Hashimoto's and thyroid lobectomy

[tribalrose]

I am 30 years old and had a left thyroid lobectomy about a month ago.  After which I was diagnosed with HIashimoto's.  I am in the Military, and now my on base doctor thinks that i do not have hashimoto's and that i probably had a viral infection that casued my follicular nodule.  I am wondering if this is true?  I have good blood levels, but i have some hypo sypmtoms... weight gain, dry skin, tons of hair loss...  I just need help and guidance.  I have gained about 40 pounds and even with strict dieting and excercise I seem to just maintain now.  SHOuld i be on thyroid meds?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The TSH is a bit high - if the TPO is positive (ie, confirming hashi) then treatment is likely inevitable.  If not, this may be a transient fluctuation and would repeat TSH in 4-5 weeks before committing someone to what is usually lifelong therapy.

[shellnell]

A related discussion, Hashimoto treatment was started.

[tribalrose]

Thank you for your help.  I went in this afternoon and had my test results printed out... they show FT4 is 0.9, and a TSH Sensitive level at 5.28.  Should I try to see my doctor again?  Or chuch it up too normal lresults? ,

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Hashimoto's can be readily diagnosed on a surgical specimen - to further support the diagnosis, TPO antibodies can be ordered. Would also test TSH level to see if you need additional thyroid hormone.  Transient thyroiditis (ie "viral") is not commonly associated w/follicular adenoma....

[898]

I never heard that virus can cause follicular neoplasm;
as far as I remembered, the volume of right thyroid lobe is about 7 cu cm ( based on the ultrasound), this may not be enough to make sufficient hormone production.
Try to get the blood test and if necessary, you may need the hormone replacement medicine.
Otherwise, the lobe will overwork and nodules may form there.
In a meantime, use fluoride-free toothpaste and make sure the water you drink is NOT fluoridated. (fluoride is believed to impair thyroid function; having only half of the thyroid increases the risk).

[tribalrose]

Forgot to add how tired I am... and I seem to stumble all over the place when i am talking.  I am an instructor in the military and I seem jumbled.