Thyroid surgery can also involve risks for damage to vocal cord nerves, which could cause hoarseness, and damage . Or the denial, anguish, anger and stress they feel. I just found out that I have to get half removed, not sure if all has to come out. Side effects of thyroid surgery are common and include neck pain, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and temporary hypoparathyroidism that usually resoles within a few weeks. Scar improves with time, and the final result is generally evident 6 months after surgery. 5). Feeling faint, lightheaded, or unsteady when getting up from a seated or lying position. Or the numbness. I literally almost ran away. Endocrine Surgeons: these are surgeons who have specialized in conditions of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. Hi everyone, My name is Carolyn. If I told you that choosing how I would get my thyroid removed was an easy decision to make, I would be lying. As a scarless technique, robotic thyroid surgery is best suited for cancer operation with its superior visualization, design, working space, and instruments. Do not be afraid to ask how many parathyroid and thyroid operations a surgeon performs each year and what their personal complication rate is. I did not want to do this, but I felt like I had no choice due to the fact that the mass was so large and I was at an increased risk of developing Thyroid cancer due to heavy doses of radiation I received in the neck and abdomen to treat Hodgekin's disease (cancer) which I had when I was . Robotic Thyroid Surgery is Great for Many Thyorid Cancers. Preparation must be performed in an extremely careful manner, avoiding sudden and forceful movements during surgery. That nerve is just under the thyroid. I have to say we felt comfortable in terms of the level of cleanliness. TUESDAY, Jan. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid can trigger side effects that send some patients back to the hospital, a new study finds. He seems knowledgeable and pleasant. Or the unknown. We discuss. Once you have the necessary facts, your anxiety may be relieved. You are looking at your life through brand new eyes and unsure what the future now holds for you. Though thyroid surgery is considered a relatively safe procedure, complications may sometimes occur. I know just how you fell OP. Side effects of surgery. If you require additional removal of tissue such as lymph nodes in the neck then your scar may be larger (14). Patients should keep their head in the position required by the operation as long as possible, and only minimal movements are allowed on the . Robot is merely a tool for surgery. Total cost of surgery is 4.1x the cost compared to the cost of active surveillance. Due to these risks, thyroid surgery should usually be a last resort, after every other option has failed. Liz0012 - I am really scared of getting 1/2 my thyroid removed. The incisions made during a thyroid surgery usually heal quickly, but they can leave scars if they are not cared for properly. Be sure to ask the doctor what you can expect. U4 Suspicious Thyroid Nodule - really worried! After all the testing and waiting for results in July 2018 I had my right side removed. Methods: We therefore reviewed our experience in 114 patients with benign or malignant thyroid tumors who underwent 116 thyroid reoperations with or without other procedures. Of the 31 patients, 29 (93.5% of 31) underwent thyroid surgery because two women who developed Graves' disease (GD) preferred medical therapy (methimazole) in lieu of thyroidectomy. And thyroid surgery in the pediatric population is associated with a higher rate of complications than adult thyroid surgery. I am afraid of all the 'if the cancer spread to your vocal cords, you could have permenant horse voice.' Etc. Hypocalcemia is usually temporary but if the parathyroid glands are damaged or accidentally removed, hypocalcemia may be permanent and require lifelong hormone replacement therapy. I thought it was anxiety so my doctor put me on Paxil and Xanax which seemed to help some of the time. Appointments 216.444.6568. Surgery is the initial treatment for papillary or follicular thyroid cancers. Here are four strong reasons it's not fun being without a thyroid: 1) It's no picnic to lose one's thyroid It starts even before surgery with a biopsy to detect if one has thyroid cancer-not always a comfortable procedure. An understanding of anesthesia and the low risks of having anesthesia may also help with your concerns about surgery. If you have any input, please let me know. Prior to the surgery, my thyroid levels were normal. Tomorrow I will be 1 week over the surgery. The American Thyroid Association states that thyroid surgery should only be performed by board-certified surgeons who did extra training in thyroid surgery (i.e. Not as scared, but no nausea at all. Thyroid metastases should be suspected in patients with a thyroid nodule and a previous history of non-thyroid malignancy; their prognosis is poor, but . An expert will expect to be asked these questions and should not get offended by them. Hi everyone! Hair is the same and still gray. Diagnosis: 'Suspicious'. Thyroid surgery can also involve risks for damage to vocal cord nerves, which could cause hoarseness, and damage . 