Has anyone woke up with a trach after TT?

[emmymatt]

My surgery is scheduled for July 3rd.  Surgeon says that it is very possible that I may wake up with a trach.  My goiter is extremly large and has also grown substernal.  The goiter is pushing my trach way of to the side of my neck, and has made my trachea "smooshy."  I guess my trachea is compressed at least 50%.  They are also talking about a sternal incision.  I would love to hear from someone else that has/had a substernal goiter, or problems with their trachea after surgery.

[emmymatt]

thank you for your comments

[nissah46]

I had TT with neck disection and got along fine.  The surgeon dug down to my breast bone removing lymph nodes and there were 5 large growths on my thyroid, the largest being 4.8cm.  Two parathyroids were removed which sometimes happens, and the remaining two have not resumed working.  I had a paralyzed vocal cord for 6 weeks after surgery.  The surgeons have to tell you of all the possibilities, but they likely won't be encountered.  Good luck.
Trish