New here - Partial Thyroidectomy 4/3

[crocsrock]

Hi, I'm a former lurker posting the first time.  I am scheduled for a Partial Thyroidectomy April 3rd. I've had FNA and although there was a good sample, they cannot be certain I do not have a "well differentiated, encapsulated follicular carcinoma."  I am hoping that someone can talk about post-op expectations.  I do not yet have an Endocrinologist.  My surgeon told me  regardless of the outcome, I can expect to be on Synthroid, or some type of hormone replacement after, but that's all so far.  My surgery is currently scheduled as a Same Day procedure.  Any thoughts on what to expect post-op?  Pain? Difficulties sleeping?  Any tips on being home and more comfortable?  How long out of work?  I will be asking my Dr. all of these questions, but I'm really looking for patient to patient education.  Thanks in advance.  All the posts and personal stories you've all shared have been helpful and reassuring.
Pearl

[medhelpjunkie]

Hey Pearl,  I am at 12 days post op with a similar situation.  I had a 2cm Nodule with a Suspicious biopsy with follicular cells charactereristics.  Surgery went smooth, spent the night in Hospital by choice, insurance paid for
one night.  What hurts the most I think is the pain in the throat from the inibation tube and neck and shoulders from the position they put you in.  I was given Tylenol with codene exlixir (goes down easier)   Sleeping at night is rough, you will feel pain and you will get up to get pain meds.  Also  I felt really tired for about a good week ( i mean take a nap in the middle of the day tired which I never do). Each night gets better for the most part.  What saved me was having my sister here who took care of every thing including me so it gave me a really good chance to rest and that I did.  I would recommend having at home, soups and soft things to eat (even rice hurts).  They sometimes give you lozenges when you leave the Hosp. or recommend them, but my sister bought me the vicks 44 anticeptic throat spray, and that work so much better.  I am currently on 75mcg of synthroid and will get my levels checked next week. By the way my nodule was well encapsulated with Hurthle cells, so surgen is glad it came out but was benign., therefore I had only the lobectomy.  
Everyone is different, but I would give my self a week to recoup, get help if you can, anr read this forum  it sure help me to know what to expect.  Best of luck and please feel free to ask more questions if I forgot to answer something.

MHJ  

[ChitChatNIne]

Everyone is so different as I had very little pain in the throat from the tube but ended up with a migraine headache for 36hrs with bad vertigo ... otherwise I didn't need any pain meds except once in recovery .. I did fine with regular tylenol.  Sleeping the first 3 nights was rough bcz of not getting comfortable bcz of neck pain from muscles.

I am on 75mcgs of Synthroid .... my nodules both were benign but they found two other areas of encapsulated papillary cancer so I take the Synthroid to supress the other side but it turned out the other side isn't functioning right since the surgery anyway so would be on it regardless ..

I'm 12 weeks post op.

This surgery is not nearly as painful as shoulder or knee surgery in my opinion.

Cheryl

[crocsrock]

Thanks to both of you.  Your answers are very helpful.  I've added throat spray and soup to my shopping list.  I'll post again if I think of anymore questions.
Pearl

[medhelpjunkie]

I forgot to mention I lived on a heating pad for a week to reduce the sorness in the shoulder neck are.  I don't know if you have one, but if you do I would know where it is.  If you don't  maybe you can send someone out for one if you should need it...something to think about.  

[february]

I was told by my surgeon to make sure to move my neck around (side to side, touch chest with chin, etc.) after surgery to avoid headaches.  It worked for me. I had outpatient surgery and did very well.  I had no problem eating lunch at noon at home after having surgery at 8 a.m.  I had my complete thyroid removed.  I wish you as easy a recovery as I had.

[kkern]

I just had a left partial on 3/28.  My surgery was at 8:30AM and I was home by 8:00PM (and the hospital was an hour away). I was suppose to stay overnight but I was doing so well, they gave me the choice to go home.  I also had 2cm nodule.  My initial path report during surgery came back benign.  I was in alot of pain as I was waking from the procedure but once the meds kicked in, I was comfortable.... except for my neck and shoulders.  That is the only significant pain I had.  This lasted for about 3 days.  I too was tired for a few days and took naps in the afternoon.  I'm already up and about now.  Trying to take it easy but getting real bored.  I'm only taking one pain pill before I go to bed, mostly as a precaution should I rub my neck the wrong way.  I have to say, I feel pretty good.  My doctor told me that I may not be on meds but from reading the posts, I think that will change.  Also, I have lost almost 7 pounds since surgery.  I went back to eating normal after the second day so I can't blame lack of food.  I've been eating ice cream like crazy.  I also feel overheated and sometime jittery.  I wonder if I'm not becoming hyper?? However, my doc said if anything, I would become hypo??  Anyone have a similar experience.

Anyway, good luck and I wish the best for you.  I will be thinking about you and I hope you have positive results and heal quickly!!

[crocsrock]

Post-op Update:  I had my surgery Tuesday morning, Right Partial with lymph node removal.  Frozen section was negative, but surgeon advised that final pathology could still show follicular cancer.  I'm still in the hospital.  I had a good evening right after surgery, but yesterday I spent the day vomiting and "enjoying" the migraine from hell.  Last night I went through chills and sweats.  Ugh.  Today was much better.  No more nausea, I've been able to keep liquids and some soft foods down.  I've been up and moving a lot more, and the blasted headache is gone.  They tell me if I have a good night tonight they'll discharge me tomorrow.  I really appreciate all of your words of encouragement and posts filled with knowledge.  This message board helped prepare me and I look forward to learning more as I move ahead.  Bless you all, and thanks.
Pearl

[yuckythyroid]

does having a partial thyroidectomy remove the symptoms
of thyroiditis?  I'm having sore neck, pain in front of neck,
swallowing is sometimes difficult.  Tried synthroid for 1 month
and gained 10 lbs.  Dr. said didn't want me to continue.
I have to wait for about 4-6 mos before they can do surgery