Subtotal Thyroidectomy
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| Wed, 12-13-2006 - 3:04pm |
Hi! I'm new here. I'm 24 and discovered a nodule on the left side of my thryoid about 2 months ago. I've had the ultrasound and uptake scan. The scan came back that it's a hot nodule and is funtioning. I went to an Endo. and she referred me to a surgeon. I was originally scheduled for surgery for a subtotal thyroidectomy on Dec. 1st but we had a bad snowstorm and I had to reschedule. Now my surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. And I have to admit I'm terrified. What should I expect for pre-op? Do they have to do a catheter? I hate those but I know they're necessary. What should I expect for recovery? My Dr isn't making me stay in the hospital overnight but I have to stay in town. Am I going to be really sore? Will I be able to talk? Is it uncomfortable? Do they give you anything for anxiety before the surgery? I'm sorry about all of my questions. I'm just worried I guess. All the help is appreciated!!!
Sara

Hi Sara,
Welcome to our board.
I must admit I'm a little confused by the fact that you are having surgery for the nodule without having
Thank you so much for your reply!
Okay here's my situation. I found the nodule in September. I had an ultrasound, then a scan. My bloodwork all came back normal. The scan and my T4 showed that my thyroid itself is hyperactive and the nodule has taken over funtion of the other half of my thyroid making it hypoactive. Meaning, that I have no symptoms since it's counteracting. That's why all of my test came back withing normal range. It's pretty large and is very close to my vocal cords making my voice a little hoarse. They are afraid that it's going to affect my swallowing and breathing if we just leave it alone. The surgeon that's doing it does about 5 of these surgeries per month and has for the last 10 years. He was very thorough when he did my initial exam. He made me feel more comfortable. More than my Endo. I didn't like her.
Anyway, I headed for the 2 hour drive tonite and the surgery scheduler called and said that my surgeon is in the hospital with the flu. So she had to cancel my surgery and would have to call me back to reschedule. I was really ready to get this over with. But now I just have to sit on it more.
I'm assuming that you mean the left side is what they want to take out when your saying it will be a "Subtotal". I'm sorry to hear that your surgeon has had to cancel you out twice, and wonder if this isn't a voice to listen to. Waiting is always one of the hardest parts. However, you did mention that it is close to your vocal cords and that your voice is raspy at times and that you could have possible swallowing problems later also. Just to let you know my experience, I had a nodule also and they did all the tests, and I ended up with a partial for the 1st surgery and the nodule was so big, and never bothered me at all except for an occasional swelling of the nodule itself, that when operated on I came out with a paralyzed vocal cord, lost 2 parathyroids, and a muscle strap to my clavical, just for openers, and also they found through pathology that I had ca. So I guess it sounds like your endo/surgeons are taking the precautionary route and trying to eliminate these kind of problems for you before the nodule grows any bigger.
Whatever the outcome, I wish you luck and hope you have checked all avenues on this particular problem. I do understand the reasoning behind removing the nodule if it's close to the vocal cord and to avoid future potential problems and hope you come out with everything in good order. Keep us informed, and hope you don't have to move down to the bottom of the board which is where I put my few posts. Prayers going your way, and waiting to hear how you do. Hugs, Bea