TT scheduled for 4/11

[shannon828]

Holy ****.

Met with my surgeon today.  He was very reassuring about the surgery and outcome.  This guy definitely knows what he is doing.  He does the incision a bit lower than what I have heard/seen and says this provides the most cosmetic result.  They don't use drains or tubes down the throat.  He also told me that he's never seen anyone my age have problems with the surgery or treatment.  This guy is the man, I am very happy with my decision, but can't believe that my surgery is a WEEK FROM FRIDAY!?!?!

[Thypatient]

Actually, he didn't lose his license.  Really she meant that he had a license to do surgery, went back to school for this surgery (thyroid and parathyroid) and now has a license to do it too.  On top of that he just moved into my state and had to get licensed here too.

It's all legit, it was more the newness of it that had I been in a better place I would have contemplated more.  In fact, I probably would have totally become paranoid...and research, oh boy, would I have done research.

[worriedinmd]

Tell me your endo has a warped sense of humor... do you have time to do any research? It would be really good to know why he lost his license in the first place.

[Thypatient]

I know my doctor probably took the most new-fangled approach to this surgery, since he just learned it prior to me (probably something gotten from Harvard).

I suppose a good surgeon will know what works best for them.  I remember an older dr did my tonsillectomy (I was older too), he was very conservative and old-fashion.  His office looked like something out of WWI and he still wore that round metal reflector on his head.  He was an excellent surgeon.

Just before my thyroid surgery I got a call from an endo who mentioned she was glad to see that surgeon ‘..got his license last week and can now do this surgery.’  Huh?  Lucky I was too sick at the time to have that one sink in.

[worriedinmd]

My doc considers himself conservative. He told me that he has never regretted using a drain, but he has regretted NOT using one. I don't know how much the drain took out during the first 24 hours while I was at the hospital, but I had another 30 cc in the two days I was home with the drain. Guess it's just a matter of doc's preference.

- viv

[KJ5854]

I'm glad to hear you only have nine more days until surgery.  It sounds like you definetly have a winner in your surgeon!     I had my TT two months ago and I also didn't have to have a drain tube.  I'm not sure why, but I was very glad that I didn't need it.

I know you're very concerned about everything following the surgery, but take one step at a time.  I was also a nervous wreck and worrying about everything that would happen after the surgery.  I finally just learned to take one thing at a time and worry about the other stuff when I got to it!

Nine days & counting......keep us posted!

[shannon828]

My surgeon says the operation is nearly bloodless, so there is no need for drains.  I'm not sure about the tube, I assumed that since I would be under general I would have one.  This is the advantage of being in the same city as Harvard Medical School...I do believe it's the most cutting edge treatment available.  If only the operation could be performed laproscopically I would be all set.  I don't think they do TT's that way for Cancer, however.

NINE days.  Holy...

[Thypatient]

I can add that my dr didn't use a drain or tubes either.  I'm not sure why though.

[CatieC]

Wow Shannon that's great news. It does make a world of difference once you find a surgeon that you trust and feel comfortable with.  Keep your upbeat attitude!

dscoochie, darn why didn't I think to ask the surgeon for my half a thyroid...

[dscoochie]

I think its fantastic that they dont use drains or intibation tubes (that's two less things for you to worry about, a nasty tube hanging out of you for two days or so, and a sore throat from the tube!).

I'm very happy for you Shannon!  

After my hysterecomy I asked my OBGYN for my uterus so that I could run over it a few times and then set it on fire.  I'm thinking of asking my Thyroid Surgeon for my thyroid too!!

[shannon828]

My surgeon is the teaching surgeon at BIDMC for Harvard Medical School for this specific surgery.  He literally does 3-4 a DAY!  I'm not sure why no drain, perhaps since he does the incision lower and uses a cauterer?  At any rate...I can't believe I will be Thyroid-less in 10 days!!!

[ChitChatNine]

So glad only a week away .... that is easy on the mind!  1/2 the Battle is having trust in your surgeon .. he sounds like a winner!

C~

[MKlacza]

Thats great news!!! Does your surgeon have a different technique with draining? Mine surgeon did out the drain in but it wasnt bad at all. Let the countdown begin!!!

[dscoochie]

That's fantastice!!! No matter how sooner or later it was, you'd worry (and obsess!) about it, so it might as well be done sooner!

I'm so happy for you (and the fact that you love your surgeon is great!).

I'll let you know how my surgery goes a next week!

:)

[Thypatient]

That's great!  A sense of comfort from the surgeon, I think, is so important.  I liked mine right off the bat too.  Good thing because once I saw him it overrode every other dr relationship - he took charge.  I remember getting a sense of decompressing after meeting him.

I'm happy for you.  Hope the time goes by fast!!!

[KelDC]

WOW - that is fast, isn't it? Mine (well, the first one, anyway) was the same way.  The decision is made, and they want it out!

I'm so glad you like your surgeon - that's a HUGE part of all of this.  

I'll be happy to tell you all about mine next week!  =)

[stella5349]

So gald to hear your confidence level on your surgeon - that can be a hard thing.

Good Luck and keep us posted.