Thyroidectomy

[Michelle_P]

Now that I know that at least a partial thyroidectomy is in my future...I'm really nervous.

What can I expect from surgery and recovery?  I would love to hear how other's have done before, during and after surgery.

Thank you :)

Healing Energy to All,
Michelle

[Michelle_P]

Crazy question....

I'm having surgery on March 26th, should I feel normal enough by Easter (April12th) to cook dinner?
I'm just trying to think/plan ahead.

Thanks!

Michelle

[Michelle_P]

Thanks you guys!! You have given me LOTS of helpful information. I have already written myself a note to tell the doctor about nausea. I vomited after my c-section, so before my hysterectomy I told the doc- she had the nurse put a patch behind my ear. No nausea! Hopefully, I will be that lucky this time.

Don't laugh- I'm worried about bending my head back in the shower to wash my hair. I know....I've been thinking of the dumbest things. My daughter said I will be like a Pez dispenser, I'll be able to shoot things out of my neck...LOL.

I know I will be fine....but I'm still nervous. You two did it, and I can too!

I really appreciate all of the help you have given and thank you for sharing your experiences with me:).

Hugs and Healing to you both,
Michelle

[redheadaussie]

I had my left side done then the right around 5 months later.. so I got to do two lots of worrying..first coz I didn't know what to expect and second time coz  I DID know what to expect...hee hee.
  It really is not as big a deal as it can seem. I have had many operations on other bits of my body and I tell you having the thyroid out was really one the most easy to deal with.
   As the post above says drinking warm liquids like broth or a hot cup of tea really soothes the throat. This is because they intubate you and it can be a little uncomfortable and dry feeling for a few days inside you esophagus. You will find your neck will be a bit tight feeling for a few weeks...don't stretch immediately..give it a few days, but do at least  a few little turns of your head as if to look at your shoulder. Not too much of course! But you must get the muscles back into shape..but don't rush this...it does take time and you will feel yourself when you are ready to do more stretches.
   Personally, I had a bit of a rotten time in hospital as I have a terrible reaction to the anesthetic and the vomiting afterwards is pretty rough...I was terrified of 'popping' open my neck! But of course it doesn't happen. I was looked after very well in Intensive care for several days. But be warned, if you have never had an operation there is a chance you will have vomiting..it is not unusual but not common. If you feel the slightest bit nauseous DO ask for something...as it really is uncomfortable upchucking and worrying about your neck!
  I had severe Hashimoto's and a very enlarged lobe which was unbearable to breathe or swallow....as soon as I was able to stop vomiting I realy noticed the ease in my breathing...that was brilliant! The pathology wait was more nerve wracking than the surgery! The follicular cancer they thought I might have had, did not eventuate but was heading to cancer..so was grateful it came out..only to do the other side 5 months later to a Hurthles Cell pre-cancer...sigh.....
  Don't do any lifting for a few weeks....get tons of rest... you will probably feel pretty sleepy anyways...that's due to the anesthetic wearing off over a period of weeks.
Hopefully you will not need any medication as the side which remains often does a god job of taking over the slack.
  You can use almond oil, Vit E, or any natural product on your scar after a few weeks when it has started to heal naturally. Don't put anything on any sooner, there is a risk of infection. Pat dry, never rub after a shower...(no baths or swimming early on!)
  Make sure you always wear sunscreen on it, even in the winter (provided you aren't rugged up like an eskimo of course!) The fresh new skin will be very sensitive to sunlight.
  There you go...forearmed is forewarned!
Hopefully it will all go well for you and you will look back and say, Hey, too easy!
Cheers!

[Lynn63]

I had the left lobe of my thyroid removed a week before Thanksgiving.  The surgery really wasn't bad at all for me.  I was very hoarse for several weeks but that doesn't happen to everyone.

I remember drinking broth at the hospital was helpful soothing my throat.  My scar is healing nicely......still applying vitamin e oil when I think about it.

I just had my second followup appointment for labs and as it turned out the right lobe is not keeping up with the tsh.  I started Synthroid (actually the generic for it) just over a week ago as I am hypothyroid.  I will have labs drawn again in 2 more weeks to see if meds need to be adjusted.

Don't be nervous.......the surgery was really not bad at all.....just a little soreness and the annoyance of losing your voice (or hoarseness).

good luck!
Lynn:)