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#1019754

Spent 3 days and 2 nights in the hospital for the total thyroidectomy. Surgery was tough. Doc said I had a very sticky thyroid, and that my left laryngeal nerve was involved, though undamaged. I had stridor and partial paralysis in my throat which was making me choke on anything I swallowed. Breathing was compromised so I needed to stay another night with humidified 02. I was on heart monitor all night too. My respirations felt like I was breathing through a straw. I was imagining that I was scuba diving with a tight air regulator which helped me not to panic. Voice is raspy too, but may come back in a few days.
My calcium levels dropped even though the parathyroid glands were still intact after surgery. That might correct itself, but in the hospital they drew blood every 6 hours and infused IV calcium when needed.
So the bad news is that I had some airway issues, the good news is that the airway is much improved today.
Bad news-the calcium levels dropped. The good news is that my calcium metabolism may stabilize on it’s own since the parathyroids are still there.
Bad news-laryngeal nerve stretched. Good news, voice is already coming back (much to the dismay of some )
Bad news-Pathology lab found some thyroid cancer not previously detected. Good news is we FOUND it and it’s gone now!
The bad news-I’m not having fun yet taking handfuls of calcium pills. The good news………..more to come.

Karen

[cajadajp]

#1073854

Hi Karen,

I will continue to pray for your recovery of your calcium levels and your voice. Sorry your surgery was difficult to do. Good that it was done to find the thyroid CA so that it could be removed. Get lots of rest and keep in touch with us at GDF!

Sincerely,
Carole

P.S. I was unable to access your personal message to me, but I did read your post of today 2/7/09.

[DianneW]

#1073855

Hi Karen,

From what I’ve heard it’s not at all uncommon to have early hoarseness and need for calcium, and these nearly always turn out okay. I’m sorry you had a difficult time though, and as Carole said, how fortunate the cancer was found and removed!!

Hang in there and feel better fast, and keep the updates coming! I hope you have a very fast thyroid replacement adjustment.

Best wishes,

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