Question:
How long does it take to control your thyroid after seeing a Specialist?

I had my surgery postponed because I have hyperthyroidism. I am anxious to have my surgery. My PCP says it is low but they may have to give me radiation to kill it? The anesthesiologist did not want to proceed with my surgery until it is controlled. Someone help.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on December 31, 2001)

December 30, 2001
I have hypothyroidism. I was not radiated. Some Drs feel it's easier to kill it completely and medicate rather than deal with fluctuations, but I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with having it killed completely. Anyway, it takes about 2-4 weeks for the synthroid (or levothyroxine which is the generic sythroid) to start showing up. They usually start you on a low dose, retest, give you more if you need it, retest, etc. Depending on how low your function is and how much medication it takes to hop you back up to noral it could be several months. Mine had been so severe it actually took 4 increases, timewise 4 months, to get me medicated to the point where I was testing normal. I know this must be frustrating but take the time to get this fixed. If your thyroid isn't functioning at it's best you won't lose the most weight you could during the first part of this surgery, the *honeymoon* phase. It would be better to wait a few months and get those levels up than have the surgery and be frustrated that your loss could have been more if your thyroid was working right. Good luck
   — Becky K.

December 31, 2001
My endocrinologist says it takes a minimum of 3 weeks for new doses to show in the lab work then they have to readjust the levels to bring them within normal range. It took me about 3 months to get stable.... Good luck
   — vt_rita

December 31, 2001
Bonnie, They are probably right about the radiation. Hypothyroidism is relatively easy to treat. Your thyroid production is low and medication can bring it back up to normal. Hyperthyroidism, however, means that your thyroid is working overtime. I don't know of any meds that will slow it down. I think the treatment is usually to 'kill' the thyroid and then put you on meds because after they 'kill' it, you become hypothyroid.
   — [Anonymous]

December 31, 2001
Duhhhh! I read the question wrong. With hyperthyroidism they radiate because it's really hard to control an over active thyroid with medication. I feel stupid. Even so, after they kill it, then medicate it, it will probably take 3 or 4 months. Good luck
   — Becky K.