Basic thyroidectomy info I never got

[huncher]

This is a site that I found about thyroidectomy.

My stay in the ICU after surgery was nothing like it says here.
No one told me any of these things...all they did was monitor my blood pressure, oxygen and heart.
Nobody got me up to walk, nobody checked anything but the vital stats!!

So this is just in case you are in the same boat as I am....just a little info goes a long way!!!
http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/healthinfo/library/pdf/Surgery/605378_Thyroidectomy_2007-12.pdf

take good care of yourself

[huncher]

I need to vent!!!!

As I read through the posts here, I am amazed at how little I know about this whole thing.

For instance, they gave me a rx for Synthroid 125, Amoxicillin, Tylenol #3....no one said anything to me about taking anything at a certain time....only because I have done research here to I know about taking the synthroid by itself. No one told me why I'm taking amoxicillin.

After the right side of thyroid was removed, I was told that I had papillary cancer (contained in the thyroid gland) and would need radiation. They then removed the left side (said lymph nodes looked good) and said I had to wait for the pathology from the left side. Does that mean I might not have to have radiation. And if I am to get radiation why did they start me on the synthroid.
My doctor is an ENT and not an endocronogist (sp?)...and I don't think that either the dr or pa understand that I am totally clueless!!!! When I go for the appointment I always think that my questions have been answered, then when I get home I get on here and realize that I have more questions!!!!

I think I am going to print this and take it with me.
Oh and by the way, when I went to the pre-op with my list of questions from the internet, the pa remark was this: "I hate the internet". I need to get them to understand just how much they are not telling me!!!!

OK I feel better now.
Hugs to all

[Thypatient]

Thank you for sharing this link.  It has good information.

(Honestly, it speaks of getting up to walk only after mentioning returning to your room.)  

Like kipland, the only walking I did was to the bathroom - which was across the room but seemed miles away.

I wasn't told about leg exercises but did have those puffy inflating/deflating bags around my calves.

Anyway, any info helps other.  So, thanks again.

Hope your healing well.

[Liz94]

Wow, wish I had read that before my surgery. Now I realize how poor my actual care was and I was in a very "upstanding" hospital.  Nobody did anything for me other than check my vitals every few hours. Nobody checked my blood levels either and not one single person ever tapped my cheek or expressed any interest in my calcium.  My lips actually started tingling at one point and when I mentioned it to the nurse she had no idea what I was talking about.  

[kipland]

I was able to get to it.  Good information!  They never really got me up to walk either, but I made several trips to the restroom because of the IV they had going.  ;-)

[redheadaussie]

The link doesn't work, have you got the full address. It looks incomplete.