post thyroidectomy story

[Achtan]

I had a total thyroidectomy followed by rai ablation for follicular thyroid cancer when I was 23 in 2002.  I am now 30.  I felt awful for 5 years post surgery.  I am TSH suppressed levels at .04. with a normal t3 conversion.   I was always tired had heart palpitations, muscle weakness, and joint/ bone pain and intermittant tingling in my hands and feet.  My doctor said i was depressed and to quit working night shift and i was put on anti-depressants which didn't help.   In fall of 2007 my labs started looking funny my cholesteral, triglycerides and liver function  tests were elevated.  I  was tested for lupus, peripheral neuropathy, als and other things.  I was sent to a rheumatologist he asked me some questions and he ordered a PTH with direct calcium and a vitamin d panel.  It turns out i have a partial parathyroid deficiency.  The symptoms i have been experiencing have been due to low blood calciun and a vit d deficiency.  Apparently the normal blood test they run for calcium showed me on the low end of normal and is effected more by diet.  I drink skim milk and eat fat free yogurt almost daily.  Has anyone else had this happen.  I am on daily calcium and vitamin d supplements. I am off my anti-depressants. I feel better my joint pain is almost gone and i now workout 6-12 hours a week. I am finally losing some of the weight i've gained since they removed my thyroid.  It is slow and tedious and i am seeing little results for the work but i am determined.  I have my life back but i wonder why it took so long to figure out something so  simple.

[Terri627]

I thought this subject was important enough to be bumped up!

[Terri627]

Hello. I'm very glad to see this post! I also had follicular thyroid cancer, surgeries in
2004, followed by RAI. I can relate to your symptoms as well, and as a matter of fact
have been concerned about parathyroid disease. I have the symptoms that match as well, and my triglycerides on my most recent labs were also slightly high. I should go back and look again at the other tests, but that was the one I noticed right away.
Perhaps by sharing, we can support each other during this "journey". Best of luck, and let me know!  

Terri