Partial thyroidectomy help

[Wbox]

Just enquiring if anyone had had a partial thyroidectomy? I'm on the waiting list for one as I have a large nodule. Ive had 2 ultrasound scans and 2 biopsies which have come back inconclusive. The radiologist report has graded the nodule as a 5 highest grade and highly suspicious. Worrying what might be found when I have the surgery. Plus after effects if anyone has been through the same? Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator]

welcome to the forum

Suggest you get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done now BEFORE the op

See what your levels are now

Then retest in 2-3 months after

Some people manage fine on half a thyroid….others need to start on replacement thyroid hormones

Have you had any blood tests already?

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test

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

Assuming you are in the U.K.?

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

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

[BlueLido]

Hello, I had a partial thyroidectomy last year April. I too had a large nodule, it was found whilst I was having scans as I had breast cancer at the time. Anyway, nodule was thankfully benign. My brush with cancer, has taught me to get myself checked asap as if anything is sinister it's better to seek early treatment. As you probably know, most nodules are benign, so I'm keeping everything crossed for you. As for the thyroidectomy, the operation was day surgery. It wasn't painful afterwards, just swollen, looked worse than it was. However, worst bit for me was I lost my voice, it took about 9 weeks in total to return to my normal forceful volume! I started on Levothyroxine in Aug 23, firstly on 100mg, but after a few months I wasn't feeling well and turned out the dosage was too much. So dropped and have been on 50mg daily for the last year. I am due to see doc as I think I now need a raise as well as starting on some vitamins supplements. Please don't worry about the surgery. Make sure you ask questions and be ready to be your own advocate as it may take a while to get the right medication levels. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Wbox in reply to BlueLido]

Thank you that's been very reassuring. Really appreciate it.

[FallingInReverse]

Wbox. Recommend you search “thyroidectomy” on this board. Many people like you come through here asking similar questions when their doctor is recommending surgery.

pasting a reply I shared:

The common shared experiences you read are that there are many many successful thyroidectomies. There are also risks as with any surgery.

Remember thyroidectomies are irreversible (to state the obvious)… And that only YOU, not the surgeon, will need to live with the outcome.

You owe it to yourself to get all your questions answered, know all the benefits and risks. and to be at total peace with the decision.

Also importantly, surgery is one thing, but asking about the thyroid hormone replacement (ie, Levothyroxine) you will need is important to understand.

(Also remember that the posts and experiences of those on this board may be a little more negative than the general population. Because if one has a thyroidectomy and it all goes perfect with no complications then those are the ones you won’t see seeking help in an Internet forum!)

[jillyana]

I had a partial thyroidectomy in 2006 as I had a huge goitre which was suspicious of follicular cancer. I had the operation within 2 weeks of the scare - it was actually fine. It probably would have turned to cancer eventually, but by having it removed quickly, the crisis was also removed. Good luck x

[Wbox in reply to jillyana]

Glad it all went well for you x

[lovebones]

I had a partial thyroidectomy in April 2024. Large nodule on right side. 60% chance of cancer. I was very lucky as it turned out to be benign. I felt totally fine for 4 months and then my levels went hypothyroid. I am brand new to medicating and honestly it feels very complicated. That being said, most people do fine with medication. I just have a very hard time with medication in general. What Slow Dragon says in right. Get all those tests done beforehand. It will really help you in the long run. I did not and am scrambling a bit now. I would also recommend that you have some doctors that you trust in place for afterwards. A naturopath, endocrinologist, whoever listens to you and will work with you. I felt I was kind of left to fend for myself. The surgeons etc. were wonderful, but their job is to give you a successful surgery, not to care for you in the long run. I don't think I quite understood that.

Also, don't forget a large part of thyroid cancer treatment is having the questionable part removed and you'll have already done that! So try not to stress too much. I know, easier said than done.

[Wbox in reply to lovebones]

Thank you for that. I already take levothyroxine as I have an underactive thyroid so I presume the medication will have to be increased afterwards. Its got to be done as no-one can tell for sure whether this is cancer or not without examining the nodule itself. It was just a bit of a shock. Never had an operation or anaesthetic before.

[lovebones in reply to Wbox]

I know what you mean. I had never had any of those things either! But it went really well and the healing after the surgery happened pretty fast. It definitely felt scary but another thing that gave me comfort is even if it is cancer it is super slow growing. So deep breaths. Feel free to ask me any questions.

[Wbox in reply to lovebones]

Thank you so much really appreciate your replies . Did you have stitches ? How long did it take for wound to heal? Wondering how much time will need off work . Could you feel your nodule when you swallowed?

[lovebones in reply to Wbox]

I technically had dissolvable stitches but none that I could see. There was a thin layer of glue on the very outside, also not really visible. It hurt but honestly not that bad. I only took ibuprofen for a few days (but I try hard not to take medication). It does look worse than it feels. I took 2 weeks off work as I have a physical job. The first 3 days were the worst, by day 10 I was feeling pretty good. The worst part of the whole thing was the nausea after the anesthesia. I believe you can get a medication for at home to help with that. I could not feel my nodule at all but it was 2.9cm, so pretty big.

[Wbox in reply to lovebones]

That all sounds pretty good then. Glad to hear it and I hope you feel well and carry on doing so x

[lovebones in reply to Wbox]

Thank you! I hope you have a smooth experience.