hypertension and tachycardia after thyroid lobectomy

[rnmom33]

I 'm 33 and had a thyroid lobectomy 11 days ago for what turned out to be a follicular adenoma. Since the surgery I have been hypertensive 146/98 (normally 110/60's) and have had episodes of tachycardia 120's, sweating and feeling jittery. My ENT who performed the surgery did thyroid labs and has said everything is normal and wants to send me to a cardiologists. I'm really confused and wondering if this is a normal problem.
Thanks Jennifer

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This could be related to the surgery in several different ways.  If you are on thyroid medication, it may be too much for you.  Also, when the gland is handled during surgery, there may be a release of thyroid hormone which will take 4-6 weeks to clear the system (also called palpation thyroiditis).  You may have a reaction to the anesthesia or the increase BP/pulse may be related to pain.

[1jitterbug]

If you have an endo following you, I'd be calling them tomorrow.  Manipulating your thyroid during surgery can cause a surge
in hormones.  Even though the ENT said
the lab was normal...the question is did
he just check your TSH or did he do your
free T-3 & free T-4 also. The TSH only
may not tell the whole story here. And
there is no reason to chance a thyroid
storm, right. As these are all symptoms
of hyperthyroidism.

Let us know what you find out, ok
TJ

[Francesanne]

Hi, had the same condition and had mine removed back in March 07.
I already suffered from high blood pressure and don't believe the op made it any worse. My BP tends to go up and down depending how stressed I get. You've been through a very stressful ordeal and it does take it's toll on your body. I was put on 100mcg of Thyroxine a month after my op and I would imagine the same will happen to you.
Hope you start to feel better very soon. Good luck.

[kathyMMM]

Sorry to hear what you are going through.  Are you on a thyroid med yet?  If so, which one? If you are already taking one it is important for you to know that many meds will cause some of the symptoms you named.  Google Synthroid & Armour (the two leading remedies) and see "side affects".

I had papillary thyroid cancer removed in March - Don't know if this is true for you but it took about six months before all my body systems settled down and I felt better.   I am on Armour now and feel better than I have in years!  At first though my heart was having racing expisodes but I went to a heart doctor - it wasn't my heart - after a few months the episodes went away and I decided it must have been my metabolism kicking into high gear as it adjusted to the meds.

What treatments are they planning to give you?  Good luck honey!