How long will i be off work after a total thyroidectomy?

Question

Im having a thyroide operation nxt sun 13th for a total thyroidectomy and was wondering if anyone knew how long id be off from work? i work in a hospital so would it be longer as there may be risk of infection? any suggestions?

This discussion is related to Recovery Time for Thyroidectomy.

GirlPower323 · Answer

I had a partial thyroidectomy on 05/31/12 . At first I swore I would be back to work in 2 weeks, but honestly I think I need more time. Im a nurse on a psych unit and need to be 100%. I see the surgeon next week and think I will be back in July/12.  Although I feel ok, my neck area hasn't healed completely, I use my torso to turn and feel pressure in neck area, so I know Im not 100% yet. Hope my answer helps!

danie17075rm · Answer

I would give yourself as much recovery as possible.  I had mine out 5 weeks ago, and within the last few weeks I am able to do things.  The first few weeks, you will not be able to, but after that it is individual. I also had problems swallowing (still do a bit, but it takes time).  The pain is better now.  You also will have to deal with medication.  I went really hypo (still am) and I am trying to get that on track.  This can make it HARD to perform daily tasks. Can you do your work at home?  I did not take any time off of college, but I go to school online.  This was even hard to complete though as it was hard to think.

I know others who felt better right after though so its individual.  I think a lot has to do with your surgeon and the reason your thyroid is being removed.  If its a huge goiter, it might take more work in surgery (causing more scar tissue and swelling).  Good Luck.

kmedward1 · Answer

I'm a freshmen and college and I'm supposed to have mine removed, but I've been avoiding it for 6 years. Well things have gotten to a point where its impossible to avoid it much longer. I can't miss a lot of school or my grades start going down. So should I wait til the Semester end and drop out for the semester to do it? Then return to school the next fall, or hope for the best?

loonette · Answer

I had a TT on 6/24/09 and returned back to work on 8/4/09 to be ready for the start of the school year.  Not with kids yet, so I had a full 2 weeks off.  I am so grateful the surgeon got me in when he did otherwise I would have delayed the whole thing until October.  Diagnosed papillary carcinoma T2 and have now gone through RAI 9/11/09, so I am off work again until 9/22/09.  I was told "rest your voice" among other things.  But that one I was really concerned about since I never shut up in the classroom.

MMM1961 · Answer

I had a total thyroidectomy 8/19/09 I was also advised it would only be about a week. This has not been the case. I still have not returned to work and think it may be another couple of weeks. I work as a customer service supervisor so I am on the phones constantly. My voice has not returned and it hurts when I try to talk a lot. But a lot now is no where near what a lot is for me or my family. My incision has healed the scar is trying to fade, I put cocoa butter on it and avoid the sun(this is my doctors advice)I usually put a scarf over it when I go out in the daytime. I was able to drive at day 12 but that was a 6 mile trip to walmart, I was not able to use my neck to look so I had to turn my upper body at times. My doctor also recommends range of motion exercises to help loosen up the neck muscles but that has been slow. I would recommend ICE PACKS to prevent swelling immediately after surgery and whenever you feel the incision area pulling at the end of the day. I wasn't told to do this but just common sense on swelling issues lead me to do this and it made a huge difference. I am still experiencing difficulty swollowing because of the lump of tissue in the middle where the thyroid use to be. I also can not lift my head up completely as it pulls on that same area and causes even more difficulty swollowing. I have seen my doctor at 2 wks post op and will see him again in 2 mos. sooner if I need to. I find that only time has shown a decrease in the surgery symptoms. But, as for how long it will take 1 week is not accurate and exaggeratered unless they are referring to being able to do small amounts of your daily activities but difinately not driving or steneous activities. I still only drive locally less than 10 miles and only to get acclamated again. They sent me home with synthoid .10mg but at my 2wks increased it to .15mg because my levels were low. They stated my calcium was normal after surgery but did not repeat at 2 wks. visit. I will have them do that and ask if my parathyroids were removed which would cause you to need calcium supplements. I was however taking supplemental calcium due to my hysterectomy 10 yrs ago that maybe why my calcium levels were good. 

Well, I hope this helps and good luck with your surgery and remember ICE PACKS.

homecarenurse · Answer

I had TT on 8/25.  I've been off since then.  I'm having a lot of post thyroidectomy symptoms.  I'm supposed to return to work on 9/14, but I have my doubts that I will be able to do this.  I hope you have better luck than I have had.

etrotter · Answer

hello rebecca
i had my partial thyroidectomy in 1996 and it truly depends on what other ailments that you may have at the time of the operation.. It takes me longer due to diabetes and other things that i have..Just be mindful that everyone heals at different rates and you just have to call it day by day...Please whatever you do--dont rush yourself--you will regret it..

I hope that you surgery goes well..God Bless You

and be safe

KelDC · Answer

My doctor told me I could go back in 2 weeks.  I ended up taking longer, as I had to have RAI treatment (and issues with the disability insurance).  Best of luck to you - I hope you bounce back quickly and well!

Totie · Answer

It will depend on you. I took 3 weeks but I had to stay longer in the hospital than most. I had two thyroid storms before surgery, so it took longer for my organs to get back to normal. 

Everyone will be different, some may take longer, others less. But your doctor will have to release you.

Good luck, you will know when you are ready..

cynlynne · Answer

I'm going in on the 14th for a TT and I was planning on taking 2 1/2 weeks off. I'm a 2nd grade school teacher so I'm around germs as well, but not to the extent you are.  How much time did your doctor tell you to take off?  Best of luck!