A little aprehensive about thryoid surgery.

[Lis163]

It looks as though I will be having surgery instead of RAI. However, I will know for sure next Friday after my nuclear scan due to some slight swelling on one side. I think that my endo would prefer RAI but I have stated that I would prefer surgery. I have to admit, that I worried about surgery too, but a little less than RAI.

I would like to know about any serious side effects. Particularly bleeding onto the post op site. Nicking of the windpipe, bilateral damage. I have also hear that some people lose their voice. Does anybody know just how dangerous this is and does it happen very often?
I also have to ask, are drains put there for this very reason?

Any feedback would help. Thanks.

[Nat_16]

Hi Lis.
Nah, Im in australia - nsw in fact!!

Totally recovered and carrying things and doing general chores in probably 7 to 10 days, but didnt drive a car for 2 weeks.  I'd say you have a choice in what treatment you want, its your body afterall!!  Just talk to your endo and tell him/her you'd rather the surgery and hopefully your endo should oblige and go with your wishes - you are the customer, you should get the treatment method you feel comfortable with most.

The strips were the strips they generally put over stitches - the little white ones (cant remember what they are called) and they were just placed over the scar on my neck.  The scar is in one of the natural fold lines towards the base of my neck - 7 months later its basically invisible!  

[jetlee]

hi lis,
i am having graves disease..which part of australia do u live..hopefully i would be able to c your endo too ...what i heard u got to get a good and experience endo..i live in victoria

[Lis163]

Hi there,

Thank you for your feedback.
How long did it take for you to feel completely recovered? For instance, carrying things, doing house work, driving kids to school, cooking, general running of the home.
My endo seems quite swayed towards the RAI, although he did say that he would decide after the nuclear scan this Friday.
I live in Australia, I guess that you are in the States>> I don't know whether we get a say in the type of treatment or not. But at my last appointment I told my Endo that I would prefer surgery to ingesting a radio active drink anyday if they have to kill of my thyroid.  
Do you happen to know if patients are allowed to tell their endo's what type of treatment they want?
What were the strips, and where did they place them if you don't mind me asking??


And thank you once again!!

[Nat_16]

As for risks with thyroid surgery, generally the chance of any serious complication is LESS THAN 2%.  (got that figure from http://www.thyroid.org/patients/faqs/surgery.html?)  I was shown this site before my thyroid surgery.  Found it quite a good source of info.

I had my surgery in january 2010 and had about 3/4 of my thyroid removed.  Am pleased to say, all went well with no complications at all.  Felt pretty good after, no bleeding once I had the strips holding the wound closed, voice was a little husky for maybe 2 days...couldnt yell or sing alot for a bit after but all is good with it now, I sing and yell to my hearts content!!!  I dont even recall having a drain once I woke up, even in recovery all I remember having is the strips on the wound and an icepack.  

Good luck!!!! :)