Hi Metoo-
I had a total thyroidectomy August 13, 2010. I had several nodules and one was confirmed to be cancerous. I was hospitalized for 2 days because of my low calcium level. It's been over a year now and everything is great. I've regained my voice (i was hoarse for about 8 months after the surgery), and the scar is fading nicely. Recovery took a few days after surgery. The worse of it was the day or two after when it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. By the end of the week, I didn't need any more pain meds. My suggestion for you, is after the surgery, get up and walk as soon as possible. Walking promotes healing and prevents complications related to immobility. Take your pain meds as needed and get up, even if it's just out of bed and over to the chair. As a result of having to take synthoids (levothyroxine) since the surgery, taking calcium is a must! Synthoids have a side effect of diminishing calcium in the bones, so you will need to take calcium daily to prevent bone loss. I hope this helps. I wish you the best with the surgery and recovery. I know having my surgery was the best decision for me
This is Sunday morning. I had the right lobe of my thyroid removed Thursday morning (it was the size of a grapefruit and had several veins attached so I lost a lot of blood). I had heard the inscision for thyroid removal was really not painful, and they were right. I took the prescribed pain meds the day of the surgery, and one Friday morning. I probably did not need it Friday but wanted to be sure it felt ok while going home. Right now I am just taking tylenol occasionally. The back of my neck hurt from the position needed during surgery worse than the insision. I would describe the pain as being sore- like after excercising too much. I do not have much appetite, but am eating regular food. All in all I am feeling rather good today.
One of the things my Dr. had me do is ice the neck, a lot. I find it really helps. they gave me these ice bags at the hospital that tie on your neck. They have really helped with swelling.
It is not really realistic to blame the removal of the thyroid on things like heavy periods, etc because they may just be the result of getting older. I will just say again, this is a really common proceedure and your surgeons will now best. just follow your own journey and go with the flow as reading too many stories from others, especially the negative stories, can cloud your judgement. the best people to ask are your medical team cc
I am having a full thyroid removal on Tuesday [in 2 days] - I'm reading up on "effects of thyroid removal" and I'm reading some real horror stories - so i'm becoming very concerned.
I have a large 4.5cm x 2.5 cm nodule on my right lobe, and nothing on the left.
I decided to have the whole gland removed because my Doc feels my thyroid is only functioning at about 10%, and I would hate to have to 'go down this road' later in life. [ultrasounds, biopsies, and possible surgery]
I am leaving on a long vacation in 5 weeks and I'm wondering if my surgery should not be postponed until next year.
For what it's worth... the only symptom or discomfort I am having is slight pressure on my wind pipe.
I'm reading about moodswings, insomnia, hot flashes, cold flashes, pain, massive head aches.... I am hoping these are just more "rare" symptoms -- because I certainly do not want to be experiencing those on a cruise....
I have to admit -- I'm terrified to have this done.
hi , this is sumbul . and i m feeling very glad to share my feelings after my thyroidectomy . its very simple and the ultimate solution for enlarged gland , i had my surgery last month on 20th dec , i still remember tht day how scared i was but now no problem...........................
i m taking calcium tablet, and advised by doctors to do calcium test and report to doctor for further calcium intake
I had my surgery on December 4th... about 6.5 weeks ago.
My blood test that was taken about 8 hours after surgery, my calcium was a bit low, but I never had to take any calcium or Tums.
My blood test 4 weeks post surgery was normal.
I have had zero adverse effects of the total removal and very happy I chose to do so. It took me a good 10 days or so to get all my energy back, and I'd say the first 3 days were rough, but each day got a little easier.
Hi, I am heading for a semi-thyroidectomy in one week...please, was there any swelling? especially around the front of the neck?
I am pleased yours went smoothly.
Edie R. sounds like its been a roller coaster ride! I have gone through much the same experience. Its been almost three years now since I've had my complete thyroidectomy and I am still having to go through dosage changes. What I can tell you is it gets better. I understand the loneliness, the anxiety, the feeling of everyone being against you. I promise this is all the thyroid. As my mom says it, "Its kinda makes you go nuts." My poor mother, she had to deal with me after my thyroidectomy and the things I thought were going on, and how I felt she was constantly against me, wasn't so. Now that I am in my "right mind" I know this. Its a terrible feeling though, you feel completely out of control. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. What I can tell you is it gets better. Be patient. Don't let your doctor walk all over you. If you notice something is not right then have the Dr. check it out. If the Doc is not giving you the results you want find a new doctor. Try being referred to a doctor through a doctor you trust. In my own experience, doctors take better care of patients they know have a personal connection with another one of their doctor friends. I'm not saying anything bad, I'm just saying that's what I've noticed. My suggestion to you would be to stay on the dose you have for 4 weeks, by this time the thyroid levels are beginning to level out and you should start to see a difference. Also make sure you have someone who is watching out for you and will let you know if you might want to consider getting every thing checked out. Also anytime you gain or loose 10 lbs. your dosage will most likely change. Its a constant thing and you have to stay on top of it, but all in all its pretty easy to manage. Hope this helps. Sorry if its rambly, I'm in need of a check up on my dose and my memory is kind of hazy.
Hi, I had mine removed on March 11th 2013 mine was 8 times the size of a normal thyroid. I have swelling above the insision and my voice is very hoarse sounds like a man who smoked 5 packs a day. However I am told that it will get better, it is due to the vocal cords being pulled off of the gland. I also have to take some calcium supplements for 3 weeks because of some damage to some tiny glands near the thyroid that produce calicum, this too will return to normal. I was more afraid of it being cancer then the surgery itself and it wasn't so the rest is a piece of cake. Oh yeah your neck will be quite sore for about a week after but then again mine was so HUGE it was like a monster truck drove around in my neck. Don't be afraid of the surgery, you don't want cancer.
I had my thyroid removed totally 2weeks ago.I felt fine but tired and a bit sore after surgery.the day after I didn't feel that good and was discharged from hospital to home where I had plenty of rest and fluids for a week or so.I'm due back to work next week I'm fine apart from being tired quite alot....but recovering alot bettdr than I expected.
I also found at the 10day / 2 week mark, I still did not have my stamina back yet. I felt fine in all other aspects though. I'm at about 4.5 months now, and feel no after effects at all. just a very small scar. Even that weird tightness in the neck/throat is gone.