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Hi all!
I had my thyroidectomy yesterday morning. I know some people have asked about surgery lately on the forum, so I thought I’d share my experience these last 24 plus hours. My thyroid levels going into surgery were normal for 6 weeks and I took SSKI drops 3 times a day (4 drops in juice) for 7 days before surgery. I did not take a betablocker as my heart rate was normal.
I met with the surgeon the day before for my pre-op. I didn’t eat anything or drink anything from midnight on the night before. I went in and put on my hospital gown, hat, socks. They put in an IV and then as the nurse said, “Slipped me a micky”
I think “versa”? to help relax me. They wheeled me to the OR; I remember seeing the lights and the instruments on the table,) and then I woke up in recovery. I was able to talk, swallow, and breathe (phew!). Although, I did almost choke on my drink of water! It took some coordination. They gave me some narcotic for pain; when I’d start to doze off, my breathing would go too slow, so the nurse reminded me to take deep breaths- that was for about an hour/ hour and a half. I also took 2 Tums (calcium) while there. Then I went into stage 2 of recovery for about 3 hours- had some water and sherbert, went to the bathroom and came home.Since being home, I’m doing pretty well. I have to sleep upright for 3 nights (I’m sleeping in a recliner). I can take the bandage off tomorrow and I took a bath today; tomorrow I can shower. I’m just taking 600 mg. of Advil every 6 hours. I have a prescription of Vicadin, but am not using it. The pain isn’t that bad. My throat is sore, I feel like I need to clear it, but it’s okay. My voice is a little weak and raspy, but that should get better with time. My neck feels tight, but that’s normal; that too should feel better with time. My mom keeps reminding me it’s only been one day!!! (I’m not the most patient person sometimes!) I start my Synthroid tomorrow morning- 100 mcg. Everything went smoothly, no complications. I’m taking the calcium (Tums) per the surgeon’s directions only because the parathyroids are inflamed from the surgery (it’s more of a precautionary measure). The parathyroids are fine and still there. So, I take a Tums, 4 times a day for the first week, 3 times a day for the 2nd week, and 2 times a day the third week. I’ll go to my post op appointment in about a week, then bloodwork to test my thyroid levels in 2 weeks. Lastly, my thyroid was sent to pathology (there were some nodules) to test that there isn’t any cancer.
So, that there is the story of my surgery & 1st 24 hours! Shirley, I nursed Zack this morning & have been through out the day. He hasn’t forgotten.
Alexis
Thanks Shirley
One job I had before I had my boys was an editor! Hee hee!Also, as far as eating, I’m doing pretty well there. I’m sticking with soups and mushy stuff for the most part (beans, deviled eggs, orzo pasta). I can swallow the Advil with some thought and coordination. So, not too bad all in all. I will say though (and others have said this) that being confident in your surgeon is super important. I wasn’t 100% confident with the surgeon I first spoke with, but felt much better with the 2nd surgeon. Finding a very qualified, skilled surgeon with an excellent track record goes a long way in outcome and easing the nerves.
Alexis
adenure wrote:I went in and put on my hospital gown, hat, socks. They put in an IV and then as the nurse said, “Slipped me a micky” I think “versa”? to help relax me.FYI – It’s “Versed” (pronounced with two syllables). Good stuff!
Glad you’re doing well.
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