Aa
If you can't take the replacement can you still live?
What if you have your thyroid removed and you cannot tolerate a replacement for it? Would you die? Is there more than one replacement thyroxine to try? Is there some kind of test to know whether or not you will be able to tolerate or take it? I have to know because I am planning on having my thyroid removed. This is so scary!
What are some of the other side effects of the replacement?
Also, how common is it to react badly to it % wise?
How common is it to have low calcium? Is that only when they harm the parathyroid during surgery?
Thank you! Deb 1023
What are some of the other side effects of the replacement?
Also, how common is it to react badly to it % wise?
How common is it to have low calcium? Is that only when they harm the parathyroid during surgery?
Thank you! Deb 1023
I would guess there are different types of thyroid medication you could try to see if it works. Everyone is different, but that is where you work with your doctor.
I have been on levothyroxine for over 15yrs, and no problems, but like I said, everyone is different. You will not want to go without medication!
There is a chance that your parathyroid could be damaged, but make sure you have a good surgeon. I did not have any problems with the parathyroids, in fact you have to look real close to see my scar, that is how good my surgeon was.
I have been on levothyroxine for over 15yrs, and no problems, but like I said, everyone is different. You will not want to go without medication!
There is a chance that your parathyroid could be damaged, but make sure you have a good surgeon. I did not have any problems with the parathyroids, in fact you have to look real close to see my scar, that is how good my surgeon was.
This is where a doctor gives the sense to a patient that replacement - after surgery is easy.
There will be something available that you will adapt too. There are choice out there to support you with medication.
Totie is right - you will need medication after the surgery. You don't want to be miserable without it. and you will be if you don't take it. It's fatal to a person if you have no more thyroid function without meds.
There are no tests available to see if you tolerate one or the other. If you are allergic to dyes, then maybe they can test you for that first - prior to putting you on meds. But trial and error is 99% of the game.
Some have no side effects to meds - some do... again trial and error.
Respectfully, may I say - there is a reason why your doctor is considering removal right? What is that reason? I am sure the reason is valid and right now - IF this is your situation that you need this removed - then getting worked up about the "what if's" after the surgery - even before it happens - is not good for you. You must tackle the situation in front of you first and then work with everything after.
You found this forum and many here are so experienced in the whole process. Take one thing at a time and always know there are people that have gone through everything possible here to assist any thyroid questions you may have down the road.
Good luck!
On a personal note - you are my 5000 post on this forum. I can't believe it. I hope you find your answers here - (you will) - as I did when I first came on board. This is like my family for thyroid and support here is wonderful!
There will be something available that you will adapt too. There are choice out there to support you with medication.
Totie is right - you will need medication after the surgery. You don't want to be miserable without it. and you will be if you don't take it. It's fatal to a person if you have no more thyroid function without meds.
There are no tests available to see if you tolerate one or the other. If you are allergic to dyes, then maybe they can test you for that first - prior to putting you on meds. But trial and error is 99% of the game.
Some have no side effects to meds - some do... again trial and error.
Respectfully, may I say - there is a reason why your doctor is considering removal right? What is that reason? I am sure the reason is valid and right now - IF this is your situation that you need this removed - then getting worked up about the "what if's" after the surgery - even before it happens - is not good for you. You must tackle the situation in front of you first and then work with everything after.
You found this forum and many here are so experienced in the whole process. Take one thing at a time and always know there are people that have gone through everything possible here to assist any thyroid questions you may have down the road.
Good luck!
On a personal note - you are my 5000 post on this forum. I can't believe it. I hope you find your answers here - (you will) - as I did when I first came on board. This is like my family for thyroid and support here is wonderful!
Thank you for your response! I am brand new to the forum and also don't know that much about thyroid issues, especially the thyroidectomy and meds & recovery afterwards. It's reassuring to know that you have done so well for 15 yrs.
Is it only when the parathyroid is damaged that the calcium supplements become an issue? Several people have told me that the natural Armour is best because you also get the T3 with that and fewer reactions. I heard there is a new brand one out that has the T3 added also. What brand do you take? It sounds from what I've been reading on the forum, that many people experience problems and side effects, and that for some the effects are so bad that they quit taking their meds. I wouldn't have that choice because I will be having mine removed. Do they usually start you on 12.5 mcg. for about 6 weeks and then check your blood levels and adjust up? I wonder how long it takes before getting to the right level? I have to taper off Lorazepam as soon as possible , but wanted to feel & stronger & better first. Do most people feel really faitigued for 3-6 weeks following the surgery or longer? What other symptoms are common then?
I am wondering about my Lorazepam on the day of surgery & whether I can take it?