1) It's no picnic to lose one's thyroid. Carmen's Thyroid Cancer Story: Papillary, Stage 1. Possible side effects of thyroid surgery include: Infection; Bleeding or a blood clot in . April 28, 2022. For small nodules, our surgeons may be able to perform a lobectomy, which involves removing only part of the thyroid. Traveling can expose you to more germs, so adequate wound dressings are especially important. PTC has evolved to tumors that are much smaller . My vet examined him and found a small lump near his throat. I found a really good surgeon Dr.Gary Clayman(#1 doctor in the U.S. for thyroid surgery). I have never had one other then my wisdom teeth. Yet . . Finding out you need thyroid surgery can be stressful and even scary. Thyroid Hormone: If you had thyroid surgery, you may be prescribed a type of thyroid hormone replacement called levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl, etc.). Most surgeons are great at "hiding" the scar associated with this procedure by placing it in the folds of your neck. These side effects . Do not be afraid to ask how many parathyroid and thyroid operations a surgeon performs each year and what their personal complication rate is. If a thyroid nodule is causing voice or swallowing problems, your doctor may recommend treating it with surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. She is a board certified and fellowship-trained surgeon at the Head and Neck Institute, and treats all stages of thyroid disease and parathyroid disease. There really is a difference in our journeys-even if we both end up with hypothyroidism. You have a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. In her story below, Carmen also highlights navigating life after a cancer diagnosis, including guidance for students dealing with . Ironically, I am not his first scared patient but to me, I must make him understand how a meltdown is around the corner! Molly had to do COVID tests. I have been told it is risky because of possible nerve damage. 2nd Thyroid Surgery. I am new to this forum, though not new to Cancer Research and I just need a bit of support as dying with worry. Bottom Line: As scary as cancer is, when it comes to thyroid cancer, the good news is that the survival rate is good - over 95%. You may move your head in all four directions. We talk about how thyroid cancer is slow-growing and how most cases are successfully treated with surgery. Even a benign growth on your thyroid gland can cause symptoms. Volume and experience in thyroid surgery are critical to nearly eliminating major complications (1% chance or less of permanent damage to the nerves to the . The same when I had my ovaries our last year. The surgeries seem to be the things that go easily. I takes a minimum of 6 weeks for any part of your body to heal minimally from surgery, and up to 6 months for complete healing. I had thyroid cancer, and what really mattered was getting it removed quickly and safely. #1. You have a nodule or goiter that is causing local symptoms - compression of the trachea, difficulty swallowing or a visible or unsightly mass. Recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) after optimized surgery requires a full understanding of the disease, especially as it has changed in the last 15 years, what comprises optimized surgery, and the different types and implications of disease relapse that can be encountered. I would suggest resting your voice as much as possible for at least that first six weeks. I woke up 3 times during that surgery even though I was supposed to be "put to sleep." I am afraid of needles, I am afraid of being put to sleep again. Any type of surgery can have risks and side effects. It is okay to feel scared and it is okay to have feelings of uncertainty. This particular lab test looks at your TSH and will only look at your free T4 if the TSH is abnormal. Table 2: Thyroid gland and parathyroid gland surgeries are performed on selected patients with the application of regional anaesthesia. The surgery is scheduled for June 10, 2020, and three weeks beforehand I have an appointment with my surgeon. Does anyone have and advice or feedback as to what I might encounter, it sounds like 2nd surgs are not that uncommon. Symptoms include dull facial expressions, tiredness, and weight gain. I have had hypothyroidism for 7 years. I was diagnosised with a thyroid nodule 3 months ago while abroad and complaining that I was feeling constantly exhausted, gaining weight gain, losing hair and having dry skin. COVID-19 added an extra layer of fear. This time the parathyroid surgery took 3.5 hours and he couldn't find the tumor, so he took out the thyroid gland on that side of the neck. Abstract. I am very scared of surgery. Recovery is going well for such a short space of time. Anyway, I decided since This procedure has traditionally been . A good firm pillow helps with sleep. I appreciate any kind of information:) Thank you!!! I'm overweight, it must be my thyroid." . I was grateful that within 24 hours of my diagnosis I was able to connect with a . I had no nausea or vomiting at all. Most noncancerous, or benign, thyroid nodules do not need treatment unless they are a cosmetic concern or cause symptoms including problems with swallowing, breathing, or speaking and neck discomfort. Since then, it had tripled in size. She sent him for an iodine scan. The vocal chord monitor used during surgery which is part of the breathing tube is important. The first result is great news, however, surgery may still be needed if the benign nodules have grown too big and are causing difficulty in swallowing or breathing. January 2007 edited March 2014. in Thyroid Cancer. My Choice: Robotic Thyroid Surgery. They usually start you on a low dose and give you blood tests to check your TSH level and determine whether or not to increase the dose. The first reason is that endocrinologists don't believe in the necessity of advanced thyroid lab testing. I suggest you consult a certified doctor and you will be able to perform the desired breast augmentation. Typically, the operation removes the lobe of the thyroid gland containing the lump and possibly the isthmus. 