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Taking Thyroxin After Total Thyroidectomy. Have Tiredness, Weight Loss And Fatigue. On Calcium And Vitamin D
Question: Hi taking thyroxine 175 mcg daily after having total thyroidectomy for hurthle cell cancer.....still feeling extreme tiredness....weight loss and fatigue....
Also on calcium and Vit D replacement as parathyroid glands were removed during surgery....
Also on calcium and Vit D replacement as parathyroid glands were removed during surgery....
Brief Answer:
Thyroid and calcium status must be optimized
Detailed Answer:
In which year approximately did you have total thyroidectomy for the hurthle cell cancer?
The reason I ask is , because the latest guidelines use the term 'presumed cured' at 5 years after surgery if certain criteria are met, after which higher-than-usual doses of thyroxine can be reverted to standard dose given to those without a recent history of thyroid cancer.
This is relevant because the post-thyroid cancer patients are given higher doses to keep the cancer in check. However this relatively higher dose can cause symptoms like weight loss and fatigue as you are reporting.
Secondly, it is important that your calcium levels are in the normal range for optimal health
Thyroid and calcium status must be optimized
Detailed Answer:
In which year approximately did you have total thyroidectomy for the hurthle cell cancer?
The reason I ask is , because the latest guidelines use the term 'presumed cured' at 5 years after surgery if certain criteria are met, after which higher-than-usual doses of thyroxine can be reverted to standard dose given to those without a recent history of thyroid cancer.
This is relevant because the post-thyroid cancer patients are given higher doses to keep the cancer in check. However this relatively higher dose can cause symptoms like weight loss and fatigue as you are reporting.
Secondly, it is important that your calcium levels are in the normal range for optimal health
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi..
Thankyou for your reply....
My total thyroidectomy for hurthle cell cancer took place in May this year...I'm only four months post-op...
Also had the Radio Iodine treatment post surgery.....
Also taking Adcal D3 700mg/200 I.U and 50,000 units of colecalciferol once a week...
Last blood results taken two weeks again showed the my Calciym and Vit D levels are still low....
Kind Regards XXXXXXX
Thankyou for your reply....
My total thyroidectomy for hurthle cell cancer took place in May this year...I'm only four months post-op...
Also had the Radio Iodine treatment post surgery.....
Also taking Adcal D3 700mg/200 I.U and 50,000 units of colecalciferol once a week...
Last blood results taken two weeks again showed the my Calciym and Vit D levels are still low....
Kind Regards XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
You need labs
Detailed Answer:
The following blood tests are necessary
ionized calcium
phosphorus
intact PTH
25 hydroxy vitamin D
electrolytes, calcium and creatinine
Discuss the results with your endocrinologist and see if a medication called calcitriol is required to normalize your calcium levels.
Regarding thyroxine dose, you will be given relatively high-ish doses for at least 5 years, barring any sound medical reasons not to.
You need labs
Detailed Answer:
The following blood tests are necessary
ionized calcium
phosphorus
intact PTH
25 hydroxy vitamin D
electrolytes, calcium and creatinine
Discuss the results with your endocrinologist and see if a medication called calcitriol is required to normalize your calcium levels.
Regarding thyroxine dose, you will be given relatively high-ish doses for at least 5 years, barring any sound medical reasons not to.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi...
Thankyou for your reply....I am only under the care of an ENT specialist....never seen or been referred to an endocrinologist.....
Do you think I should be referred...
Again I have been increased on my thyroxine from 175mcg to 200 mcg....
The amount seems to be rising not decreasing....
I'm getting very confused now....
Kind Regards XXXXXXX
Thankyou for your reply....I am only under the care of an ENT specialist....never seen or been referred to an endocrinologist.....
Do you think I should be referred...
Again I have been increased on my thyroxine from 175mcg to 200 mcg....
The amount seems to be rising not decreasing....
I'm getting very confused now....
Kind Regards XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Endocrinology referral needed
Detailed Answer:
Yes, endocrinologists are best trained to handle this. They will eliminate all your confusion
Endocrinology referral needed
Detailed Answer:
Yes, endocrinologists are best trained to handle this. They will eliminate all your confusion
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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