Has anyone's life been NORMAL after TT?

[gymratkat]

Greetings, this is my first question here.  I am scheduled to have a TT next month.  The primary reason for it is multinodular goiter.  It is huge, and it is . . . multinodular.  There are at least 10 that my endo can see on the ultrasound, and 4 of them are quite large.  I already had a FNA last June, which was clean, but it's grown and gotten, well, more nodular since then.  I have compression symptoms and it wants out.  

My TSH is low (.19), my t3 and t4 are at the high end of normal, and I have several MILD hyperthyroid symptoms, although no weight loss.  My metabolism does not seem to be altered and I am not terribly messed up.  No Grave's or Hashimoto's, I just have a really, really large thyroid.  ANYWAY, my endocrinologist believes that only a very slight alteration of t3 and t4 via synthroid will produce desired post-surgical results, as long as I continue my current diet and exercise plan (I'm actually slightly overweight; weight loss, even temporary, would have been nice.... alas).  He plans to start at the "high end of normal" and work backwards, rather than starting low.  In other words, he does not expect me to gain any weight, or at least that's what he tells me.

I guess my question is, is this possible?  All I've read for the past several weeks is horror stories of people gaining 60+ pounds, etc.  No one seems to be posting about lack of weight gain, possibility that endo gets the dose right the first time, etc.  It's to the point where I don't even want to go through with this, because I am so paranoid - both that I will gain weight and that my energy will tank (I need enough energy to work 60-70+ hours per week most of the time).  It's pathetic when you'd rather keep what's essentially a giant benign tumor in your body, but I'm almost to that point.  I need reassurance.  I need to know that it's at least POSSIBLE that after this surgery, I'll quickly feel normal and will be able to stay the same weight, or even better, keep losing.  Moreover, that I'll soon feel able to return to exercise, which is pretty much my only hobby outside of my insane work schedule . . . and also importantly, that I'll be able to return to work!

Sorry this is so long . . . I suppose the length is a reflection of my paranoia . . . I appreciate any positive reassurance that anyone can provide.

Regards,

Kat

[redheadaussie]

It really is an individual body thing. I hate to say it, but I have been crud for 2 1/2 years whilst my sister-in-law had the same surgery is bouncing along nicely! Then again I am very super sensitive to most things and I guess my body just doesn't like not having a thyroid anymore! If I could go back in time and not have the surgery, I would say, I would not have changed the outcome. I couldn't breathe or swallow any more so surgery was the only answer.
  I think it is always good to have both good and bad experience stories so you can then know what to expect.
  If you have a good support network of friends and family immediately after the surgery, don't expect too much and have a great endo, then you will be fine. The surgery is the easy part!
Cheers

[Totie]

I had a TT am actually under weight for my height right now. I did gain about 10 after surgery, but heck I needed after dropping to 88 from thyroid storms.

I have not had any issues with being over weight or gaining a huge amount. I do however eat sensibily.

The TT was 16yrs ago.

[gymratkat]

Thanks again for everyone's comments - keep 'em coming!  I am feeling less dread already.  Just a quick note to answer momwithcrappythyroid's question - "Just curious why wait 1 month" - have to, no choice, I have out of town depositions lined up and a couple of hearings, last one on the 31st.  Blissfully, my schedule is clear from April 5 through 16 so that's when I lined it up.  

I am kind of looking forward to the downtime!  =)

~Kat

[hope4thegoodstuff]

I had TT on March 25 last year and right now...other than a nasty cold...I am feeling pretty good.  Am I completely back?  Probably not, but I am ready to do some spring cleaning this year and last year...well let me think...I did clean something didn't I?  
NO seriously.  It was October when my blood results came back at the point where the dr said.  No more excuses.  So I started going to the gym in November.  I did gain some weight, but I am a heavy person to start with.  I never had an easy time taking off weight since my daughter was born and she's 30.  I am hoping to do so now.  Within the first few months I had good days and slug days...there was no other way to explain it...I just felt like a slug...didn't want to get off the couch or out from under the covers.  I often found that if I really worked super hard on my good days...the next day would be a slug day.  But even when I was tired, I could get up and get things done.  This does take time, but for me everything mood wise evened right out and I haven't had a hyper episode in I don't know how long.  

I did apologize in advance to everyone I knew...I will be tired..I will probably be a real rip...I apoligize for anything I may say or do in the near future.  

[momwithcrappythyroid]

My stiuation sounds similar.  I also have nodules which are growing and changing.  My TSH was 0.23 when last checked.  I also have compression symptoms like difficulty swallowing.  Although I am the opposite of you and I can't wait to get rid of the thing.  Not like I am looking forward to surgery!!!  LOL
I guess I have too much faith in doctors but I know of alot of people who are well balanced on thyroid meds.  
Just curious why wait 1 month.  My Endo said I have to wait untill my TSH is normal.  I wondered if anyone else heard that. Anyone know why??????
I am now on Tapazole daily for 1 month.  Good luck and keep us posted.  This site is an awsome resource and some really great people to offer support!

[Justi_has_a_booboo]

I felt better than I had in ten years after my TT. It took about one week and I felt so much better. Take it one day at a time, you'll be amazed with the results.

[gymratkat]

Thanks both of you for responding!  

blsdnsvd - I've also lost some weight but it's been because of my own diet and exercise efforts, not from my little neck friend; I assume it was the same for you too.  It's helpful to know that it's just been a few pounds for you and not the whole 25...

I don't know how I will do my job if I'm exhausted all the time.  Blah!!!  Hugs to you...

Kat

[bubba430]

You will be fine!  There can be a period of adjustment with the meds but once they get it right you should feel better than you did prior to surgery.  I lost 10 lbs right off the bat and haven't gained any back.

Good luck!

[blsdnsvd]

I was also worried about weight gain before surgery due to the fact that i lost 25lbs prior to even contemplating surgery.....It's been 3mos post for me and weight issues are the farthest from my mind although i know that i've put on a few.....it's the exhaustion and other issues that are more prominant to me however...everyone who is in the same or similiar situation were told that this will pass...i'd like to know when???

My levels are not back to normal yet but i would like to feel that way sometime soon.

It could be wayyy worse and i'm certain that there is light at the end of the tunnel.