RFA on thyroid nodule

[DearH]

Hello everyone! So yesterday I had my thyroid ablation in the Netherlands. I was scheduled for 10:30 am and had to be there at 10. I had to put on an operation dress and could only keep my underpants on. My blood pressure, temperature and oxygen saturation was measured. Temp normal, saturation 100% but blood pressure 174/99 and high heartrate. Because of my nerves of course. I was given 1000 mg of paracetamol, and (obligatory) a tablet of Dormicum (calming drug). The latter had zero effect on me, but I kept my outer cool through the entire procedure. They also but an infuse (withput the liquid in my arm, just in case something went wrong). In the operation theatre, they desinfected the area of my neck and covered it up with autocollant green cloth. Only the area to be treated was left free. I was then injected a local anesthesia directly into the thyroid, which was a bit painful. The anesthesia worked well, without making my neck feeling numb like often happens at the dentist. 2 patches were stuck on my upper legs. Then the actual procedure started. I heard the doctor say, "okay, turn it (the radiofrequency machine) up to 40". He asked me to tell if I felt any pain. That happened 2 times, although it was quite bearable. I just didn't know if I should feel what I felt. 2 times I felt a painful sensation in my right collar bone. But that's all. The doctor then avoided that area and turned the frequency down. I would often feel and hear little "pops", which meant that cells were being destroyed. It made me think of popcorn :⁠-⁠D. After about 30 minutes the procedure was done and I had to press on the area with flat fingers for 10 minutes. Then I was wheeled back to recovery. Vitals were measured, blood pressure was 180/10, heartrate 100. In fact my nerves were way worse then the procedure. I asked fornan icepack, which I laid on my neck for half an hour. After having some bread with cheese, a banana and coffee I finally calmed down. BP came down to 145/85.At 1 pm I was allowed to leave my bed and get dressed and at 1:30 I could leave the hospital.

The treated area is a bit swollen, but doesn't look bruised. Until now I didn't need to take extra pain medication, so that's good. The coming weeks and months the nodule will slowly shrink and I will have a check-up with ultrasound after 3-6-9 and 12 months. To be continued!

[PurpleNails Administrator]

thanks for the update.

Hope the follow up goes well.

I’ve heard the “pop corn” description before. Interesting.