Anyone out there with half a thyroid?

[Barbin]

I have recently had half my thyroid removed and am waiting to see if the other half will start overcompensating for the loss (so I won't need thyroxine) or not.

I am curious about others who have been in this situation and how they are now.

Hi I've got thyroiditis so different but I can recommend posting on health unlocked, or contact and join the British thyroid association. If you go to their website there is a list of numbers you can call to chat to people who have experienced thyroid issues.

Do keep a very close eye on how you feel- tiredness, constipation and muscle strength and tell the drs.

Thank you clarella

Thyroxine is no big deal. You will probably need it but will start on a really low dosage which they will review regularly until your levels stabilise. Also means free prescriptions for life!

Yes pot I have been told it is quite likely I will need thyroxine, but the curious side of me is interested in the possibility of the other half overcompensating for the missing half, which the doctors also have said can happen. So it is an interesting waiting game in the meantime.

Yes, a colleague literally told me yesterday she's now been taken off thyroxine as the other half of her thyroid seems be managing now. She's been on thyroxine for some years. Though the dr commented she'd probably need to go back on it at 60!

It's important to get into a habit of taking note of symptoms and getting results print outs etc. I've noticed a change recently among more senior drs of listening to me and how I feel rather than just treating the numbers. For example, while my current Tsh would be regarded as with in range at 2.3, I'm not coping physically and so the dr asked me what I wanted to do. I chose to go up. I'll be tested in 3 months to see how I feel, bloods would probably show a better result sooner but it can take a while for your body and mind to catch up.

I would highly recommend joining the British thyroid foundation (sorry not association as I put below!) as you can access their newsletters and info.

I believe it's also generally recognised that keeping an eye on vitamin D levels is really important too (and I think ferritin, iron and b12 but I'm not sure about that) low vit d can mimic the physical symptoms of low thyroid levels.