docs orders for 14 days post surgery.  The tingling just started within the last few weeks which coincidentally was around the time of the Synthroid dose increase.  I did notice a few days ago some tingling around my mouth but it only lasted a few seconds so I didn't think much about it but that is a clear sign of calcium issue, if in fact there is a calcium issue.  Thanks again for the input.

[GravesLady]

Some other causes:
Carpal tunnel syndrome come to mind. This can cause numbness or tingling in your wrist, fingers, hand, or forearm.

Vitamin B-12 deficiency, Certain medications,  Abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium in your body, Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, underactive thyroid, multiple sclerosis, seizures, or migraine headaches, Lack of blood supply to the area. For example, plaque buildup from atherosclerosis in the legs can cause pain, numbness, and tingling while walking. (This is called claudication.),  
Injuring a nerve supplying the body part where you feel the sensation. If you have a neck injury, for example, you may feel the sensation anywhere along your arm or hand. Similarly, a low back injury can cause sciatica -- a sensation of numbness or tingling down the back of your leg.
Toxic action on nerves, such as that from lead, alcohol, or tobacco, Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.


Good Luck!