After thyroid removal surgery

[chooty]

My son who is 24 years old was asked to see a surgeon and eventually should go for surgeory for removal of the thyroid glands. I am concerned if after the surgery will he be 100% okay. Will the glands return in 10 years. He will take thyroid suppliment tablets for life. But will it re occur. He has pitutary tumor which was not malignant and was removed couple of years ago.

Please advise. I am so scared for my son.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Nothing is 100% - but in experienced hands, the risk of surgery is low.  The gland should not return if a near-total thyroidectomy is done by a thyroid surgeon.  He will need lifelong thyroid replacement medication.  The indications for thyroid surgery are a suspicious biopsy or an enlargement causing pressure symptoms (trouble breathing/swallowing, hoarseness,etc).

[Mike327]

Dr. Lupo, I had the left node of my Thyroid removed and I am on day 5.  I am feeling less pain daily.  I take thyroxin in the morning when I get up at around 0600 or 0630 am.  Around 2:00 to 3:00 pm. I begin to feel like I have sinus pressure around my eyes and head and just generally feel like ****.  It is hard to explain, also have a small headache, just don't feel well.  Only pain med I am taking is Aleve.  Any suggestions?