Just had a subtotal thyroid removal

[majormatt]

Hi,
I just (read: 2pm yesterday) had my right side of my thyroid removed.  It had nodules on it (frozen section yesterday showed non-cancerous).  The thyroid was also over enlarged.  (it went about an inch below my collar bone, and was pushing into my trachia, causing trouble breathing).

The incision is closed w/ crazy glue and is obviously very swollen.  How long can i expect it to remain swolen?  It really hurts to tilt my head up, as it feels like it is pulling apart.

Also my throat is really sore, i guess from the intubation.  any thought son how long this remains this way?

Lastly, while i can breathe fine, it feels labored when sitting up or walking.  I guess because i am bending my head forward so the incision dont tear??

My post-op instructions and consultation were obviously severely lacking.

Thanks
Matt

[stella5349]

matt I hope you feel better soon. You got some good tips above with these other posters.

Labored breathing could be you system getting over the surgery too along with the way you are walking and holding your neck. The best thing to do is rest right now and stay mild with everything for at least a week. If you swelling does not show improvement after 3 days - call back the surgeon. Watch for any puss or liquid from the wound. Stay hydrated with water. Eat small frequent light meals for a few days too. Did you get a stool softner for tomorrow? USE IT if you need to.

Keep your one week appt after the surgery and talk to your doctor about treatment options... MAke sure your doctor is open to ALL forms of thyroid treatment - If you will need it - Sometimes surgery is EASY compared to the after math many put up with trying to get their health back with medication.

Learn all you can too on your certain situation. It will be the best investment you make for yourself.

[rhoda23]

I had this same surgery (right thyroid lobectomy) done about 6 months ago.  The sore throat from intubation goes away within another day or so.  The incision stop hurting pretty quickly, another day or two.  I didn't need any pain meds other than a couple Tylenol once or twice after the 1st day.  Be watchful for symptoms over the next couple weeks though of your thyroid levels getting out of whack.  If you have unusual symptoms alert your doctors.  The gland was cut in half and a lot of hormone could have been released into your bloodstream at the time of surgery and the effects may not be felt until later.  It's possible to have hyper thyroid symptoms which then fade as the hormone levels drop to hypo symptoms (since you only have half a thyroid.)

[hmarria]

I think, its too early for your symptoms of "surgery" to go away. I think it 'll go better and better everyday, I guess you'll take one full week.....talking about surgery per se,the would takes time to get healed up, your pain 'll be diminished in a day or two and so 'll be the swelling.
dont exert yourself too much its better to rest and have your doc given you some post op instructions?