I had a thyroidectomy 6 weeks ago for hyperthyroid and graves disease. All heart problems are resolved but have constant bloating, constipation and weight gain. I'm not eating much because with the above don't feel hungry.
My latest labs at 5 weeks are free T3 2.7 and free T4 1.81. I am on 137 mg of levoxyl.
I saw my endo yesterday he said that the body has to have time to adjust from too much thyroid hormone when hyper to normal amounts and can take up to 6 months. Does that sound right?
I bloat so bad I feel 9 months pregnant. Is this normal and if not any advise?
I take metamucil 2 to 3 times a day and use laxatives a couple times a week.
Never had these digestive problems before only since thyroidectomy.
Do you have the ranges to go with your FTs. I suspect that you may be like a third of thyroid hypoTs that need some T3 supplementation.
6 weeks is PLENTY of time for your body to reach equilibrium post hyperT THYROIDECTOMY. Oops sorry caps lock. Does your Endo treat with T3 supplementation? Some do not believe in it. There are cases where it is warranted though. Two of my aunts need some T3 supplementation. They mix Armour and synthroid. I needed to mix Armour and synthroid while pregnant and breast feeding my youngest.
Do not be afraid to push your MD? Make sure you are getting the care you deserve. I went through five Endos. My mom two. My aunts (four in total) only two see Endos the others like me get treatment through other medical discipline MDs (1 FP AND 1 IM ). I use an IM. In some cases it is impractical to travel to the nearest Endo for treatment. Some very knowledgable MDs are out there... You just have to find the right one.
Sincerely,
MG
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If we learn by our mistakes, I am working on one hell of an education.
Thanks for the response. I don't think he believes in supplementing T3 because I asked him why they have T3/T4 combo meds and he said for the manufacturers to make more money. I will try to find a different endo.
Hi Suz01, I had my thyroid out 2 years ago. It took a year to get my levels where they needed to be. I found a family Dr. that specializes in hormones. He is a DO which means that he practices conventonal and natural medicine. It has saved my life. I was on such an emotional roller coaster with my endo. Find a Dr. that will treat the symptoms along with the test results. I truly owe my life to my to the DO. I fired my endo. She didn't care at all about how I felt. FIND A NEW DR. Take Care
I am not a MD. I am not an expert. I do know when I am being treated properly and respectfully. I have kicked five Endos to the curb. I found my thyroid artist in the form of an internal medicine MD in an integrative medicine practice.
My last Endo wasn't a bad guy, but he admitted to knowing less than I did about thyroid, pituitary, hypothalamus, and adrenal metabolic functions and there associated tests. My chemistry background gave me the edge. Most Endo specialize in diabetes. Two of mine admitted that they only had a one week session on thyroid analysis and care. I know two I would return to for diabetic care... The others not a chance in Hades.
Look around and call. Talk to the nurses. See if the test both T4 and T3. Ask if they know an MD that will treat using T3.
OBs have to be fairly well versed I'm thyroid madness because of the impact it has in females and unborn babies. So ask around. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation. Ask who your other MDs would personally go to if they had an issues. You can also ask the board here if they know of a good one near you. I moved away from my good MD. I now commute two hours both ways at least 4 times a year for my visits. In between visits I take a lab order to a local lab and send her the results back. So I get tested with just TSH, FT3, and FT4 8 times a year. Antibody check up once a year. Adrenal and blood sugar quartly... All the hypoT mineral deficiencies quarterly...
In the mean time I keep food and exercise logs in addition to a symptom log. If anything stands out and sticks around for more than a week... It is time to visit one of my specialists.
I truly hope you get the care you deserve soon.
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If we learn by our mistakes, I am working on one hell of an education.
Last edited by mkgbrook; 09-16-2011 at 11:15 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to mkgbrook For This Useful Post: RUFUS100 (03-07-2012)
Sounds like a great idea. Anyone know of a good MD I could go to in southern Wisconsin ( including Madison) or Northern Illinois ( around the Freeport Rockford area). My current endo only goes by the lab results and not symptoms. Thanks!
