I'm having a hemithyroidectomy on March 13th following 2 FNAs, one was a 2 and the other a 3. After the op, is there anything I can do ...

[Discovery]

... to encourage the remaining part of my thyroid to function effectively? I have read that this only happens in 30% of people e.g. Do I change my diet, take any supplements etc.? I'm hoping my voice will not be affected by the op as singing is a large and enjoyable part of my life. Does anyone have experience of problems with speaking/singing after this op?

[Hidden]

Hi - can you elaborate what you mean by 2 and 3? (Risk)

I had a partialT op 3 years ago and was told 'the other half would compensate' which it has, but I struggle.

You could ask for tests for irons ferritin folate B12 and VitD for starters, also some people take other supplements like NutriThyroid. My voice was very weak for a few months, but got better and I can still sing, but truthfully, without much power although everyone is different.

Another thing to consider is cutting out gluten (with associated inflammation) from your diet - worth reading up on.

Best wishes, Jane

[Discovery in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply, spareribs. I had a FNA whilst having an ultrasound scan and that came back as a 2 on the 1 to 5 scale and I was told that was fine.The ultrasound consultant also said it didn't look like cancer as it was a single nodule with a well-defined perimeter. (Sounds as if I might know what this means but I don't really.) Later I saw the ENT consultant, he said everyone has to have at least 2 FNAs and did another one which came back as a 3 on the scale. He said I could have another FNA but

'if it comes back as a 2 you still have a 3 sitting on the table. Do you want me to take out half or all of the thyroid? I need to do it within 6 weeks.'

I opted for half and now I'm just waiting for the op. I'm seeing the endocrinologist(s) next week and will be able to talk things through with them as I have quite a lot of questions on my mind. I have to say that this site has been hugely helpful but has also raised more issues! Also, all the medical people I have met have also been brilliant.

[Hidden in reply to Discovery]

I think 3 was mentioned to me too (just classed as single 'dodgy' nodule - no details)

so my take was better out than in. The feeling in my throat eased and tremor etc went, so I'm glad it was done (took them 5-6 weeks after & me chasing to get the all clear). I attended ENT & they monitored for 2 years until I had a low TSH - discharged!

Good luck with the op, it wasn't as bad as I expected. Take some paracetamol with you to hospital (in case like me they can't get hold of a doc for hours) and something easy to eat & drink (they eventually offered me toast!) I wish I'd frozen down some homemade soup beforehand & I found bio-oil good for the scar. Take care Jane x

[Discovery in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, Jane. It's so good to have this kind of advice from someone who knows. My only grumble about the treatment I have received so far is that I have had to wait weeks for results at every stage along the way. I think I need to do a bit more 'chasing' once the op is over.

[ThyroidHell]

I had my right thyroid removed 30 years ago and lived normal life without any medication. Bit different now since the left was removed 24/6/13. I am now of course on medication. After the op my voice was all over the place. Sneezing and yawning made everyone laugh in my household as it sounded like I was having a major seizure of something! It was also very weak , I couldn't call 'dinner is ready' at the bottom of the stairs anymore etc. Its much better now but took good few months. All the best :o)

[Discovery]

Thanks ThyroidHell. I cope better with things when I know before what the possibilities are, so hearing about your experience is helpful.

[Clutter]

Discovery,

I had hemi in Dec 2011 to ease compression on windpipe. FNA was 3 and histology positive for Stage II Hurthle cell carcinoma. Right lobe was supposed to pick up the slack but it didn't feel as if it did. I haven't delved in TFTs to check TSH etc.

Completion was Mar 2012. Camera was put down throat to show vocal chords and there was no damage during either surgical procedure.

I'm not aware of any weakness in voice subsequently but the extreme hoarseness I had disappeared immediately after the initial hemi.

I needed minimal pain relief post surgery and was able to eat and drink normally without discomfort. Cold drinks were very soothing.

I hope all goes well for you.

[Discovery in reply to Clutter]

Thanks, Clutter. The ENT consultant who will be doing the op has had a good look at my vocal cords and seemed happy with them. Let's hope they come through unscathed. Perhaps I'm worrying about the wrong things and should just be grateful they can do so much about the hyperthyroidism these days. The initial symptoms were pretty dramatic and the carbimazole has been marvellous for me.

[Clutter]

Of course you're not worrying about the wrong things. Is your hyperthyroidism due to Graves? If so, you'll still have antibodies and are likely to have bouts of hyperactivity even with one lobe. If it is the nodule has thrown you hyper you'll be allright

[Discovery in reply to Clutter]

As far as I know, it's just the nodule. No one has ever suggested any other reason to me.

[Clutter in reply to Discovery]

It's worth asking for antibodies to be tested at your pre-op assessment, Thyroid Peroxidase (TPoAb) for Hashimoto's, TrAb for Graves and Thyroglobulin TgAb, not sure what this is for in general, but in my case is a cancer marker post surgery.

[Discovery in reply to Clutter]

Thanks, Clutter. I'll ask more questions around this when I go. The hospital has just rung to change my pre-op date - let's hope everything else goes ahead as planned.

[Cookielass]

Hi

I had mine in May last year, was hoarse for few weeks couldn't shout but my voice has returned to normal. Although I could never sing before and I still can't !! Haha!

Operation recovery is uncomfortable but not very painful. Lots of rest and liquids - good luck

[Discovery in reply to Cookielass]

Thanks for this, Cookielass. At least I'm prepared now for a range of after-op outcomes. Let's hope mine is like yours.

[ThyroidThora]

Hi Discovery,

I had the right lobe of my thyroid removed due to cancer last year on the 28th February and I too was told by my surgeon that the left side of my thyroid would compensate and make the extra thyroid hormones, it has not! I am now being treated for hypothyroidism but my voice isn't good. I am a teacher and need my voice to work and have found it very hard to cope. Do not sing for a couple of months afterwards as you could damage your vocal chords and rest your voice as much as possible. You might be lucky and not have a problem with your voice but it depends on where the cancer is growing. Mine was pressing on my larynx and this caused my problems. I still lose my voice now and I find it happens when I've done too much talking, feeling unwell and trying to hit the high notes whilst singing. If you have major problems your specialist can refer you for speech therapy.

Good luck.

[Discovery in reply to ThyroidThora]

Thanks for being so honest about things. It sounds as if you have been through difficult times. I'll take all your advice. I'm semi-retired so I can be careful afterwards. Hope you go on improving.

[ThyroidThora in reply to Discovery]

You're welcome. It's all a bit of minefield but I was told that my FNA was a 5 and then downgraded to a 4 because the hospital that did the test rarely did it and they weren't confident of its accuracy. That said they told me that a 5 was 100% chance of cancer and 4 80% chance, so hopefully you being a 3 might mean you are borderline. Try not to worry about and if you need someone to message about your worries or concerns then please inbox me.

Good luck.

[Discovery in reply to ThyroidThora]

Thanks so much. I have a wonderful husband of 44 years and many good friends but it's so helpful to be able to hear about your experience and to know that I can contact you. I really appreciate your offer.

[ThyroidThora in reply to Discovery]

You're welcome, only too happy to help.