Can Surgery trigger a thyroid problem?

Hi,

Just over a year ago I had a Total Colectomy (whole of large intestine removed) for Chronic constipation since birth. Since the operation I have had uncontrollable weight gain. The total opposite to what you would expect following this operation. I have put on nearly 3 stone in less than a year, depsite lving on a diet of veg and fish as I can no longer eat normal food. I have 4-6 bowel movements a day and I can't drink any alcohol. I don't smoke and I work full time. I have always struggled with my weight. I have 3 sisters who just never put on weight but I have always had to wach every little bite and exercised myself to death. If I go on a diet, it has to be extreme with masses of exercise and I won't drop a pound for 6 months! Nigthmare! I am very hairy also. After my operation I went o my docotr  becuase my whole belly was covered in a fulfy brown down and he laughed. I shaved it off and now I have to pluck out wairy hairs that grow from my bellybutton and around my scar. I am so embarassed and no one knows this but I have recently started to save the down off my face beacuse I feel it has got thicker an worse. I have adult acne that I can not get rid of depite 6 months on strong antibotics and my temp is always too hot or cold. I have constant headaches and like icthy feet, esp at night? My legs swell up and my hands also, I seem to retain alot of water. Most of these have got worse since my operation and I have put this down to the surgery. But after being forced by my mum I wen to the doctor and admitted the truth. I was scanned for polycystic ovaries- all clear and he took bloods to check my thyroid- all clear. But reading the posts here I am convinced that there is an undrlying issues here that is linked? What do people think and what whould I say to my doctors. I get the feeling he thinks I am attention seeking now! It took me ten years for them to listen about my constipation and look where that ended up! any advice welcome!

Thanks,

Chaza

Hi Chaza! Welcome.

I agree with Judy about if your thyroid blood work was normal most likely it is not a thyroid problem. If you're still concerned about that, you could wait 60-90 days & get re-tested. Sometimes thyroid levels can vary, but if test 2 is normal, it's probably not your thyroid.

An endocrinologist would probably help. If you can't get to an endo in a reasonable amount of time, a good primary care physician can run a lot of tests that could maybe explain the weight & such. Have you had your sodium & potassium levels tested? Those can both affect weight. I know my g-ma is trying to lose weight & they told her to cut back on her daily sodium intake. I'm trying to put on some weight (I lost a LOT due to hypothyroidism) and my PCP told me to add 2tsp. of salt to my lunch everyday. It has really helped. I am getting close to my goal weight (yea!) so I am starting now to cut back a bit on that. But anyways, sometimes the smallest things can cause the biggest problems.

Still, you know your own body best. If your doctors aren't listening, keep explaining. ;)

peace,
frances

see an endocrinologist and consider seeing a nutritionist as well...have a complete set of tests done...like hormonal, genetic, hair analysis, blood urine, etc.