[busymantis]

#1058834

I have Graves Disease and had a partial thyroidectomy about 13 years ago. I had three quarters of the thyroid removed. I am wondering if the hyperthyroidism could rear its ugly head again. I am having several of the same symptoms as before but the doctors are treating me for other issues and it does not seem to help. For example my headaches are said to be caused from my sinus and the treatment is not helping. My rash on the bottom of my legs is said to be eczema and nothing is getting rid of it. My not being able to sleep is being blamed on my work schedule. My sore dry eyes are said to be from me not sleeping. I am hoping to gather some info so that I can make the proper requests of my doctor.

[Bobbi]

#1170305

The first step would be to check your thyroid levels, i.e. a blood test/thyroid panel. A partial thyroidectomy leaves thyroid tissue. Our disease is autoimmune, and if the antibody levels go up, then the thyroid cells remaining can be over-producing thyroid hormone. If your thyroid levels have been checked, and they have been shown to be within normal limits, then the problems are caused by something else.

The eczema on the lower legs. I have had a diagnosis of pretibial myxedema at one point, and then, later, eczema . Who knows, maybe I’ve experienced both? The cure for whatever it is, for me, is to constantly moisturize, with very good moisturizers — industrial grade moisturizers, if you will. After a shower or bath, while the skin is still wet, I apply to moisturizers. One might do, but…. Occasionally, I need to apply a topical steroid ointment, but not often. If I consistently moisturize I seem to be able to hold it at bay. Another technique, but to be used ONLY with moisturizer (and not the steroid cream) is after an evening bath/shower apply moisturizer to the wet skin (this is, apparently key, according to my dermatologist) and then wrap the leg is plastic wrap, and go to bed. The plastic wrap adds an extra oomph to the penetration of the moisturizer into the skin.

You could very well have dry eyes — those don’t necessarily stop plaguing us after successfully getting our thyroid levels under control. If you are waking up with sore, dry eyes, apply a night formula of the artificial tears: it has the consistency of petroleum jelly. And, if your eyes are dry during the day, do use the artificial tears. It will help, and it will help protect your corneas from scratches.

[busymantis]

#1170306

Thank you for the reply. As I thought my headaches are not from my sinus and now they are finally checking my TSH levels. It will be about two weeks for the results. I am having a hard time finding info on the reccurance of hyperthyroidism after a partial thyroidectomy and I am wanting to know if that can happen? Unfortunetly the drs here are not very informed on Graves Disease and this seems to be the only way to receive good information.

[Kimberly]

#1170307

Hello – Here are a couple of studies on the recurrence of hyperthyroidism following subtotal thyroidectomy. One noted a recurrence rate of 6%; the other was 8%. So while this doesn’t occur in the majority of patients, it can occasionally happen.

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following links, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

“Total thyroidectomy: a safe and effective treatment for Graves’ disease.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21345453

“The efficacy of thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease: A meta-analysis.”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10792958

Take care!

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