hemithyroidectomy

[Mands74]

Hi my biopsy came back inconclusive so I am having the right side and middle part of my thyroid removed within the next few months . Can anyone tell me if you have a neck drain in after the op or not . Also what is the recovery time .

[Tamzin27]

Hi Mands74. I had a hemithyroidectomy in 2009 and a second one 5 months ago. I have written my experience in detail on my profile page. Please have a look. May be helpful. Good luck!

[Mands74 in reply to Tamzin27]

Thank you

[Abby2003]

Good morning Mands. Although now nearly 40 years ago, I had both sides of my thyroid removed and, yes, I had a drain each side just for a couple of days. Of course methods may have changed after all this time, but I didn't find it a issue or a problem, I just think I was so relived the operation was done. I was out of hospital after 3 days, and I don't remember having any real convalescing time despite having 3 small children. Good luck, I'm sure you will be fine 😊x

[Mands74 in reply to Abby2003]

Thank you . Abby .I just want it out and sorted before the family Disneyworld Florida holiday in oct . Dr said it will be done and I can travel . My daughter is 9 and been counting down for this holiday for well over a year .

[Abby2003 in reply to Mands74]

October will come around very quickly, although perhaps not quickly enough for your daughter! Reading the other posts that replied to yours it seems that their recovery time, like mine, was swift and trouble free.

Focus on the holiday and have a lovely time. xx

[Mands74 in reply to Abby2003]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi I had my whole thyroid removed in Oct 2015. Here in France they tend to remove it all first time around. I was fine after a few weeks and my scar healed quickly. I was 68 years old. I think it depends on the person but you sound young so it should be OK.

I hope that it goes wells for you. enjoy your holiday.

[Clutter]

Mands74,

I had a drain overnight after hemilobectomy and after completion thyroidectomy. Draining the fluid reduces swelling. Drains were removed before I was discharged. My recovery from surgeries was good and quite quick. You may not be able to drive for a couple of weeks depending on how easily you can turn your head and neck.

[Mands74 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you .

[Hidden]

A drain is the accepted way of doing things. What differs is the type of stitching. In 1989 I had a single sliver of metal/plastic inserted along the incision. In 2005 I had individual stitches.

I was allowed home very quickly on 2nd occasion before the stitches were removed. Taken out by district nurse a few days later.

I did get some rather funny looks from people when I went shopping as Asda with stitches in place!

[Mands74 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[blondpalomino]

Hi,

I had all of my thyroid removed 15 years ago,I had a drain both sides.I was in hospital for 5 days, but at that time they got you in a day before to do all the checks which they now do before you go in.

The drain was taken out on the last day,a bit painful!

I had staples which were taken out a week later.

I had a problem lifting my head up to start with,as my neck was so tight!

It all healed well and you can't really see the scar, maybe in the summer a little if i've been out in the sun.

[Mands74 in reply to blondpalomino]

Thanks

[clare10]

I had a total thyroidectomy just over a year ago, no drains was used recovery from the op was quick and very little pain.

[Mands74 in reply to clare10]

Thanks

[Springy1]

Hi Mands74,

I had the right half of my thyroid removed in December - I was told that I may or may not wake up with a drain.

I did but it really wasn't bad at all and was removed the next day before I was discharged.

My recovery was really smooth and much easier than I had anticipated.

I wish you well with your surgery and your holiday!

Take care,

Springy1

[Mands74 in reply to Springy1]

Thank you . How long did your recovery take . Work are wanting to know how long I will be off . I have been given a date now if 29 April

[Springy1]

I was off for two weeks because my op fell during school holidays and I don't work those. I was still tired when I went back and did a few shorter days during the first couple of weeks but it felt as though that was more the effects of the anaesthetic.

I only took pain killers for three days - it honestly wasn't anywhere near as bad as I had thought it might be.

I hope you have the same experience as I did and I'm glad you have your date now and that you don't have too wait too long.

Please feel free to ask me any questions at all x

[Mands74 in reply to Springy1]

Thansk springy1 . Happy it's sooner rather than later as we have Disney booked in oct and I know long hall flights are not allowed for 2 months post op . I am tired all the time now feel sick but tsh has come back normal so hopping it will go away once I have the op