Left Hemithyroidectomy done

[sakura20]

Hello everyone! Just want to give an update about my thyroid problem. I didn't want to wait too long to have my surgery at the government hospital. I decided to go to a private hospital after ensuring that my surgery will be covered by our company insurance.

Everything was fast tracked. I went to see the Endo who was referred to me by my officemate last Oct. 25. The Endo did another ultrasound. My nodule was already 4.8 cm, it was 4cm last Aug. Since my FNA result showed follicular lesions, he said it's better to remove because that's the only way to find out if it's benign or malignant. FNA can not differentiate follicular adenoma and follicular carcinoma. He did all the pre-surgery tests ( blood test, X-Ray, ECG) then he sent me to the surgeon. I met the surgeon last Oct. 29 and we finalized my surgery schedule.

I had my Hemithyroidectomy last week (Nov. 18) and stayed the hospital for 2 nights. Surgery went well. I didn't feel any pain after. I was given pain meds and antibiotics 2 hrs after my surgery.

I went back to my Surgeon this morning for post op follow up. He was so happy when he told me that it's follicular adenoma. Thank God. I was so relieved and thankful.

I know this is just the beginning of my journey with half Thyroid. I'll take it one day at a time.

Thanks for the support and God bless!

[Churchie]

Hi there.

I had mine done on the 19th. Still quite tired but not much pain. You certainly got the result back quick. I have to wait for 2-3 weeks but not bothered about waiting. Have you noticed a difference yet re thyroid function. Cant say I have really as still taking same medication as before which surprises me actually.

[sakura20 in reply to Churchie]

Hi Churchie! Good to know that your surgery went well. Yes, my surgeon told me that my result will be out in 4-5 days, that was really fast. It took a month for me to get my FNA result at the other hospital.

I have not noticed any difference yet. I met my endo this morning. He said my right thyroid is so tiny , so he prescribed 25mcg of Levothyroxine. I'll start taking it tomorrow. He also prescribed Vit D and Calcium. Hope everything goes well.

I have trouble sleeping after my surgery. Not sure if this is an effect of surgery or effect of losing half of my thyroid.

Good luck Churchie. Let's hope for the best.

[Clutter in reply to Churchie]

Churchie, glad you're feeling ok. I think the fatigue is often due to the general anaesthetic and you'll feel better when it's completely out of your system.

[Clutter]

Thanks for posting, Sakura. I'm glad histology was benign, that must be a relief. I found it so much easier to breath and swallow without a flipping big lump compressing my windpipe.

[sakura20 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter. Finally , I'm so relieved. Oh yeah it's so much easier to breath and swallow now. I hope I will not have any problem adjusting with half thyroid.

[Clutter in reply to sakura20]

Sakura, The remaining half thyroid gland is supposed to pick up the slack and produce required hormone. I wasn't on thyroid replacement and don't know when thyroid bloods are done post-hemi as I had to have completion thyroidectomy 3 months later. I don't recall having TFT after the hemi until the pre-op assessment for completion.

[sakura20 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter! My endo said my right thyroid gland is so tiny, thyroid volume is 4cc, normal is 10-15 cc. He prescribed 25 mcg Levothyroxine to help the remaining thyroid gland produce the required hormone. Post hemi thyroid blood test has not been done. He asked me to come back after 3 months for thyroid blood test.

[Clutter in reply to sakura20]

Sakura, Ooh, teeny tiny right lobe and teeny tiny dose of Levothyroxine. If you start to feel hypo don't wait 3 months. Get your GP to do a blood test sooner and increase your dose if necessary.

[sakura20 in reply to Clutter]

Ohh okay, I will. Thanks Clutter.