What causes severe fatigue post a hip replacement surgery?
Patient: I am 68, female, had a hip replacement three weeks ago. Feeling great total mobility. Hip worn from uber athletic life. Struggled with anemia most of my life for unspecified reasons. Only once or twice has it been problematic. Did undergo infusion of some sort several years ago and it was a miracle! I saw my cardiologist for a routine check up today. I am suffering from extreme fatigue - not present last week - resting heart rate of 88 - normally in 70s. Very cold. Out of breath on stairs, carrying or lifting does not seem to impact me. Unusual amount of thirst and low blood pressure 103/60. Triglycerides high which cardiologist attributes to months of minimal exercise- waiting for hip otherwise cholesterol 170. Before I left the hospital, they said I was close to requiring a transfusion but they decided against it. Anemia? Diabetes? Any thoughts? This is the longest period two months of little or no physical activity. Super out of shape? Doctor: your symptoms could point towards hypothyroidism. the surgery could have put stress on your body which unmasked the effects of low thyroid hormone. this is made worse by your anaemia.i would order thyroxine and TSH levels to confirm the diagnosis and possibly an ultrasound of the thyroid to ensure no structural issues. i would also order calcium levels as the parathyroid hormones can alsk be affected.once the diagnosis is confirmed, you may have to be started on some medications to normalise the thyroid levels. you will feel good as new once the levels are adequate.