My total thyroidectomy experience

[Meow2]

Hey guys! I had my thyroid completely removed exactly 6 days ago. I wanted to write about my experience because it might help someone. So i always knew i had thyroid problems since my mom, aunt and grandmother had them. My thyroid looked bigger than normal from a young age. I've also always had a very bad phobia of needles, so i always avoided any kind of tests or treatments; until about three weeks ago. My thyroid looked so big it was concerning and i always felt extremly tired, so i got it checked and the doctor said i should have it removed quickly. I was terrified (remember i have a terrible phobia of needles) so here's what happend: i did a blood test the morning of my surgery, it was very easy! Then they gave me an IV which seems terrifying but it's not; When i went into surgery room i was shaking and crying uncontrolably but the doctors and nurses talked to me and made me laugh and the next thing i know, someone's calling my name, saying "wake up, your surgery is over!" I woke up, i was completely aware of my surroundings. They took me to my room, after about three hours they let me have some water. Around 8 p.m they brought me some soup. I felt zero pain after surgery. The only thing i needed help with was getting up to pee. I could walk, but my legs were a little shaky so the nurse helped me. My voice was weak and i couldn't talk easily, but it was ok because i was too tired for talking anyway. That same night i walked around the hospital with some help, for a few minuets. They checked on me a few times during the night and the next morning I had another blood test. After that they gave me breakfast (cheese, jelly, an egg and some tea). They also gave me some bread but i couldn't eat that. Around 11 in the morning they sent me home. I started having a very managable and minor pain the second day. My doctor gave me tylenol. On Day 4, I completely recoverd. I could talk, walk, eat and drink easily. It's day 6 now and i have no problems at all. My voice is still a little weak but that's all. My doctor also gave me calcium supplements, which i take 1 every night. I thought a drain tube was necessary for thyroid surgery, but i didn't have one. My doctor told me i could bathe, sleep however i want and eat whatever i want as long as i feel comfortable from day 2. I have internal dissolvable stiches with steri strips. The surgery and healing process has been surprisingly easy and painless.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

Well done and thank you for your info on getting your op

Presumably you are starting on Levothyroxine …..

how much has been prescribed?

Which brand Levothyroxine?

Important to regularly retest vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 as well

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested before the thyroidectomy?

[Meow2 in reply to SlowDragon]

I have not been prescribed levothyroxine yet, because i might need iodine and radio therapy. I had my thyroid antibodies checked and got diagnosed with hashimotos, hypothyroidism and nodules. Thanks for your suggestions!

[shaws Administrator]

Thanks for posting and it will also be helpful for those who may have to have a thyroidectomy.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

[shaws Administrator]

It's good you are recovering well.

You will probably be prescribed with levothyroxine and it is recommended you take it on an empty stomach with one glass of water and wait an hour before eating. Levothyroxine is also called T4.

Levothyroxine will be prescribed and it will gradually be increased until you feel well again.

This is the procedure for blood tests re thyroid.

Always make the earliest appointment - it is a fasting test but you can drink water and don't take levothyroxine before your blood draw but take it afterwards. This method gives us, the patient, the best results.

Also request B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate to be checked as sometimes we have deficiencies - everything has to be optimal.

I wish you a speedy recovery and take time to recover.

[Meow2 in reply to shaws]

Thank you! I will definitly use your advices😊

[Cavapoochonowner]

Thankyou very much for posting.I have been on medication for graves disease for 3 years now and it has become difficult to control.I have asked to be referred for surgery and I too am quite scared. It really helps to hear about someone else's experience and I will follow your story.Very best wishes for your future health.

[Meow2 in reply to Cavapoochonowner]

Thank you so much! Let me assure you, it's a surprisingly easy surgery. I understand your concerns, but here i am a week later, feeling like it never happened😊❤

[Litatamon]

Hi Meow2,

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. Happy that you seem to be doing well coming out of surgery.

Would you be able to share the size of your enlarged thyroid? I have to make some decisions soon about how to proceed, and that information would be helpful to me.

Hope your recovery continues to be smooth.

[Meow2 in reply to Litatamon]

Sure! My nodule was smaller than a centimeter, honestly i don't know why my thyroid looked that big with just one small nodule. Given our family history and also being diagnosed with hashimotos, my doctor said it is best to remove all of it.

[Litatamon in reply to Meow2]

Thanks Meow, appreciate it

I was actually wondering if you knew the size of your thyroid itself, as it seemed they were concerned that it was enlarged.

Thank you. Hope you are doing okay.