The effects of thyroid supplementation after thyroid surgery

Posted by rockon79 @rockon79, May 9 6:01pm

In the past ten days I have found out that I have one 3.6 tumor on the left side of my thyroid and a 4. on the right. I have had 2 ultra sounds, an MRI and a fine needle biopsy resulting in a diagnosis of a TI-RADS 3, Bethesda category 111 on the left and a TI-RADS4, Bethesda category V1 papillary cancer on the right. Since each lobe has a large tumor, with one definitely cancerous and the other a "maybe" I am fairly sure the whole thyroid will have to be removed even though I would really prefer to keep the left side if at all possible. At this point, to help in my decision making, I would appreciate anyone's opinion on this type of surgery and on thyroid supplementation (synthetic or natural) after such a procedure and also how it has affected their life in general and well being?

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dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | May 10 7:14am

@rockon79
I had my right lobe removed due to a suspicious nodule that was 2.5 cm (found micro cancer) and needed to take 88 mcg levothyroxine which was then later increased to 100 mcg. I also have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I have had no problems since my surgery and go for follow-up ultrasound on my left lobe and right side to keep an eye out for cancerous changes. I have felt better since the love was removed and medication balanced. My swallowing and speaking improved since the nodule was removed.

bobfal1 | @bobfal1 | May 10 12:05pm

I had both sides of the thyroid removed as well as many lymph nodes removed at the Clayman Thyroid Center in Tampa and taking 137 mcg of Synthroid. I haven’t had any problems since surgery and get blood tests and ultrasounds of the neck every 6 months. They are keeping me on a higher dosage of Synthroid in lieu of radio active iodine treatments to prevent any further issues with thyroid cancer cells that may be left behind. I was initially setup to have one side of the thyroid removed and when they took samples of the other side while i was in surgery; they saw cancer on the other side and removed. They were able to save the parathyroid which prevented me from taking further meds and supplements.

bobfal1 | @bobfal1 | May 10 1:58pm

Continuation of last post. I had both Sides of my thyroid removed about 18 months ago and i should have mentioned that I gained 25lbs the year following the surgery and have intermittent hoarseness with my voice.

rockon79 | @rockon79 | May 10 3:58pm

In reply to @bobfal1 "Continuation of last post. I had both Sides of my thyroid removed about 18 months ago..." + (show)

I understand that the Claymen Thyroid Center is one of the best. Do you live near enough to have them do all of the follow up or do work with a team in your area if you are not local? I really hope ALL surgeons save the parathyroid as s.o.p.! Interesting that you gained weight ( did you need to) or was that just a result of the thyroid hormone dosage not being fine tuned for you as an individual? Several have mentioned hoarseness-did damage occur during surgery that caused this? Your input would be helpful, thanks

rockon79 | @rockon79 | May 10 4:02pm

In reply to @dlydailyhope "@rockon79 I had my right lobe removed due to a suspicious nodule that was 2.5 cm..." + (show)

I am new to all of this. That said several have mentioned love in connection to thyroid treatment or removal. What' the meaning or connotation?

kmlnj | @kmlnj | May 10 4:23pm

I had a total thyroidectomy in Oct 2024. Was put on 137 Levothyroxine, post op. My endocrinologist may lower that dose. She thinks it is a bit high and she is concerned about palpitations. I also weigh 15lbs less than at surgery, due to recent radiation and chemotherapy for that area.
I dont have palpitations. I feel very good. No side effects from missing thyroid or Levothyroxine.
I am 72. I hope this helps.

rockon79 | @rockon79 | May 10 4:44pm

In reply to @kmlnj "I had a total thyroidectomy in Oct 2024. Was put on 137 Levothyroxine, post op. My..." + (show)

Yes, your comments are encouraging. It nice to hear about thyroid removal and a good quality of life afterwards I am a young 79 ( at least I used to be before all of this happened) and have seriously large thyroid tumors, one on the left and one on the right which is definitely papillary cancer. I found out all of this about a week ago and am getting medical appointments in days while others are waiting months, which worries me. I am feeling a bit helpless, at this point. Good to hear of your success.

bobfal1 | @bobfal1 | May 10 5:43pm

In reply to @rockon79 "I understand that the Claymen Thyroid Center is one of the best. Do you live near..." + (show)

I live about 5 1/2 hours south east of The Clayman center and go to Moffitt which is also in Tampa for follow-up. The Clayman Center was great but they don't do the folllow-up.
I didn’t want to gain weight after surgery and I’m not sure why I gained weight after surgery but I have been told, this is common. My dosage of Synthroid has not changed since surgery. The doctor at Moffitt suggested I go to a voice specialist for the hoarseness since they don't see any problems on the ultrasound in the throat area but I decided to go to a local ENT and they looked down my throat and everything looked ok so they have me using a netti pot rinse daily which doesn't seem to help and they also prescribed something for GERD which I haven’t started yet.

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | May 10 6:01pm

In reply to @rockon79 "I am new to all of this. That said several have mentioned love in connection to..." + (show)

@rockon79
It is a typo (autocorrect). “Love” should be “lobe.” 😉 One half of thyroid removed (lobectomy) rather than a full thyroidectomy.

shenvalpr18 | @shenvalpr18 | May 11 7:02am

In reply to @bobfal1 "I live about 5 1/2 hours south east of The Clayman center and go to Moffitt..." + (show)

Who is your doctor at Moffitt? I have an appointment there this week to see a surgeon regarding removing my thyroid. Endocrinology at Moffitt has been following my nodule for 4 years and they did the FNA and referral to one of their doctors for removal.

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