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Q: 

Why am I feeling bad after thyroid surgery?

By Anonymous March 5, 2009 - 12:45pm
 
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I had my left thyroid removed in December, 2008 because of a nodule. It was benign.
All my TSH levels are in normal range. I take 50mcgs. of Synthroid daily.

I suffer from severe depression. I am on 60 mgs of Cymbalta daily.

I am still feeling miserable. I am extremely tired, even more so since the surgery. I sleep 10+ hours daily and I am STILL tired. I have absolutely NO energy to do anything. Just getting dressed is an effort!

I am in need of some answers as to why I am still feeling so tired. My get up and go has "gone up and went."

Please, please help...I don't know what to do. Any information you provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Karen

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Hi Karen!
I'm so sorry you're feeling this way! I know exactly what you're talking about. I had my Thyroid removed two years ago. From my experience, I have learned that everyone is different, and every TSH level of comfort is different.....Some feel fine at a 3, some feel awful and prefer to be at a 1. What about your T3 & T4 levels? where do they stand on the scale? You may need an up in the Synthroid?

Also, you are still new out of surgery(In my opinion). It can take time. I thought I'd be great after 6 weeks, but it wasnt until about 12 weeks after surgery my body sorted out. And I still battle the ups and downs with my Synthroid adjustments.

I also needed some changes to my Anti-Depressant.
I would call your Dr.

Hope you feel better!
X

March 5, 2009 - 4:45pm

Hi Karen,
I'm so glad you found this site!

First of all, I'm glad to hear that your surgery went well, and that the nodule found was benign.

I am wondering if you think the Cymbalta is working? Sleeping more than 10 hours a day, not able to get dressed, not motivated and low energy...and still being tired and miserable...sound very much like symptoms of depression. Have you talked with your mental health provider about your symptoms that have not gone away? Have you tried other medication or treatment options for your depression? Are you currently in psychotherapy for your depression?

How long have you been on Cymbalta? Do you feel that this medication worked at one point in time for your depression, then after your thyroidectomy, is no longer working? Or, did you begin these medications at the same time? Have the doses ever been adjusted?

Lastly, what did your doctor tell you about the effects of having your thyroid removed?

The symptoms you described can also be from having a deficiency in the thyroid hormone, or is known as hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, chilliness, slowed thinking, depression, constipation and muscle cramps. However, these symptoms are temporary and if they are still occurring, should be discussed with your doctor; perhaps the Synthroid is not working as it should?

Please write back, and let us know if you have spoken with either your medical doctor and/or mental health doctor about your symptoms. We can provide some additional information.

March 5, 2009 - 2:43pm
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