Flu-like symptoms after total thyroidectomy

[loveblue]

Hi, everyone.  I'm new here, so go easy on me.  : )  I had a total thyroidectomy (very large, non-cancerous goiter) in late August 2006.  The surgery went fine and I was having a 'normal' post-op recovery until two weeks after the surgery.  For the last five weeks I have been experiencing flu-like symptoms that last most of the day, until early evening.  When the flu-like symptoms end, they are replaced by hot flash-type symptoms.  (I'm post menopausal).  

Before the surgery, I had hyperthyroidism - severe fatigue, nervousness, very dry and itchy skin, problems concentrating, very fast heart rate, plus heart beat very hard, so hadn't had a restful nights sleep in about 8 months.  All problems except skin dryness are gone, but the constant flu-like symptoms are preventing me from returning to work.  I am currently taking 100 mcg of Levothyroxine, which my endo wants to increase to 125, but my primary care doctor feels I may already be over-medicated.  I am also taking 2 500 mg calcium tablets daily, in addition to drinking about 16 oz of 2% milk per day.  I'm also experiencing sharp stomach pains and loose stools about 5 days a week.  My post-op thyroid levels are now in normal range, but just barely.

I will be seeing my primary care physician within the next week, but I am really getting concerned about the daily flu-like symptoms.  Anyone ever experience anything like this post-TT surgery?

[andee320]

I just had my Thyroidectomy and lymph nodes removed.  All of you are complaining of a lot of different symptoms after surgery, but I had all of those symptoms before.  And did any of you think of the out come if you did not have surgery?  I would be died in less then a year.  My Thyroid was full of cancer and nodes also behind it.  My lymph nodes on my left side also where also cancerous and found other cancer.  

I'm also a survior of ALL.  When I was 7 yrs old I had Acute Lymphoblastic Leuckimia at that time.  It was 50/50 chance of living, died twice on my parents, I have had my last rights and my parents were told I would never have kids.  I have a 19 year old daughter and a 6 year old daughter.

I am proud to say I had my Thyroidectomy and Lymph Nodectomy.  I am alive an can finish watching my girls grow up.  Plus, I have a wonderful husband, parents and family. To thank for support and care.

[arzeb]

I had my thyroid irradiated the end of July this year, 2011,  they didn't start me on Synthroid for 6 weeks at which time I couldn't even function, no brain, extremely dizzy and just felt horrible.  They started me with 25mcg of Synthroid, which didn't do much , the first of November I had my TSH levels drawn and they were 19.  They upped my dose to 50 mcg immediately and accused me of not taking the meds according to specific directions but I had been.  Since that increase in dosage I have continued to go down hill, I feel horrible, achey all over,  semi nausous constantly, complete brain fog and feeling of vice around my head.  Emotionally a virtual wreck crying at the drop of a pin.  My life has been turned into a living hell since the procedure was done and I am frustrated.  2 weeks ago I had a sever bout of dizziness with nausea and call the Dr. was told it was to early to check levels and meds take at least 6 weeks to kick in when increased, just keep track of symptoms.  I am due to have them drawn the end of December and I feel they are probably just as high or higher.  I wish I never had to have the procedure done but was given no alternatives.  Help.,

[Totol_Thyroidectomy]

I had a total thyroidectomy 7-6-2011 I was very very nervous about the surgery but am so glad it is over. I felt discomfort after surgery but did not take any pain medicine. Now I am tired and sleeping a little more than usual and I also have a cough which usually produces a little mucus. I am not sure what causes this cough but I hope it will go away soon. I have not yet started taking any medicine to adjust my levels but I guess I will get started on that after my one week appt with my doc.

[aberrise]

Hi, I just have my thyroidectomy last May 6, 2011. Since then I have this severe nagging  cough not relieved with antibiotics and cough syrup. how long will I be suffering for this. Pls help. Thanks

[vetty67]

I was so frightened to have the surgery but my body was falling apart; headaches (migranes) which i never had, weight loss, tired, trouble breathing, anxiety, heart palpitations, just had trouble living.  I had cancelled 2 prior surgery for my TT but I knew I had to go with this 3rd one.  With alot prayers, faith and blessings I went through it and I can not believe it is over.  I have no pain but just a little discomfort.  I can not take the 2000mcg of Oscal it gave me severe heartburns and I finally took my Levo 137mcg this morning but I am just worried about the test result since the goiter and my thyroids are removed.  I can't wait to get 100% percent better.   I know I have a long road ahead but I should and will not lose my faith.

[Neckgrl]

Help! I had my right thyroid removed 4-23-10. I felt great after the anesthesia wore off, but the day after my post op visit, I felt like I had been hit with an elephant tranquilizer! The surgeon tells me no need to see an endo, but I just felt terrible, so I contacted my PCP and he got the lab work done and found I'm hypo. How long does it take to feel normal? I regret having it removed, since they found the mass non-cancerous. I feel so terrible and have the flu like symptoms as well. Not to mention the hack, but I figure that is from the airway. Please let me know how long it take for the meds to kick in. Thanks