TSH Levels

[kkern]

Hi all - I have a question regarding my TSH level.  It's been about 4 weeks since my partial thyroidectomy.  I felt great about a week after the surgery. I was very energetic, great mood, etc. I felt like myself again.  But little by little, I'm starting to feel really tired (like wanting to go to bed by 6), my memory isn't so great, I'm really irritable, extremely emotional and I just feel like I'm in a daze.  I sometimes get a little burst of energy but it goes quickly, then I'm just exhausted.  Just doing a little housework has been exhausting. I haven't been put on any meds yet.  I had my TSH tested last Tuesday and he said it was 3.35 and that was within normal range.  He gave me the option of getting on meds 100 mcg I think(and said if I do, it will be for a lifetime) or wait another month to see how things are going.  

What are the normal levels?  .5 - 5.0?  Am I imagining these symptoms or could my lack of thyroid be causing it even though I'm within range. I hate to be on something the rest of my life but I hate feeling this way.  From reading the posts, it seems to me that everyone who has undergone the surgery, has gotten on meds.  Is there anyone who hasn't and actually started feeling normal again?  I hate to waste another month feeling this way.  

[Annie Lou]

I  think getting off carbs ( flour and sugar) helped me raise my energy level. It could just be me but maybe it would help. Hope you're feeling better. Must be tough to go through and still not feel great. Frustrating. But you will be doing better soon, with or without the pills. Hang in there.

[kkern]

Thanks for your response!! I know you are right and I need to be patient.  It has only been four weeks after all.  My next blood draw is May 24 so hopefully I'll be feeling fine by then.

[Jenipeni]

Hi
I'm sorry for all you are going through after surgery.  I had a Total so I can't help you with my experience.  

But I thought in reading your post;
Even though it seems incredibly frustrating waiting to see what function returns I don't think it would be a waste of time to wait another month.  What would be a waste is if you started replacement that you had to stay on forever - BUT if you DO wait then there's still a chance you might not have to take med's for the rest of your life.  You had major surgery, your body will take time to heal, for bruising to resolve and swelling to go down - as these things occur, function is more likely to return if it is going to...

I am almost at the six  month mark post TT - and I can tell you that while the majority of the swelling went away in the first weeks/months, it has continued to improve over the months.  The bruises on my arm from the arterial blood pressure monitor took over 2 months to disappear (bleeding into the tissues always takes ages)!!!  AND more trauma went on in my neck than in my arm - so just imagine the healing taking place on the inside where you can't see it!?!

In any case even if you do end up taking the med's in a month's time - then at least you know that you gave it enough time and there's no lingering doubt that maybe, just maybe you should have waited.  

Just my personal opinion.  While it could be worse - it's not much fun living with the prospect of taking med's for the rest of your life BUT neither is feeling **** and feeling like you're living in hypo hell.  Your life, your choice!!

Some of that tiredness would still be an after effect of the surgery too - it was major surgery and it takes much longer for our bodies to heal than you'd think.
Best wishes and wellness!
Cheers
Jenipeni