Total Thyoidectomy for Substernal Goiter

[countrycarole]

My TT for substernal goiter is quickly approaching (next Tues, May 16th) and would appreciate any information from those who have gone through this surgery re length of surgery, pain, recuperation period, and any other general information to calm my "frazzled" nerves !!!

Thanks so much!

[maccie]

I have had 7 surgeries and this was the least painful and today is 2 days and 1 week and i am going to go to work part of the day today. I would encourage you to yes,feel your feelings about the surgery and try not to dwell on them. I honestly have to say I wasn't scared before hand. I definately wasn't HAPPY about the situation, but I wasn't scared. The nurse at the surgeons office told me that you have a better chance of getting harmed out on the road then in surgery. They will take good care of you. No, I didn't have a drain but in. Beforehand, they said I might if there was alot of bleeding, and that would have meant I stayed in the hospital, but I didn't. The anestisioloigst will come talk to you when they are prepping you for the surgery, before you go into the OR, so you can ask him about the anti-nausea medicine. I tell them that I get very nauseas and motion sickenss and they give me a big dose(which is true!). I have never thrown-up after surgergy. GOOD-lUCK with the upcoming week. Perhaps you could get a massage. That would feel so good and help you relax. The week before, I perpared by doing a big  food shopping so I would have food in the freezer and cleaned the house so it would be nice when I was home so much recuperating.

[Bananie22]

Ok...to answer a couple of questions.  I'm having my thyroid removed because I have Hashimoto's with a large nodule.  FNA came back "off"...high lymphocytes and other than that they couldn't really tell.  It's grown with each ultrasound, and as of right now my thyroid is huge.  I have no pain at all and it doesn't bother me (other than my neck looking like a linebacker's!).  I guess when you have Hashi's the incidence to develop Lymphoma is greatly increased so in a way this is a "peace of mind" surgery.  My endo has pushed for it though.  I'm almost wanting to back out of it...but I know I'll regret it.  It's an unhealthy "part" in my body that really isn't serving much of a purpose...and it's also making my TSH very unstable as it sputters back to life here and there and makes me go hyperthyroid at times...SOOOO that all being said, it feels like the right thing to do for me...even though I am starting to freak out about the surgery.

I hear what you both are saying about feeling like you may have had an unnecessary surgery, but really you have eliminated any "what ifs" from your life.  I'm so happy for you both that it was benign.  I have an online friend who didn't have that news and she went through a lot with her thyroid cancer...but she's doing great now.  I agree that they should have a more fool proof test other than surgery though.  

I'm curious about that drain Carole mentioned too...did you guys have that?  

Carole, it's so weird waiting for this surgery...the panic comes in waves...sometimes I'm fine...like "ok...this is going to be ok"...other times I'm like "WHAT AM I DOING???".  I almost feel a little crazy!  I haven't had surgery since I was 17 and I'm 42 now...so...it's been a while.  I can't imagine what you must feel never having had surgery.  I know how scared you are because I'm feeling just the same way...but I will say that hearing these two stories gave me a bit more strength and courage.  I might have to re-read them each day though!  =) I can't wait for the 16th and 17th to come so this will be in the rear view mirror and we can post with happy news.

[countrycarole]

Yes, I have already done my pre-op tests which included blood work, urinalysis, chest xray and ekg done. All kept back fine. My doctor told me that I should be in the hospital between 1-2 days and that my surgery should only take about 2 hrs. I sure hope he is right !!! I have a large substernal goiter but according to my surgeon it should still be removed the same way as if it wasn't substernal.

I was told to insist that Zofran be included in my IV to prevent nausea afterwards. My surgeon said that it is always put in the IV nowadays but I will mention it again on the operating table before I am put out.

To those who have already gone through the total thyroidectomy, were you given thyroid replacement meds before you left the hospital? Has anyone been able to get a prescription from their doctor before the surgery for the thyroid replacement meds and pain killer so that it isn't necessary to stop at the drug store after being released from the hospital? Also, did you have a drain tube after the surgery? According to my surgeon if one is needed, it will be removed before I leave the hospital.

Thanks everyone for all the great information! One more week for me to go before surgery - Starting to get "very nervous".

Carole

[Bananie22]

My doc told me 1-4 days in the hospital depending on the calcium too (and like you, I'm pushing for one day!).  I've talked to and read about so many people having this surgery and just about every single person said it's not as bad as we are thinking it is...but I know what you mean.  It's just the fact of being under anesthesia and all that...I have been "out" about four times in my life and the only side effect I have from it is nausea (which they took care of with meds).  I'm trying to be brave, I have moments of sheer panic though.  I have the pre op appt tomorrow...have you had yours yet?  If so, would you let me know what it consisted of?  I had the FNA done in February and then had to wait to see a surgeon and then had to wait till I came home from vacation...yes...the waiting stinks!  I wish I just did it in February!  Oh well...you're right...we will get through this!

[karmike]

Hi - My surgery only last 2 1/2 hours - that's what the surgeon told my family.  They told me that the average surgery for total thyroidectomy is 3 hours.

I had to have the surgery because of a dominant nodule that kept growing.  I was having ultra sounds every 3 months and only this dominant nodule grew a little bit every time, even though the biopsy always came up benign, they told me that after 3 biopsies in a year, the surgery couldn't be put off any longer.  I also had nodules on the other side too, so to avoid any future worries, they talked me into a total thryoidectomy.  I just got the pathology results back yesterday and everything came out benign!!!!!  The first thing I said to my Dr. was that I didn't need the surgery afer all, and he said, no, that's not true, that the nodules can change at any moment, and now I won't ever have to worry about it again!  Why are you having the surgery?

I have never been on Sythroid before until Sunday.  If you are already taking it, then you should feel much better than me!  They started me on the same dose as you, 150mcgs - so I'm glad to know that you have no problems on that yourself.

You will be fine!!!!!  I know how you feel because I was anxious too before, but once it happens, time goes by fast because you'll be so sleepy for the first couple of days!  I can't wait for you to be easing someone's mind too, you will!

[Bananie22]

You two are great to respond and help ease our minds.  Thank you.  You have no idea how much it helps to read your experiences (for me at least).  As far as you both having nausea, were you already on Synthroid before you had the surgery?  I am on 150mcgs right now and take it first thing in the morning and have no problems with it.  I'll have to pay attention to that after the surgery.  If I can ask...why did you each have to have your thyroid removed?  I'm also curious how long your surgeries lasted.  I read on here not long ago about someone's being five hours long...but they still had a great recovery.  I can't wait till I can help ease someone's mind too!  =)