Nausea after thyroid surgery STILL

[Sazzle23]

Hi, I recently had a hemithyroidectomy and I’m really struggling with nausea. I believe this is due to the lump I can feel in my throat from having the surgery. I can visibly see a rectangle lump above my scar. It’s been nearly 5 weeks since surgery and I’m at a loss for answers from anyone. My gp is trying everything they can and I’ve tried getting in touch with my surgeon but no luck on a reply as yet. Has anyone gone through anything similar? Thanks S

[shaws Administrator]

Members who have had a similar op to you will respond when they read your post. I'm sorry you don't feel so well after your operation and am not suprised you want some answers. Unfortunately the majority of GPs seem to have little knowledge.

When having a blood test, don't take thyroid hormones before it and it should be the earliest blood draw and fasting. Take levo afterwards. Wait an hour between levo before you eat.

[Sazzle23 in reply to shaws]

Thanks for your response. Unfortunately I have to wait a few more weeks before I can have bloods done. Hopefully it will show something.

[bantam12]

Has your Dr considered it's possibly a build up of fluid, did you have a drain in post op ?

[Sazzle23 in reply to bantam12]

Hi, yes I had a drain in for about 28 hours. I was severely unwell after surgery and constantly vomiting for about 24 hours. I have spoken to his secretary today and she is going to get him to review my situation.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Sazzle23]

I hope he does review your situation, there's nothing worse than to feel far more unwell after an op than you did before it.

[jillyana]

I had the same operation in 2006 & I can still remember feeling ill for weeks afterwards. There is a lot of bleeding at the time of the op. & it takes time for everything to settle down again. I had a drain in too & obviously that helps drain off a lot of excess fluid/blood. Everybody is different & my recovery time certainly took a lot longer than I thought it would. I can still feel lumps in my neck & I've had scans which show I still have nodules, but they are nothing to worry about. The remaining thyroid is oversewn at the time of surgery to stem the bleeding, so I suppose some of us feel a knot like lump due to this. I have never been a quick healer, so I was expecting to feel rough for longer than was usual. Hopefully you will improve with time like I did. Good luck x

[Sazzle23 in reply to jillyana]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to my post. I honestly think my body wasn’t ready for the operation and it’s taking a lot longer to recover. Most days I feel really nauseous but about every 10 days I have a bout of vomiting. I’m desperately trying to return to work but this is making it difficult. Fingers crossed that I will heal soon.

[pennyannie in reply to Sazzle23]

Please give yourself the time to fully recover :

It seems a common trait - as we see many posts from patients who seem to have been given the opinion that's it's simple and you'll back to normal in no time.

I think this is how surgeons may " see things " - as it is relatively quick for them - but they are not the ones having a major operation :

I understand there's pressure all around but going back too early with simply delay you further down the tracks.

[Sazzle23 in reply to pennyannie]

Yes you are so right. Unfortunately I’ve been off a few months prior to the operation so I’m having to go back soon due to financial issues.

[pennyannie in reply to Sazzle23]

Is there an option of working from home, and or part time initially ?

[Sazzle23]

No unfortunately not. I’m a medical intervener in a special needs school. My job is very hands on. I’ve put a plan in place to do a phased return which should help.