Sherry — I had a total thyroidectomy on Dec. 1st (I also had two fairly large nodules), and found the surgery to be very easy (I’m an oldster age 58). I had very little post-op pain, and only had to be in the hospital overnight, so insurance considered it as an out-patient procedure. My scar is only about 3" long, and my surgeon placed it where I already had a fold of skin, so it is practically unnoticable. The only pain I experienced was a sore throat from being intubated, but it was managable with Tylenol and soft food for a day or so. I was walking the halls of the hospital the evening after surgery, and I was up and around a few days later, able to do some light housework, cooking, and short shopping trips. I did get tired easily the first few weeks, but would nap or rest often as needed.
Hope your daughter does well.
