Left thyroid lobectomy

[Alyson40]

I had a left thyroid lobectomy three weeks ago. (Benign non-toxic goiter 4cm with normal TSH, T3 and T4 ). One week after my surgery, I began feeling very sick. I was in a fog, depressed, sweating, and very anxious. My surgeon thought I might be low in calcium. But, when I had bloodwork done, all my levels were fine except my TSH shot up to 5.5 from .9 pre surgery. I was told to take 50 mg of generic Synthroid and follow-up with  him in 6 months. I have opted to start Armour Thyroid instead. I was repeatedly told by my surgeon that 80% of people can function with only one thyroid lobe without any meds.I was also told by his nurse that if I became hyothyroid, it wouldnt be for at least 6 months. Will the other half of my thyroid eventually start to work better? I have been struggling with all of the physical symptoms since surgery. I feel like I am holding on to a tiny piece of thread. There is no doubt that I am done with my surgeon! I feel abandoned and lied to. I should have done more research before having this surgery. I saw a top endocrynologist at the Cleveland Clinic, whom I got a second opinion from before surgery, and was told to call him if I ever needed anything. Needless to say, after two weeks and four messages, he has never returned my call. The health care in this country is truly second rate. Please emal me ***@**** because I dont know how much longer I can endure this.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Your surgeon was correct. 80% of the people do function well on a single lobe. Occasionally the post-operative period may be followed with erratic levels which gradually settle with time. With time, the synthyroid dose may be tapered as the body take over the normal function. I would suggest discussing the management plan with your treating doctor.
Hope this information helps.

Take care!

[Alyson40]

posted in wrong forum!!

[Alyson40]

I had a left thyroid lobectomy three weeks ago. (Benign non-toxic goiter 4cm with normal TSH, T3 and T4 ). One week after my surgery, I began feeling very sick. I was in a fog, depressed, sweating, and very anxious. My surgeon thought I might be low in calcium. But, when I had bloodwork done, all my levels were fine except my TSH shot up to 5.5 from .9 pre surgery. I was told to take 50 mg of generic Synthroid and follow-up with  him in 6 months. I have opted to start Armour Thyroid instead. I was repeatedly told by my surgeon that 80% of people can function with only one thyroid lobe without any meds.I was also told by his nurse that if I became hyothyroid, it wouldnt be for at least 6 months. Will the other half of my thyroid eventually start to work better? I have been struggling with all of the physical symptoms since surgery. I feel like I am holding on to a tiny piece of thread. There is no doubt that I am done with my surgeon! I feel abandoned and lied to. I should have done more research before having this surgery. I saw a top endocrynologist at the Cleveland Clinic, whom I got a second opinion from before surgery, and was told to call him if I ever needed anything. Needless to say, after two weeks and four messages, he has never returned my call. The health care in this country is truly second rate. Please emal me ***@**** because I dont know how much longer I can endure this.
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