I get severe reactions if I am late with a dose. I also have reactive hypogylcemia so fasting is very difficult for me prior to surgery or tests. I read that on surgery day you just have liquids. Could I have protein drinks I wonder? Any sugary drinks make me much worse. Is the hospital stay usually 1-2 days for a total thyroidectomy? Sorry I have so many questions. I am just so wanting to know these things, and you guys have been there & done that, so are excellent resources! I certainly appreciate it! Thanks! Deb1023
Is it only when the parathyroid is damaged that the calcium supplements become an issue? Several people have told me that the natural Armour is best because you also get the T3 with that and fewer reactions. I heard there is a new brand one out that has the T3 added also. What brand do you take? It sounds from what I've been reading on the forum, that many people experience problems and side effects, and that for some the effects are so bad that they quit taking their meds. I wouldn't have that choice because I will be having mine removed. Do they usually start you on 12.5 mcg. for about 6 weeks and then check your blood levels and adjust up? I wonder how long it takes before getting to the right level? I have to taper off Lorazepam as soon as possible , but wanted to feel & stronger & better first. Do most people feel really faitigued for 3-6 weeks following the surgery or longer? What other symptoms are common then?
I am wondering about my Lorazepam on the day of surgery & whether I can take it?
I get severe reactions if I am late with a dose. I also have reactive hypogylcemia so fasting is very difficult for me prior to surgery or tests. I read that on surgery day you just have liquids. Could I have protein drinks I wonder? Any sugary drinks make me much worse. Is the hospital stay usually 1-2 days for a total thyroidectomy? Sorry I have so many questions. I am just so wanting to know these things, and you guys have been there & done that, so are excellent resources! I certainly appreciate it! Thanks! Deb1023
Hello Stella -- Thank you so much for your response & your nice welcome to to the forum. I am so glad that I found it, and I am sure that it will be a tremendous help.
The reason I would have the surgery is for a very enlarged thyroid with large multi-nodules and compression that makes swallowing difficult. My right lobe measures 7.4 x 3.6 cm & weighs 50 grams, which is very large. The left lobe measures 5.5 x 2.6 cm & weighs about 20 gm...total wt. 70 gr. I have many nodules, & the report says it cannot exclude an underlying cold nodule in the left upper lobe that may need additional imaging. Despite all of that, my TSH was .63, considered normal. The uptake scan was 8% at 5 hrs., & 14% at 24 hrs. He said that I don't have to have it removed right now, but that I will need to have it done before too long down the road. He doesn't feel that my anxiety & panic were caused by my goiter and nodules based on the test results even though in the beginning he told me I had classic hyperthyroid symptoms. I have been on Lorazepam for 4 months for anxiety, and need to taper off it soon. It's not meant to be a long term drug & I've reached a tolerance to it so have interdose symptoms. I don't want to raise the dosage. My dilemma is whether to try taper off that first or have the surgey first. Due to my chemical sensitiviites and other health issues they said it could take 6 months to a year to do that because my withdrawal symptoms would be too severe if I go faster. I would also not be able to take any calcium or other vitamins or cold or allergy meds during the taper. They greatly increae anxiety & other symptoms. I have severe ragweed allergies and always have used inhalers and meds August through the hard frost, so that would be very tough. It could also cause my thyroid to close off I am told.
So, if I have the thyroid removed first, that worry would be gone...and just possibly I would have less anxiety too. My gut feeling is that with all that's awry in my thyroid, it must be causing some symptoms. It's just that I don't know how long I have to prolong the taper while trying to recover from surgery and find the right medicine and dosage to feel okay and strong enough to do it. Many people have stayed on a benzodiazapine for yrs., but they are addictive and toxic. It makes me feel fatigued & have an upset stomach. I have lost 22 lbs. I believe it is from loss of appetite & anxiety, but I can't have a CTscan to check for other things because my endo said the iodine dye could cause my thyroid to shut down completely or go hyperthyroid for months.
Anyway, Stella, you are right that I should focus on what lies directly in front of me and not borrow worry about what may or may not happen afterwards. I have a tendency to think ahead too much, and yes...worry, which is not good or productive.
I need to make a decision soon, and would appreciate opinions from you or other members.
Wow! 5000 posts you've made ~ That's amazing! Thanks for making mine # 5000!
