[Talley]

#1060101

Just had my first post-TT appointment with my ENT – I’m four weeks tomorrow (the first appointment was with his PA since he was out of town).

He took the bandage off and it looks good:) He said I can start massage 3-4 x day and use the silicone sheets. He said my voice should continue to improve and isn’t worried about it at all. Said my headaches are probably due to getting used to Synthroid and the changes in my body.

He then went on and on about my tumor – apparently, I gave him something to talk with his ENT friends about;) But, all is good, will follow-up to be sure cancer doesn’t return, but chances are very good it wont.

Anyway, my big gripe is about the weight gain. First the medical technition that checked me in – when I told her I have gained 7 lb in 4 weeks – says “well you still look good”…um, what? Then he says, that since I’ve been used to being hyper I’ll have to work a little harder…I work out 6-7 x week, I eat well and can’t do much more besides not eat at all! I don’t care if I “look good” to them – I went from 116 to 123 in 4 weeks – and I’m petite!

I get that my body is going to take time to get used to a synthetic hormone and it will take time to adjust, but don’t blow-off my concerns!

He did take my blood and will let me know where I am by Friday. Is 4 weeks long enough to have accurate levels or will I still show some hyper? I’m afraid that he’s right and it may take 6-12 months to get stable and in that time I’m going to end up 20 lb heavier! I’m not happy.

[adenure]

#1180395

Hi Talley,

I would agree that the headaches are due to recuperating, Synthroid etc etc… I had headaches for quite awhile. So much so that I had them do a CT scan bc I was convinced I had a brain tumor! I was on 100 mcg. for the first 6 weeks. At that point I had a TSH of 6.35 or so, so I was upped to 112 mcg. I’ve been on 112 for the last year and stable. My TSH dropped to 0.79 or so 2 weeks after my dose increase and has ranged from 0.29 to 1.6 depending on the lab and month. I started to feel better after being on 112 for 2 months. So, 4 months post TT is when I started to feel better.

As far as weight, I didn’t gain any more than my normal weight, but I didn’t go too hypo either so that is probably why. Was your 116 lbs. your weight when you were hyperthyroid? I was 113 at the worst. My pre- Graves weight was 126; I’m now about 120 lbs- give or take a few lbs. Four weeks is not a lot of time for the body to recuperate and accustom itself to life without a thyroid and on Synthroid. I’m not the most patient patient. So, I understand your frustration. I was trying to swim laps 7 weeks after surgery and I probably was doing too much. It will take time, and I have to admit, it isn’t perfect. I’m not pre- Graves me, but I’m not hyperthyroid basket case me either- so that’s good!

Just keep doing what you’re doing- eat well, incorporate exercise back into your routine and get your labs done every 6 weeks until your dose is right. It’s a journey.

[SueAndHerZoo]

#1180396

Hi Talley…. thanks for the update. Sorry to hear about the weight and the “professionals” apparent dismissal of your concerns…..I can understand your frustration. I am pretty certain I will find myself in your shoes in 4 weeks. I am not at all a patient person, but I hope that once the thyroid is gone I may find a little more.

I’m going to keep trying to remind myself that it’s going to take months, not weeks, to start to feel good, but something tells me in four weeks I’m going to be pretty frustrated.

Time will tell. Hang in there and keep posting, please.
Sue

[Talley]

#1180397

thanks for the replies!

At my lowest – during Graves – I was 111…too low of a weight for me. I am most comfortable right around 115 – I had actually been gaining weight the past 6 months with Graves and was working hard to keep my weight stable at 115 (gained a pound in Italy).

I know I need to be patient – not a strong point of mine. I just hope I can keep the weight from continuing to creep up until I get stabilized on meds…I did a second workout tonight (a good hike with my husband). thinking I’ll keep the second workout until I can get back to a good weight. It’s hard – being just 5′ tall, 5 lb is a lot! I workout a lot and have muscle, so adding weight to that just looks bad:(

Sue – I hope you’re not at this point in four weeks. I was very disappointed in my endo – he had originally told me he would start me at a higher dose since I was used to being hyper and he didn’t want me to go hypo…he seemed to have forgotten that. Best wishes to you for tomorrow – I’ll be flying out with the kids to visit grandparents but will check in as I am able!

Thanks again!
Talley

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