To ask has anyone had a thyroidectomy? I'm so scared!!

[ILoveHuskies]

I'm booked in on Saturday, I'm shitting it. The reason is because I have thyroid nodules that have gradually caused my thyroid to go overactive. This also makes my neck look slightly swollen which I hate. I'm actually having to go private due to being on the nhs wait list for over a year and I just couldn't carry on waiting indefinitely

Although I've had a chat with the surgeon etc and he was very reassuring and is very experienced, I guess I'm scared of something going wrong, and on a more shallow level i am worried how my neck will look (I do have health anxiety though)

So I'm hoping for some positive thyroid removal stories to reassure me if possible please ? Tia x

I haven't seen mine yet. My post-op and results are next week.

I've just ordered some factor 50 on amazon for the days I don't wear a scarf.

@ILoveHuskies

All done ✔️

I was in theatre by 9.30am but had to stay in recovery room for longer than usual as my oxygen levels were low
I’m a bit sore and extremely exhausted but so glad it’s done now.

Thanks again for all the comments on my post - it really helped

Great stuff.

That you’re out the other side ok. I’m a month on from where you are and doing really well, so I’m confident you will too.

Great news @ILoveHuskies - really glad it went well

My grandmother had a hemi at age 70; she passed away this year at the grand old age of 95, and was rarely ever ill.

Good for you @ILoveHuskies !!! I love how you were calm right before the op. I was too! Worried about it for so long, then once I was getting ready to go to theatre it was as if there's nothing I can do about it now, let's go!
I had mine out in Jan and Feb 2016 because I had thyroid cancer. I'd had a goiter for a couple of years, had it checked and it was benign, and then it wasn't... It was quite a shock at first, but then I felt very reassured that it was a straightforward procedure and although there would be lifelong meds, nothing I couldn't handle. Sounds weird, but I somehow enjoyed the experience! The general anaesthetic was like the best sleep I've ever had, and I woke up so warm and comfy with a lovely nurse holding my hand asking if I was ok. Like a blinkin holiday compared to what I'm used to! I was meant to go home the next day but had a drain as others have said, and ended up staying in three days. The food was amazing (private hospital through my works healthcare) and I honestly felt less I'll than when I've had a cold. The staples look a bit scary right afterwards, but the scar fades really quickly as the photos in the thread show, and you would never notice mine now. Ive often wondered if I could have T3 and T4 which I've read us better in combination than just the one, but seem to be managing so far. I've taken up running this past year, so am keeping fit and well.
Let us know how you get on

@GarlandsinGreece

My grandmother had a hemi at age 70; she passed away this year at the grand old age of 95, and was rarely ever ill.

Bless her ! She sounds awesome x

@19Bears oh how scary for you

That was my fear - I'd had my goitre for years and although at every scan it was benign, I knew there was a slight possibility they can turn nasty.
They always reassured me it was unlikely but didn't want to take any chances so I wanted rid.

I am so glad all went ok with yours. X

Oh yeah and I have a drain too. I'm a bit nervous about having it out Cos someone said it hurts 😬

Glad it's gone well for you x
Having my drain out didn't hurt although I was really expecting it to. Hopefully you'll be the same.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Oh that's reassuring then @TopTabby

How are you doing now @ILoveHuskies ? Have just read all these messages as I’m going in for mine on Monday. You’re all so reassuring so thank you! I hope your recovery has been as speedy as everyone said. xx

My op was honestly the best thing I ever did for my health as I feel so much better now for having it done, I'm annoyed I had to pay for it but hey ho

Anyway It went absolutely fine. I was only in for one night. I came out early evening on the Sunday after having my op first thing sat morning

My neck felt stiff and uncomfortable after but nothing too bad. And they gave me as much pain relief as I needed.

Over Six months on my scar is barely visible and I have a lovely smooth neck it's no longer swollen how it was before.

If you want to ask any more questions please do. I hope it all goes well I'm sure it will xxx

I’m so pleased it went well for you and the recovery wasn’t too bad. It is rubbish you had to pay for it but I bet you’d do it again then! I feel so reassured after reading all your messages that I can go back to sticking my head in the sand until Monday. Just need to pass my covid test on Friday now! xx

Just wishing you luck tomorrow 🍀
Update us when you feel ready xxx

Thanks for thinking of me. It was ok thanks. Getting better each day. Quite a big scar but so neat and I’m sure it’ll fade just like you’ve all said. Couldn’t have been cared for better in the hospital. x

Oh I'm so pleased @Jacblue Honestly, when I had my thyroidectomy, it was like a flamin holiday!!! I was so well looked after, the food was great, I got to relax and sleep well for three nights. I'd do it all again! Seriously though, you'll be fine now. My scar look huge at first, but it faded surprisingly quickly and it's hardly there at all now. Have you got any follow up treatment? X

I’ve had a couple of blood tests to check calcium levels but that seems to be going back to ok. I have another on Monday morning and then post-op appt on Wednesday. I’m so glad Batiste exists as I haven’t dared wash my hair yet but I’m going to try in a minute with the cling film idea that someone mentioned. 🤞🏼xx

Hi @ILoveHuskiesappreciate this is some years on but just wondered how you are now a few years on and whether any side effects of the lack of thyroid or medication etc?

I had partial removal last year in Nov 25 due to a cyst on it that came back as abnormal last year. I had my results this week and had it confirmed that it was indeed a cancer. They are happy with the margins etc so is a minimally invasive one. But I’ve opted for the rest of the thyroid to be removed as I don’t want to take the chance this could happen again and the Dr agrees this is the best course of action.

Am not worried about op etc as I’ve had it and know way to expect. But am more worried about adjusting to new medication and any side effects. For example gaining weight or feeling different / more tired. Anything really!

thanks for any help you can give.

I had half removed about 4 years ago due to a tumour (benign). Was in hospital overnight only. Sore for a couple of days, but nothing major. No follow on problems, and the scar is now completely invisible, unless you know where to specifically look.

Please don't worry OP. I've had a few ops now and this was probably the most straightforward (c section included) I'm
quite fond of a general
anaesthetic, I get the best rest EVER and the pre op drugs are delightful. Massage your scar with either HealGel or vitamin E oil (advised by my surgeon) and you'll barely see it after a while.

It might take a while to get your thyroxine dose sorted, don't be afraid to it's for a higher dose until you feel well, which is what I had to do. Best of luck x