I need a hemithyroidectomy. I'm euthyroid but have a large nodule that needs removing. What experiences or guidance would you give me? :)

[gerard33]

Hemithyroidectomy euthyroid thyroid nodule

[Julesboz]

Funnily enough I’m having a hemithyroidectomy today due to a single large nodule and I’m euthyroid according to the docs (although I’ve always suspected my thyroid is struggling). The advice I was given on this forum is make sure you have a full thyroid panel blood test before so you have a baseline to check against afterwards, so TSH, T4, T3 and thyroid antibodies. I went to my GP and asked. Good luck with yours!

[gerard33 in reply to Julesboz]

Thank you Julesboz - that is sound advice. I will get an updated test from Medichecks.

Good luck today - my thoughts are with you. Please let me know how you get on.

[Julesboz in reply to gerard33]

Will do and thanks!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to gerard33]

Make sure to get vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested too before operation. Medichecks do a thyroid and vitamin bundle

Then retest thyroid and vitamins perhaps 8-10 weeks after operation

[gerard33 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon - a wise suggestion. I wonder how much the NHS think they save by only having the TSH / T4 test, rather than the most thorough, revealing and more helpful full test range.

[Julesboz in reply to gerard33]

Hi gerard33, just wanted to let you know I’m home after having my op. If it hadn’t been for my horrible reaction to anaesthetic (which I always get), I would say the op is surprisingly easy. Hardly any pain, I’ve just had paracetamol, and my neck isn’t nearly as stiff as I expected it to be. My voice is very weak at the mo, but I believe that’s to be expected. My biggest issue was the anaesthetic, it absolutely knocks me for 6, I get terrible sickness, dizziness and feel horribly weak, wobbly and pathetic! So if you’re ok with anaesthetic, then I’d say you should be fine. I’m just going to take it easy for a few days now. Have you got a date for yours yet?

[gerard33 in reply to Julesboz]

Hello Julesboz - I bet you are pleased to be back home.

I hope you anaestheic reaction subsides quickly and you can recover in more comfort.

No I don't have a date yet; my ENT chap has arranged a blood test and new CT scan first. I believe he wants to establish whether I have the normal "neck op" … or if the large nodule (6cm) has caused the thyroid to grow significantly downwards; in which case I will need to be sent to London for the op, where they will have to cut the sternum to access the thyroid! Fingers crossed that it is the former.

Thank you so much for letting me know how your op went. It helps me prepare for my op by understanding what others experience. Keep me posted

[Julesboz in reply to gerard33]

Oh crikey, I’ll cross my fingers that you do have the neck not the sternum op! 6cm is quite a big lump, mine was just under 4cm. Good luck with yours when you have it!

[gerard33]

Wise advice JaneyJaney. Limiting the loss is something very my in my mind/

One of the issues my ENT guy is a CT scan to establish how far the thyroid has extended downwards. If not far, it is a simpler op through the throat. If it has extended well into the chest, it will need to be operated by opening up the sternum (no thanks!).

[gerard33]

Hello JaneyJaney - how are you getting on?

Has the operation worked for you? It might take time for everything to settle, and if appropriate for you to find the right dosage of any medication.

My op has been deferred, with no resceheduled date yet - due to CV-19.

[gerard33]

Sorry to hear that Janey. It can take a while to find a balanced lifestyle and medication after that op.

To be honest, my state is euthyroid (neither hypo nor hyper - which is good). It is just that the thyroid nodule was getting bigger. If it continues to grow it will impinge on the organs, nerves and vessels nearby and that might then effect me. Having said that, I am not aware that it has grown during COVID - so there is a part of me thinking don't have it done (yet). I am not chasing the hospital at this point. My risk is it becomes retrosternal and that means a more complex operation. Who knows?