Update on my thyroidectomy for a large goitre

[Greenlight]

Just wanted to let people know that I underwent a TT for a large multinodular goitre a few days ago. The advice I was given on this forum prior to having the op done was excellent and led me to seek a second opinion on having the operation. The private endo summerized my options really well and when I understood that the largest nodule was 4cm long not likely to stop growing, it decided me.

Feel ok at the moment, can breath much better and swallowing has changed but not quite there yet. Started on 100mcg of Levo. Very mindful of all of the advice here to take it easy, keep an eye on my symptoms, and get copies of all tests. Let's see what the next few months bring.

[Argie1]

Hi Greenlight, i had a total thyroidectomy 10 days ago for Graves Disease. How are you feeling energy wise? I went to the garden centre for my first outing Saturday and felt terrible and had to come home. I feel like someone has pulled a plug out of me! Glad your breathing is better and yes, will see what happens next!

[Greenlight in reply to Argie1]

Hi Argie - feel tired but ok with pottering around the house. Not up for anything more challenging than that yet. A garden centre visit would be a stretch! Trying to keep mobile though and making some bread to get some movement into my shoulders and neck. Hope your recovery gets stronger. I've had no experience of being on the meds so that feels like to next hurdle to manage.

[Argie1 in reply to Greenlight]

Yes, I think I’m being a bit impatient with recovery. I’ve also got no experience of being hypo, at least we are lucky enough to have found this forum to help us! Wishing you well.

[Hidden]

Although I had a FNA in the UK before I moved to France they never found any cancer. However, after I had my TT papillary cancer was found luckily only 1/5th of a 4cm nodule.

It was only a matter of a year between FNA and my operation so when I thought I was in the clear I wasn't and I was relieved to have had it removed.

[Greenlight in reply to Hidden]

Yes that is a nagging worry of mine.

[Hidden]

Please try not to worry it's nothing to worry about take care

[Greenlight in reply to Hidden]

I will try - thank you!

[Leener71]

I am now 4 1/2 months post op after total thyroidectomy. On the whole I feel fine but still think I need to up the Levo a bit more as I still feel tired and cold, but not like at the beginning. I started on 75 mg and am now on alternate days of 100mg, and 75mg, working out at 90 mg. a day average. I think I need 100mg a day but will wait until my next blood check in 4 weeks.

I think the most annoying thing is that you need to wait so long after a change of dose to see if it`s right for you. It takes about 4 weeks before the Levo is really in your system. So thats where the patience comes in.

I expected it would be a time of experimenting and would take a bit of time nd patience so it doesn`t worry me. My biggest worry after the op was that I lost my voice for quite a while. Its almost normal now but still rather husky and I can`t for the life of me sing or shout. I hardly had any pain and the wound has healed very well.

I would do it all again to be rid of that big ugly goitre in my neck, pressing on my windpipe.

[Greenlight in reply to Leener71]

Thank you Leener - it's so useful to hear from others who are a bit futher down the track.

You're right, time and patience are what's needed now. I'm not very good at those skills but I suspect I have no other option! Goitre wise - it took me a while to decide it had to go but based on the change in breathing already, it is an improvement.