[carlydm]

in reply to: After Surgery #1063261

hi there,

I had surgery February 2006. I was pretty embarrased after having a few visitors when I looked into the mirror and saw a maxipad around my neck. I can laugh about it now – there are more uses for them than I imagined.

I felt good for a few weeks but my surgeon didn’t put me on any replacement hormone so at about the third week I crashed and hit rock bottom – my TSH was +56 and I remember being out for a long walk and at one point I could barely walk across the road I had so little energy. So make sure you are really being monitored and ask if you will be receiving replacement hormone soon after your surgery. It took me quite a while to feel normal level wise so make sure you do take full advantage of sick time after surgery. I took the full six weeks and actually could have used more with how my levels were so messed up. I was given 200mcg of Synthroid to lowel my 56 TSH but it was too much and sent my levels to the other extreme.

My scar is barely noticeable at all now. For the first few months I covered my scar and wore scarves as I was self conscious. If people asked I told them I was in a bar fight and they should see the other girl! lol (kidding with them of course). I don’t regret having surgery at all and I feel it was the best option as I have TED also and was told that RAI can worsen TED. Well Good Luck with your surgery and take care of yourself – don’t go back to work too soon what ever you do. Take lots of time for healing your body.

Happy Holidays!
Carla

[carlydm]

in reply to: EYELID SURGERY, ANYONE???? #1063194

I did have surgery a year ago and had the fatty deposits from TED under my eyes removed. I had horrible swelling and puffiness from the fatty deposits which made me look old and tired.

Although I do have minimal scarring, I am happy with the results overall as makeup hides the scarring for the mostpart. Make sure you find a surgeon experienced with TED.

Carla

[carlydm]

in reply to: new to GD/probably electing surgery/looking for support #1065475

Hi,

I had a thyroidectomy 4 yrs ago and for me it was the right decision and I don’t have any regrets. I didn’t have any complications and took 6 wks off to recover. I have had some depression since my surgery but it’s not been too bad. One thing that I think is important to mention is to have your levels followed closely. My TSH went very hypothyroid within two weeks after my surgery I was at +56 and had no energy whatsoever. I’ve read that being put on some synthroid right after surgery can prevent this from happening. It did take time to get my levels back to normal as I did a bit of yoyo-ing but once my levels stabilized I’ve been pretty good. Good Luck!

[carlydm]

in reply to: Decisions, TT or RAI #1065882

I had surgery in Feb 2006 and feel that it was the best choice for me and I would do it again if I had to rather than doing RAI.

Carla

[carlydm]

in reply to: Can surgery trigger TED? #1065831

I have TED and had it before I had surgery. I was told however that if I was to have RAI that the TED could worsen which is why I chose surgery. I just had eye surgery to remove the fatty deposits under my eyes caused by Graves and they look much better but now I have scaring which hopefully goes away after time. My eyes did not get worse after surgery and surgery was the best option for me.

Carla

[carlydm]

in reply to: Hyper symptoms #1066053

Thanks Mamabear,

I think you’re onto something with the whole sleep thing causing tension. My test results are back and I am in hyper range again and when I am hyper I don’t sleep very well at all so I’ve reduced my synthroid a bit and already starting to feel more relaxed because I am sleeping better. I will see how this goes for a while. Thanks so much for your wisdom!

[carlydm]

in reply to: Hyper symptoms #1066049

i meant to also mention that I am having severe jaw issues too and have got a new splint to wear at night but it’s not stopping the clenching…just protecting my teeth.

[carlydm]

in reply to: Hyper symptoms #1066048

I don’t actually have very much muscle weakness although I’m not very muscular at this time. Just a few days ago my husband and I started P90X exercise program which is positive in that regard but it’s adding to the muscle tension issue because it’s an intense workout. I just can’t seem to feel relaxed very often, it’s like my muscle’s are on high alert.

I’m taking Magnesium supplements also as it’s supposed to help with muscle tension. I just thought since I can’t seem to get this resolved, maybe it’s Graves related or thyroid level related. I have just started alternating my doses for a slightly lower dosage of synthroid but it will be several weeks before I know if that makes a difference. I’m lost.

Thanks for your comments,

Carla

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