any advice helpful please

[chickamin]

Had total thyroid removal surgery Feb. 4, 10 and put on Levothroxine 100 mgs. Not sure what I will be dealing with now but would be thankful for any suggestions or helpful hints as how to now deal with all this and what are some of the things I should watch out for?. Esp. worried about possible weight gain? And what foods or vitamins etc. to avoid and those that will help. Also I wish for all of you to know this has been a hard thing to deal with but even this soon after the surgery I feel more energy than before and can breath and swallow better despite breathing tube placement for surgery. Although I was long in recovery I was able to walk out of hospital on two feet the next morning, I almost did not have energy to walk in there. Anyway can't wait to hear from all of you. Special thanks to moderators on their help and understanding, esp. stella, thankyou   from chickamin

[chickamin]

Thanks for the up lifting message. When I left hospital, they had given me a synthroid and I felt great, but what I picked up a drug store was gernetic Levothyrexine and I am not sure if it is the same, do not seem to have energy like with synthroid. Could it just be I am week from surgery yet and just not feeling well to that. Plus voice real horce and hard to talk much, voice gets more horce as I try to talk. But I do look forard to getting better.   Chickamin,,, Again thankyou for great message, it really made me feel good.   God Bless

[dixiepetit]

Congratulations on the first steps of a long road to feeling like your old self!  Like you, I couldn't drag myself into the hospital but I walked out.  It's totally natural to feel nervous about what to expect following such a huge operation.  I'm so glad we both found this site!  You mentioned you were worried about weight gain.  I had no idea why I had gained weight so rapidly and then one day my honey said, "Baby, should we be concerned that your boobs are resting on your stomach?".  That was BEFORE the surgery.  After the surgery I lost an amazing 52 pounds!!  My metabolism was restored with the help of the hormone replacement as was my energy.  LazyMoose was right in telling you that moderate exercise is important.  I'm a real couch potato but now I have the energy to park a little further from the store, take the stairs ect...
Take your meds exactly as the doc told you, keep your appoints with him, don't sweat the small stuff and remember that we're all out here learning from each other!!
Take care and God speed on your recovery!

[chickamin]

Thankyou Lazy Moose, I guess I have yet much to learn and understand. Good to know what to watch for. Your reply is much appreciated and the information helpful. Many thanks   Chickamin

[LazyMoose]

The hypo thyroid med simply labeled Levothyroxine is a generic synthetic T4 replacement hormone. The brand names are Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid. All of these are what most are started out on for hypothyroid.

It will take a while to get the specific dosage you will feel best on. If, by chance after a certain amount of time (several months) you still have hypo symptoms, then its best to discuss addinf a T3 med with your daily T4 with a doctor that understands some peoples need for T3. Many people with no thyroid need this. If you still need improvement, then try natural dessicated.

Start with a good daily muti vitamin. Then - you may need additional Calcium, Magnessium, vit D, B's, C, some or all. Its trial and error.

Moderate exercise for those not used to it, no need to become a marathoner, unless thats what you did. Must move some, unless you hurt. Pay attention to abnormal muscle soreness -a sign of inadequate thyroid hormone levels, and / or :lack of magnessium, some say D also, and calcium.

With no thyroid, I see no reason to avoid soy - its not kind to diseased thyroids, but your is now all gone - no worry.

I still have a thyroid so no comments on post opp stuff.