Hypothyroid symptoms?

[rynmich]

i have recently had a TT and waiting to get my PET scan to determine my I131 treatment next tuesday.  It has been about 42 days since surgery and NO synthroid or anything.  I have been experiencing severe back pain (to the point of numbness) and some vision changes.  Is this a symptom of hypo?  and does anyone know how long this swelling of legs, arms, feet, hands, and face will last after I start treatment?....AHHHH it is all I can do to walk to the kitchen without being in pain.  ANy help would be greatly appreciated.

[rynmich]

Ten days post op I was ready for the RAI!!  It was greater than 35 which they like to be over 30.  They are not so much in care for my T3 T4 levels because right now it is just getting the RAI.  I thought they didn't give me Synthroid because they needed my TSH levels to rise in order for RAI soon after.  The Nuclear Med people said I had to wait 6 weeks after surgery to completely heal.  My Doctor disagrees with this and is filing a physician complaint against the hospital.  It is their policy and being the only one around that is authorized to handle such doses, there was not much I could do.  I do appreciate all of your input.  I am sure my TSH level is off the chart!!  My face is beyond swelling and some days I can feel my hands, arms, and face literally swell!!  Tomorrow is my whole body PET scan, and I pray that I can get this RAI behind me nd be on the road to recovery and be myself again...one with energy!! :)  Thanks for your input concerning the "normalness" of hypo.  I have never had thyroid issues until I was diagnosed with cancer and thus began this journey of uncertainty and discomfort.  This too shall pass.  Rondoo, I ask myself that all the time if the policy was to wait so long!  It would have made my first son's high school graduation and the 24 something people all staying at my house a little more bearable and enjoyable rather than living on my recliner for socialization!  Oh well, it is what it is and its all good.  Thank you so much for your input.  Perhaps there will be more post as I am in the next phase of hormone treatment and getting it right.  I have read so much (kind of confusing at times) and am praying they find just the right dose for me!  

[Barb135]

TSH is a pituitary hormone and not indicative of thyroid levels....... you need to have FT3 and FT4 tests done, as well.

[rondoo]

I was put on cytomel morning after surgery (T3).  stayed on it up until 2 weeks before RAI then nothing.  RAI was 8 weeks after TT.  By the time I got my scan my TSH was >100.  I could barely make it to the kitchen or bathroom.  Every muscle ached.  I had swelling of hands, feet, lower legs and face. Fatigue was horrible.  I wonder why they didnt let you take T3 up until 2 weeks before your RAI?  I am sure you TSH is up there.  I have had vision changes since TT.  Good luck.

[Barb135]

The pain could be a symptom of being hypo; however, you really need to talk to your doctor about this, as there could be another issue - particularly, with the swelling.

What are your latest thyroid lab results?  Surely your doctor is testing regularly to catch hypothyroidism as soon as it begins??  The minimum tests you need are Free T3, Free T4 and TSH.