Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 6/6/2009

Question
I had a total thyroidectomy it was cancerous 29th January 2009 today is June 6th 2009 (yet to have iodine ablation) and I recall everything just before my anaesthesia and after the normal nausea I was fine and read two books whilst in hospital is was almost a like being on holiday :-0) Just a nuisance I had to be a  bit poorly to have such a relaxing time. Anyway on leaving and back to normal I am having for the very first time in my life, trouble recalling simple incidents,conversations and generally noticing simple thing everyday things. Prior I was like a walking video, I could play back visual or conversations with TOTAL recall word for word with every body action etc etc. Most importantly never ever having a doubt as to what has occured or been said. Even during times when have been quite drunk I have total recall and have never understtod why others aren't the same. Now for the first time in my life I am having memory problems and it is very disturbing indeed. As if someone has turned a switch and now it's my turn to see what I didn't understand before. I am taking levothyrox 200ug daily which is too much. My blood results today were ( shown below and taken in France...not sure if Ultrasensible is english too) which are too high and too low. Could this attribute to my memory loss along with the anaesthesia. I'll try to remember I wrote this and check for the answer LOL It's not that bad....I hope... on a serious note it can be something like this that I can forget. Scary eh? it is for me...I look forward your reply. P.S. prior to this lump in my neck I have only been to the Doctors a few times in my life. I am 44 years old.

throxine(T4L).........27pg/ml
                     34.75pmol/l


T.S.H. Ultrasensible   0.02mUI/l

Answer
The memory loss is certainly not due to the anesthesia this far out and is not due to the lab results you mention (although hypothyroid does have some association with memory). The major thing to worry about is that there is nothing going on in your brain (metastases, etc). If the memory loss is really bad or getting worse, you should be seen by your internist. Also make sure your B12 level are normal as this is also associated with memory problems.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston