Q: My uncle is 72 years old. He has an increased level of TSH (14.2). He is taking Eltroxin 50 mcg and 100 mcg on alternate days. We are looking for a retinal operation for him. But his doctor says that if TSH is high they can't operate. Why have the TSH levels become high? Why can't we go for surgery? He also has blood pressure and sugar problems.

A:Your uncle has hypofunction of thyroid gland called as hypothyroidism. This dose is high fo him. He should be taking Eltroxin 50/d only. After four weeks of therapy irrespective of TSH level he can undergo retinal surgery. But in case surgery is urgent one can go ahead with that right now also. Usually with hypothyroidism there are not many surgical risks.