Blessings to you...Deb1023
The reason I would have the surgery is for a very enlarged thyroid with large multi-nodules and compression that makes swallowing difficult. My right lobe measures 7.4 x 3.6 cm & weighs 50 grams, which is very large. The left lobe measures 5.5 x 2.6 cm & weighs about 20 gm...total wt. 70 gr. I have many nodules, & the report says it cannot exclude an underlying cold nodule in the left upper lobe that may need additional imaging. Despite all of that, my TSH was .63, considered normal. The uptake scan was 8% at 5 hrs., & 14% at 24 hrs. He said that I don't have to have it removed right now, but that I will need to have it done before too long down the road. He doesn't feel that my anxiety & panic were caused by my goiter and nodules based on the test results even though in the beginning he told me I had classic hyperthyroid symptoms. I have been on Lorazepam for 4 months for anxiety, and need to taper off it soon. It's not meant to be a long term drug & I've reached a tolerance to it so have interdose symptoms. I don't want to raise the dosage. My dilemma is whether to try taper off that first or have the surgey first. Due to my chemical sensitiviites and other health issues they said it could take 6 months to a year to do that because my withdrawal symptoms would be too severe if I go faster. I would also not be able to take any calcium or other vitamins or cold or allergy meds during the taper. They greatly increae anxiety & other symptoms. I have severe ragweed allergies and always have used inhalers and meds August through the hard frost, so that would be very tough. It could also cause my thyroid to close off I am told.
So, if I have the thyroid removed first, that worry would be gone...and just possibly I would have less anxiety too. My gut feeling is that with all that's awry in my thyroid, it must be causing some symptoms. It's just that I don't know how long I have to prolong the taper while trying to recover from surgery and find the right medicine and dosage to feel okay and strong enough to do it. Many people have stayed on a benzodiazapine for yrs., but they are addictive and toxic. It makes me feel fatigued & have an upset stomach. I have lost 22 lbs. I believe it is from loss of appetite & anxiety, but I can't have a CTscan to check for other things because my endo said the iodine dye could cause my thyroid to shut down completely or go hyperthyroid for months.
Anyway, Stella, you are right that I should focus on what lies directly in front of me and not borrow worry about what may or may not happen afterwards. I have a tendency to think ahead too much, and yes...worry, which is not good or productive.
I need to make a decision soon, and would appreciate opinions from you or other members.
Wow! 5000 posts you've made ~ That's amazing! Thanks for making mine # 5000!
Blessings to you...Deb1023
I had my thyroid out in March. Like you I was very nervous about replacement therapy, because I had a lot of trouble with it before my surgery. But as stella5349 stated above, I took one day at a time. Did what the dr's told me to do and I am doing ok. Sugery was actually very doable. It went well. I was up and around pretty much the next day. Of course, I wasn't up to marathon speed, but then I never am. I had to wait a while after to take my meds for another treatment at which point, I was going very hypo.. Then they put me on synthetic at 150 mcg. Believe it or not, they put me right back on the same med that I had trouble with before. I'm doing fine. I was more tired than normal for awhile. Then I would have what I call tired days and less tired days. Right now I feel nearly back to normal. Perhaps the 90 % range. It took longer than I thought it would to get back this far, but this had been dragging me down for several months before hand. And after the surgery, I didn't have the really high ups and the really low downs. I'm am much more even keeled. Yesterday a co-worker even told me "hey, you're back...you're feeling much better aren't you" I was only off of work for 10 days. Dr wanted me back and moving. He didn't let me become much of a slouch. : ) and he was the awesomest person.
As for the scar. I am told from about two weeks out til now, that it looks good. I didn't have stiches, they just put a sort of tape over it that started to come off on it's own about 10 days out. I helped it along at that point and I started using vitamin e oil on it twice a day. Later I bought that mederma for healing of scars. Most people think I look like I have a paper cut on my neck. I'm more sensative to it. I don't like having it, but everyone tells me it's fine and that it looks really good. So I am just being patient until I can hardly see mine either.
As for the scar. I am told from about two weeks out til now, that it looks good. I didn't have stiches, they just put a sort of tape over it that started to come off on it's own about 10 days out. I helped it along at that point and I started using vitamin e oil on it twice a day. Later I bought that mederma for healing of scars. Most people think I look like I have a paper cut on my neck. I'm more sensative to it. I don't like having it, but everyone tells me it's fine and that it looks really good. So I am just being patient until I can hardly see mine either.
Hi there...you sound like an upbeat, positive person. I need to become more positve about this whole thing too. Thanks for responding!
What did you mean that you had to wait awhile to take your meds for another treatment?
Did they start you on 150 mcgs because you had already been on meds before? Some say they usually start people on 12.5 mcgs. Is that right?
What brand are you taking? Why did you have to have the surgery? ---hypothyroid?
It sounds like you are doing great for just having it done in March! Deb 1023
What did you mean that you had to wait awhile to take your meds for another treatment?
Did they start you on 150 mcgs because you had already been on meds before? Some say they usually start people on 12.5 mcgs. Is that right?
What brand are you taking? Why did you have to have the surgery? ---hypothyroid?
It sounds like you are doing great for just having it done in March! Deb 1023
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