Question:
Surgery might be cancelled because of abnormal TSH level

HELP!!!! I just had my pre-op visit today. My surgery is scheduled for 09/26/06. My surgeon advised me that my TSH level was high and needs to be stable before surgery. I have a history of hypothyroidism and made this known during my initial consultation.....Has anyone had this happened to them? Any suggestions on how to handle this situation? Thanks!!!    — scamp1908 (posted on September 21, 2006)

September 21, 2006
I certainly am sorry to hear this. I know it has to be quite discouraging at this point being so close to your surgery date. My TSH level was always abnormal before my surgery. They knew once I had the surgery I would lose the weight and they would be better able to get it under control. It took about 8 months to finally get it leveled out after surgery but they were diligent about finding the right dosage for my Synthroid. I do hope that your endocrinologist will talk to your surgeon and persuade him/her the other way. BE PERSISTENT and remember to pray! I will be praying for your!
   — Pamela B.

September 21, 2006
There is no reason why they couldn't increase your thyroid meds and do your surg in a few weeks/months....you want to be as healthy as possible... the surgery isn't going anywhere...I had to postpone my surg 3 times and even was sick on the day I was supposed to do it...It worked out eventually....hang in there!!! Best wishes for a quick thyroid enhancement!!
   — SteffieBear15

September 21, 2006
I was shocked to find out that I had to go to one more doctor pre-op when my last blood test revealed that my TSH level was abnormal. I went to the endocrinologist and he performed tests and then gave me meds and approved me to go on for my scheduled surgery date. Maybe you can quickly get in to see an endocrinologist like I did. Don't give up hope. But whatever happens, just remember that it happens for the best. During the pre-op testing phase, my surgery was rescheduled three times due to test results and doctors' susequent recommendations. And the last thing with my TSH level really discouraged me. But it all worked out for the best and I am now 3 1/2 months post-op and feeling better every day!
   — CathyP

September 21, 2006
As discouraging as it is, your doctors have your best interest at heart. The only way to deal with this is to increase your medication until your TSH levels normalize. I also have hypothyroid, so I understand the frustration ... The surgery will happen when it is healthiest and safest for you. Hang in there!!!
   — peacefuldaizy

September 22, 2006
Go with what the doctor is saying about your TSH levels because it is dangerous for a person to have surgery with unstable levels of any of the thyroid hormones. I had my thyroid levels checked before I was to have my first plastic surgery in January of '05 and it was discovered that I had developed Grave's disease, with is the opposite of hypo but it is hyperactive thyroid. The surgeon said that I could have had a heart attach or a stroke while having aneasthsia if my condition were untreated. I had to wait 6 months for my thyroid levels to stablize after my thyroid was killed off with nuculear meds. I am now hypo thyroid and on Synthryoid. Chris
   — ChristineB