Thyroidectomy

[bluemerlin]

I’m due to have surgery in a couple of weeks any advice regarding recovery would be much appreciated Thx

[Marz]

Am sure members will pop along with helpful advice ...

I see you posted two years ago but didn't have your results to share at that time. Do you have them now ? Hope you have more Replies this time !

[bluemerlin in reply to Marz]

Hi Marz bloods within normal limits except serum tsh0.07 Free t4 was 14.9 Dexa scan all good

[Marz in reply to bluemerlin]

May I ask why you are having a thyroidectomy ? I have not had one but read of others here with mixed results ...

[bluemerlin in reply to Marz]

Well it’s a multi modular goitre that’s has been growing since I had my first daughter it is starting to become restrictive I have held off for 25 years but feel I probs need to have it done now as still fit enough to do so I’m 62 and don’t want to be in a position that I need surgery in my 70s as don’t know what my health will be like then I’ve never been concerned about how it looks It has not been an easy decision to have surgery as am fit and well 🤔

[Marz in reply to bluemerlin]

Really wish you well . My daughter had her thyroid removed and it's impossible to see her scar. Keep an eye on your levels and stay in touch here for information and updates. 🌻

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Recommend getting FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing ASAP BEFORE the operation

Make sure vitamin levels are optimal by supplementing before operation may help speed recovery on levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after you start on levothyroxine

When on levothyroxine......Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus vitamins including folate (private blood draw required)

medichecks.com/products/thy...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

[bluemerlin in reply to SlowDragon]

Thankyou

[Goldengirl01]

Are you have partial removal or total thyroidectomy? I had total , operation went well, glued site afterwards, I must say it was a very small opening and scar, I went home next morning feeling a bit tired and I was given calcium tablets in hospital and some to take home. It all depends on the surgeon but I was lucky my scar is about 1 and half inches long and he did it along a line of skin so it wouldn’t show much and doesn’t. I’m sure you will be fine, all the best. I was put on Levo 100mcg straight away afterwards along with calcium.

[bluemerlin in reply to Goldengirl01]

Hi Having full Consultant said I would be on Calcium short term hopefully to let parathyroids recover Thankyou for reassurance 😊

[Hidden]

Do NOT worry about any scar you are left with, let the surgeon get on with it, he'll have more than enough to get on with. I am proud of my scars - all THREE of them!

It's possible you feel wonderful for a couple of weeks but that is unlikely to continue after a TT. After a partial you may need to give the reminder of thyroid a boost to get it working again. Try Orovite concentrated B & C vitamin tablets.

AVOID RAI, radioactive iodine treatment at all costs. I strongly believe this caused my kidney cancer and 10 years after nephrectomy I am now suffering problems there. I need another operation which is delayed by Covid emergency.

[Goldengirl01 in reply to Hidden]

I must have been lucky then because the surgeon sat down with me and discussed exactly what would happen and that the scar would hardly show as it will be along neckline and very small. After the TT the only reason I felt “odd” after a while is that you have to juggle the levo dose after starting off at 100mcg. Of course we let the surgeon get on with his job, but when he goes through everything with you about the scar it’s reassuring which is their job to do that. My surgeon apparently is held in high regard and I can see why but I can’t remember any names as is usual on the day. We are all different so BlueMerlin May feel great afterwards.

P.S. I never mentioned to endo I was worried about size of scar, it was surgeon who took the time to explain, as I say I felt fine until later down the line trying to get dose right until I got t3, but even that has its problems.

[Aqua555]

Hi, just had a partial thyroidectomy two days ago. A recommendation I have is to give your body and yourself time to heal, and recover. Personally, pain medication that was prescribed to me did not help me because it was more of a soreness, this might be different in your case. Stressing about any scar or mark after surgery should be the least of your worries, you are strong and a small scar will only make you stronger and healthier. Another thing I want to add is to invest in some type of pillow that elevates you while you sleep, in the hospital you are given an electrical bed that moves according to where you want it to be, but once you are brought back home you don’t have that luxury. So yes that is all if you have any questions feel free to reply or private message me if that is possible. Wishing you a safe surgery and speedy recovery !