Thyroidectomy 5 days ago advice please

[Allenabc]

I had a Thyroidectomy 5 days ago and generally feeling rubbish. I’m usually fit and active and really struggling. I have the worse sore throat, constantly coughing, struggling to eat anything even soft food, everything feels like it is getting stuck. I have also now developed muscle pains in my legs. My consultant doesn’t want to see me for 3 weeks, I’m not on any meds, no thyroxine or calcium. Really not sure if this is normal or not

Have you had a total thyroidectomy? If you don't have any thyroid tissue left then you need replacement thyroid hormone i.e. thyroxine. I don't mean to be dramatic but you would die without it, though it would take a few weeks/months. It would also be normal for them to be keeping a very close eye on your calcium, in case your parathyroid glands were damaged in the operation. Is there someone you can call? It all seems very odd.

Yes I’ve had total Thyroidectomy. Consultant said he does bloods at 3 weeks then will decide on the dose I need. He’s very blaze about the whole thing. It’s worrying me even more. After the op he just all went well and sent me home the next morning, no mention of parathyroid glands. Think I will ring my GP tomorrow, I just don’t feel right.

That is bizarre. You would normally be put on thyroxine within 24 hours or so. I'm not surprised that you are feeling unwell at 5 days without any thyroxine. I wouldn't be surprised if your thoughts are getting very sluggish without the thyroxine, so consider getting a friend or family member to help you be appropriately pushy on this e.g. to come to the GP appointment with you. Good luck!

After my thyroidectomy, they kept me in overnight and then checked my calcium levels the next day to make sure my parathyroids were still functioning. They started me immediately on 100mg of levothyroxine. They have to replace the thyroxine as a previous poster said, it's life threatening to have none.
You must see someone asap to get levothyroxine prescribed.
If the thyroidectomy was due to cancer, they usually give you a much higher dose to suppress your tsh, because tsh could cause thyroid tissue to grow back, including the cancer.
Hopefully your swallow will get better as the swelling goes down, although I still have problems 2 years later, I'm constantly choking on things, but hopefully that won't be how it is for you.

Thank you for your reply, I have booked a private gp appointment for tomorrow, there is no chance my nhs dr’s will be able to see me. I’m hoping swallowing will improve, this is one of the reasons I had my thyroid removed. I’m really feeling so stressed over all this.

Not normal at all. I am glad you are being seen tomorrow. If you start to feel worse overnight then go straight into A and E as very low calcium levels can cause life threatening problems. Muscle cramps are a worrying sign post thyroidectomy and you should be able to swallow with no problems

Fingers crossed they get you on some thyroxine tomorrow. Personally, I would be making a complaint. I don't understand how they wouldn't know they have to replace the thyroid hormones, it's vital to life. My GP lets me order my levothyroxine 3 weeks early so that I can never accidentally run out.

I'm sorry but I don't think a private gp will touch this

Please try and get in to see your gp and get a blood test

You could also check the nice guidelines for post thyroidectomy protocols

I'm very shocked at this op

Hope you feel better soon