Time off work recovery from Thyroidectomy

[Theresa44]

I will be having thyroidectomy surgery soon. I am wondering approximately how much time I will need to take from my job. I work in a group home with adults with developmental disabilities which require lifts etc. I also drive approx 30 miles to my job.

[Theresa44]

Thank you everyone. You have given me lots to think about. I guess I will take it one day at a time as I do not want to rush back to work after surgery and risk hurting myself. The group home I work in as I said requires lifts (I work alone). There are also individuals with behaviour issues. My Doctor is great, I am sure he will work with me.

[TDCRose]

I had TT on April 20 and was back at work April 25.  I would not recommend this for everyone-if I had to do it over again I would take at least 7 to 10 days.  I had and am still having calcium issues.  Time off depends on your physical health now and the demand of your job.  Sound like you will need at least a week to 10 days.

[ellesan]

Hi, I had a total thyroidectomy on May 26th, almost 4 weeks ago. Honestly, I felt terrible for the first 24 hours, but by the next evening I was feeling better enough to go home. The first week I was only given Cytomel, very tired VERY weak (ie. couldn't open a water bottle!) and had a rough time. By the end of the second week I was started back on Synthroid and started feeling better but not ready to go back to work, still had some weird weakness in my hands/forearms.

I work 12 hour shifts at a children's hospital doing critical care and need to be able to lift and also talk a lot. My right vocal cord was damaged sometime during the surgery and I still have a very weak/hoarse voice. I HAD to go back after 2.5 weeks, but I would have liked a full 3 weeks for sure. It really depends on your body and how you recover and your meds, etc. Some people might do great after a week, but I say give yourself  3 weeks if you are able to take that much time off. I started exercising lightly after 2.5 weeks and am feeling a lot stronger with a lot more energy now. There are still bad days, but overall I'm so much better than before surgery. :)

Sandra

[MyBestAlways]

Hi
I too am having a TT, my doctor said I would be home for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how well I felt, definitely a week.  No driving first week post-op. I will of course being seeing him and my endo post op so will get more specific instruction as to return time after the surgery.
I wish you all the best, please do keep us informed as you go along.

[seawha]

Hi Theresa,  
I work in a hospital so am around germs, heavy lifting, etc.  My doctor had me take 2 weeks off.  Also said no driving for 1st week post op.  I felt very ready to go back to work after 2 weeks and my incision was healed enough by then.  Of course, your doctor would give you that info so be sure to ask him/her.
Cindy

[nissah46]

You are usually in the hospital for a night or two, but I would think at least a week off work, maybe two.  You won't be able to do any lifting for a while.  
Trish