Does anybody on here feel well after surgery?

[Nannyhoon]

Just before Christmas, a large lump appeared on my thyroid. I am euthyroid, but the ultrasound showed a large (5cm) complex cyst on one side and two nodules (2cm and 1.5cm) on the other. Three months on and with another 9 months before my appointment with an endocrinologist, my cyst has grown by more than 2cm and is now causing typical compression symptoms. Although my doctor will try to have my appointment brought forward, such rapid growth means I am certain to be offered surgery rather than any other treatment.

And I am now terrified. All the posts here state how awful you feel after surgery and/or how difficult it is to adapt to replacement hormones. I have spent the last few years getting fit and losing weight and feel the best I have in years. To lose that would be devastating.

Has anybody actually done well after surgery?

[Jazzw]

Yes they do. It can take a little while to find the right dosage but you’re now going to be so much better informed than most people are at the stage you’re at. You’ll know to ask if you can try a slightly higher dosage if there’s wriggle room in your blood test results. You’ll know to keep an eye on your B12/folate/ferritin/Vit D levels.

Remember, many people find their way here long after they first develop symptoms or have surgery because they aren’t feeling well, can’t get diagnosed or haven’t been prescribed enough thyroid hormone replacement etc.

But all the people who get on perfectly well with their thyroid hormone replacement never come and post here. They don’t need to—they get on with their lives! x

[Nannyhoon in reply to Jazzw]

Thank you - that is very reassuring. It has been difficult not to panic, especially after a night where I have had to sleep sitting up.

[Jazzw in reply to Nannyhoon]

I can only imagine how scary it feels. Hopefully you’ll know what the plan is soon and can look forward to this part being in the past. x

[annnsandell]

Yes, of course, they do. I had a partial thyroidectomy and then another when the biopsy showed that my lump was cancerous. The first operation was very easy, it took me a little longer to recover from the second anesthetic. Even the cancer treatment was plain sailing and over 10 years on, no reoccurrence. I couldn't even understand why family and friends were worried about me at the time, I just got on with it and did as I was told. It might not even be a full thyroidectomy for you. Just take it one stage at a time. You would not want to live with a large lump in your throat feeling so uncomfortable, it's a horrible feeling like someone is strangling you. Most treatment problems are with varying symptoms and misdiagnosis. Thinking of you, let us all know how you get on.

[Batty1]

Having the partial or full thyroidectomy isn’t the issues its the healthcare you receive afterwards.

[millymumpkin]

I thought I was the only person who was not on thyroxine after a fairly rapidly growing benign tumour (adenoma) was removed, until I joined this site. I suffered a haemorrhage in the tumour before it was removed & the pain was pretty bad - the needle biopsy was so painful I could have punched the doctor. Couldn't turn my head or sleep. Glad to get rid of it. I also have 5 nodules which haven't grown much over the last 10 years.

BUT I warn you you may need thyroxine afterwards, despite being "euthyroid". I feel terrible if I don't take thyroxine - and I mean really awful - despite being the minimum low end of T4 without thyroxine. I need to be in the middle to high end to function normally. Listen to the wonderful advice on here. You can learn to look at you own blood tests with help from the experienced & kind people on here. Have the op - it is necessary. And come back to talk to us. Thyroid problems are a real pain in the backside, but that little gland is so important for your general health! I self-medicate (I am an ex-nurse with haematology expertise) but you will need help to find your mojo afterwards, in all likeliness, if they take away part of the gland. Don't be scared - once you get stable, it's easy.