Thyroidectomy and caffeine

coccinella

Hello. Ten days ago I said goodbye to my thyroid. I know that there are people here who have had the same surgery but cannot find anything relevant to my query in the old posts. 

I am feeling well but I don't seem to be able to process caffeine anymore. That is: I drink a cup of weak coffee and after about 30 minutes or less my head spins. Then I have to lay down and it takes at least one hour for the worst to pass followed by feeling slightly dizzy for the rest of the day. Blood pressure now back to normal although last week was high.
I wonder if this has happened to other people as well. My Euthyrox has been upped to 125 from 100, so maybe it is that?

And are there other things lying in waiting for someone without a thyroid? 

 

B3

I seem to remember that propylthyuracil affected the taste of coffee and absorption of caffeine. I don't know if that's relevant. I had radioactive iodine and I don't drink coffee.

pansyface

I don’t know anything about thyroid problems, but I used to participate in a forum dedicated to various medical problems.

The part dealing with my problem was always very supportive and helpful. I stopped using it because most of the answers to my questions had been dealt with in earlier threads.  And it was a bit depressing only talking to people who were in the same boat as myself.

But, for what it’s worth, here is a link to a thread that you may like to approach for ideas.

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/browse/thyroid-and-parathyroid-disorders-2244

Fairygirl

My sister had hers removed many years ago, and she's a big coffee drinker. She never mentioned any problems.
I think it's probably best to contact your doctor, in case the medication needs adjusting.   

Ergates

You are not that long post-surgery, and may be taking a while to adjust to the medication dose. I’d definitely speak to your doctor about the dizziness anyway.
My daughter had hers removed five years ago, not a huge coffee drinker but definitely has a cup when she fancies one, with no problems.
One thought, have you not been drinking coffee for a while? We only drink decaf at home, but I’ll have a proper coffee when I’m out. If I haven’t had any caffeine for a while, the first cup does go my head! 

Danae(dan-Ah-ee)

When it comes to matters medical, I'm as ignorant as they come; but it seems to me that the way you react to coffee might need the help of your otolaryngologist or at the very least of your GP? I've heard of people with heart and/or blood pressure problems being advised not to drink coffee (not even decaf), including my own MIL, but not a person who no longer has a hyperactive thyroid.  Perhaps they would be the only people who could advise you or even carry out investigations.  Good luck!     

coccinella

Dear all, thank you very much for your input. I simply have to be careful, annoying that even deca coffee has a certain amount of caffeine in it, sometimes as much as 50 per cent. Shame about dark chocolate, I won't be able to eat that either. 
I have a check up in a couple of weeks' time and I will ask. 

Thank you again.
  

Ergates

Have you had your check up yet? Are you still having problems with caffeine or not tried any recently?
Having been diagnosed with hypothyroidism a year ago, I was left on very low doses of thyroxine for months at a time ( and not in line with NICE guidelines!) I saw a locum GP for something else recently and decided to ask her about my dosage. She took one look at my blood tests, said my dose was still too low and organised a new prescription. Within weeks, I seem to have loads more energy and don’t need an afternoon nap. Too much of a coincidence not to be related? 
Still drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee at least four times a week, with no apparent ill effects, if that’s of any help.

punkdoc

That is no coincidence @Ergates

Ergates

I thought not, Punkdoc, but surprised that the effects seem to have kicked in only three weeks since starting the higher dose! Especially as I was originally put on the lowest dose for six months before a follow up blood test. Next blood test is due in two months, so it will be interesting to see if I am finally within the recommended range. 

coccinella

Thank you Ergates. A little caffeine is now tolerated   I think that I still had anaesthetic in my system and was reacting badly. I am fine now, even swimming (paddling more like). 

It takes time and a lot of adjustment before you get the right dosage. I started 25 years ago and changed the dosage many times, now the thyroid is out and probably will take some more adjustment. I am not out of the woods yet, but at least the blasted thing is out and it was the right decision.