Thyroidectomy questions

Just found out I will likely have a total thyroidectomy due to a thyroid nodule that a biopsy showed "indeterminate" for cancer but since I was diagnosed with Graves disease, the Dr. feels it makes the most sense to take the whole thing rather then part.

Has anyone had this surgery? How bad was the recovery?

I had thought it would be fairly simple and an in-and-out type thing, (I have no idea why) but the Dr. just told me probably at least a week before I can go back to work (desk job) and longer for regular activities.

Also, anyone have this and experience weight gain? I know the risk of possible cancer should make it a no-brainer that I have the surgery, but I just do not want to suddenly balloon. I had lost some weight b/c of the hyperthyroidism and just don't want to gain it all back and then some.

And does anyone have a recommendation of ENT surgeons or endocrinologists towards the eastern part of Suffolk? I have a consultation with a surgeon next week but not sure if I should get a second opinion.

TIA.

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

My dad had his out recently. Recovery was really quick and he has other medical issues and is almost 70 so it probably shouldn't be too bad for you if he can recover quickly.

He had no change in weight other than in the beginning he lost weight cause of the sore throat he wasn't eating as much.

It took a few months for the Dr to get the med right....they monitored him for a few months and he also has to have his calcium watched since he had his parathyroid out too.

I can ask my dad if you have any specific ques.

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

Thanks so much for the help.
I think I just started to freak a little because I foolishy started to look online for info and it seems like every message board that had a question about it, it was mostly people saying how horrible they felt afterwards and that they gained all this weight and never felt well again.

I do appreciate your response - and I'm very glad to hear your dad has been doing so well!

Thanks again.

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

I've been putting off this surgery for awhile............I need to get it done sooner or later. What doctor do you see?

From what I hear, it's a pretty quick and simple recovery with minimal pain.



ps, how big is the nodule? is it cystic or solid?

last checked, mine was over 5 cm. They want me to get it out, and I will, I just have been dreading it.

Message edited 3/6/2011 2:45:10 PM.

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

I had a total thyroidectomy in 2007 because of cancerous nodules. I took a week off of work and resumed all regular activities the week after.

I never experienced any weight gain after the surgery either.

I had my surgery done in Nassau (LIJ), and had an excellent surgeon (my scar is nearly invisible)

Please FM if you have any questions & good luck!

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

Thanks so much for the responses! I really do appreciate you taking the time.

@speakthetruth - not really sure - I think it is cystic? I mean they were able to do the fine needle aspiration on it with no problem. Just that the cells they said were follicular so "undetermined."
I believe they said it was about 2.5 cm - not really big but "fairly sizable."
Good luck to you - I feel your pain.

@Jennandrobb - thanks, it helps so much to hear good stories.

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

DH had this done when he had a nodule that was indeterminate for cancer. (He had graves disease as a teenager and took radioactive iodine to kill off his thyroid so he has been on synthroid since.) His nodule turned out to be nothing but a side effect from the iodine, which they said was common. They just wanted to remove his thyroid just in case. His surgery was in May 2007.

You will be put on synthroid and it might be a bit before they get the right amount for you. If you are not someone that is an overeater and you are active, I wouldn't worry about weight gain. DH gained weight because he overate and sat on his arse He did lose the weight with proper diet and activity though.

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

My DH aunt had her thyroid completely removed... I believe there was cancer involved. There was no other treatment besides removing her thyroid.

She didn't have any issues recovering. And I do not believe she gained any weight. I know she just has to take medication every day to replace whatever it is that your thyroid produces. She's totally fine!

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

Thanks again. This really helps to hear the good instead of just finding the bad on the internet.

I met with the surgeon who seems very competent and I feel comfortable with him, so hopefully I will be in good hands.

His name is Dr. Sugrue (ENT in Port Jeff & Patchogue) if anyone has any experience with him or knows anyone who has, I'd love to hear it.

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

I just had a TT done on 3/3

Surgery and recovery itself was NOT as bad as i had heard..
Aside from a tremendous migrane after the surgery and a soar throat due to the tube while in surgery.Im fine.. back to normal activities.. only complaint was my Calcium dropped the first 2 nights.. but after taking proper amount of meds..im fine now...

I took a week off of work, waiting for biopsy results to come.. and the only thing left to do is to get on Synthroid...

I would love to find out if anyone had any affects being on Synthroid.. i made the mistake to google..and thats the only thing that scared me thru out this whole thing..

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

Re: Thyroidectomy questions

I've heard wonderful things about Dr. Joshua M Rosenthal. He is and ENT/surgeon in Huntington.