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?

[totally sick]

Hi I just had total thyroidectomy on tuesday August 28,2007. I have been feeling very very tired. I am on 1800 mgs calcium aday. I also feel like I have flu like symptoms. I am having hot flashes sometimes, then feel cold. Still hard for me to shallow yet. Igo back to Drs. on Spt.14 to check blood work then medicine adjusted. I hope it gets better then this.

[[email protected]]

Hi everyone. How r u doing? I had a total thyroidectomy on 08/04/07. I am taking synthyroid 100 mcg every day. I feel very tired and I can't sleep well. I can't study and all the time I feel sleepy. Can you give me some suggestions to cope with these problems? Thanks guys. Talk to you later.

[redlushberry]

Wow, all these posts are making me nervous. I have had Graves Disease for about 6 years and my Dr has scheduled a TT in 3 weeks. I have been trying to get pregnant on my Neomercazole meds for about a year to no avail. That's why Dr thought the TT a better option. Did anyone have radioactive iodine as an option, or a Partial Thyroidectomy?

Thanks I am feeling very nervous about the TT.

[[email protected]]

I did not have radioactive iodine. The operation procedure is simple. I did not know that I am gonna feel so tired after surgery. My doctor said, "well, you are gonna take one pill a day like an vitamin supplement, thats all". They did not tell that I will feel like this. Its really bad until a specific dose fits for you. I am glad that before surgery you are searching information. Good luck.

[olemissreb123]

I had a TT 6 days ago.  I am having flu like symptoms, feel really tired and lathargic.  I am very scared to drive.  I am on .100 synthroid - I am not sure I will ever fell normal???

[TOLD YOU]

I was very tired but didnt have flu like symptoms.  I didnt drive for well over a week because of my neck muscles being sore and tight.  I am on .1mg (100mcgs) of synthroid also.
Hey Olemissreb are you from Mississippi ??
I am and there is one more person on here from Miss. that is pretty cool.
Dana