8. While many patients are afraid of nerve damage during the surgery, the reason behind it isn't always the procedure itself. Partial or total removal of the thyroid gland is known as a thyroidectomy. ! As endocrinologists, we frequently talk to patients who need thyroid surgery. Nausea and vomiting. Keep any fresh scars properly covered. For minimally invasive thyroid surgery the scar may be as small as 2.0-2.5cm (which is about an inch). Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include a rapid heartbeat, weight loss, increased appetite and anxiety. Avoid wearing tight clothing that may impede circulation. I had my thyroid removed in two surgeries in 2o18, and while it's not been great adjusting to taking thyroid hormone for me, there was a lot of inflammation associated with my multinodular goiter, and after the second surgery my neck feels a whole lot better. In these situations, NYU Langone doctors may recommend surgery or a minimally invasive procedure called radiofrequency ablation. (I have chronic Hashimoto's, so maybe my thyroid was more inflamed than other people's.) There should be no fear about separating the incision. The first reason is that endocrinologists don't believe in the necessity of advanced thyroid lab testing. I was almost petrified with fear before my first surgery. I wanted it cured so I could not worry. Stretch and flex your calves, neck, back, shoulders, and ankles to keep them loose. Do a lot of research, talk to the professionals (not just us professional thyroid patients), then meditate or pray on it (whatever works for you) before you make your decision. As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of hematoma (an accumulation of blood near the operating site) and infection. The doctor never asked my husband (who was in the waiting room) if he could do the removal or if he should wait for test results of the thyroid. Just an update post hemi thyroidectomy surgery. The scar from the c section and the scar from the thyroidectomy are both over 5 inches. I was to take out most of my thyroid. Background: Patients with thyroid cancer are sometimes denied repeat thyroid operations for fear of an increased risk of complications. Side effects of thyroid surgery are common and include neck pain, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and temporary hypoparathyroidism that usually resoles within a few weeks. I'm so scared because I've never had surgery before. Or the fears of it returning. "The thyroid gets blamed for so many things. Sudden weight gain (or loss) of more than 10% of your body weight within two weeks after surgery. Loving all the comments on this site. A diagnosis of chronic illness or disease can be terrifying. West Hills: 818-888-7878 Encino: 818-986 . Hearing your diagnosis is thyroid cancer is one of the most difficult situations you or a loved one may face. Surgery is done to take out the tumor and all or part of the thyroid gland. Surgeon controls the robot and the surgeons experience dictates the outcome. I still have my left side, the cancer was only on the right. I had an issue with the goiter bc it was very visible on my neck. I have a nodule on the right lobe which is about 5.5cm now. That's not true for everyone though. The endocrinologist has only one answer to . . The advantages of thyroid surgery Surgery is the standard treatment for thyroid nodules that we identify as being cancerous, and surgery has a high chance of successfully treating the patient's cancer. Carmen shares her stage 1 papillary thyroid cancer story, undergoing thyroidectomy, hormone replacement therapy (Synthroid), and radioactive iodine treatment. Can eat ok. A fever of 103 degrees or higher. Only needed 2 panadol for pain on night 2 post op. He also removed 8 lymph nodes. It was diagnosed through a routine blood test. Many a thyroid cancer patient will tell you about their fears, depression, aloneness or anxiety when they were told. Greetings. Complications are much less common and can include neck bleeding, permanent hypoparathyroidism that requires ongoing calcium replacement, and damage to . For many, anxiety is a normal response to being expected to make a life-altering decision with minimal information. It was called "the emergency series" and the preoperative tape (yup, it was that long ago) really helped me rest and sleep in the days prior to surgery. The purpose of this article is to help you understand who may make up your . I really feel it was a challenging time kicked up to a much more challenging . - It is okay to be afraid. 6. If the doctor recommends removal of your thyroid (thyroidectomy), you may not even have to worry about a scar on your neck. A frozen section (immediate microscopic reading) may be used to determine if the rest of the thyroid gland should be removed during the same surgery. Papillary and follicular thyroid cancers are the most common types, and are known as differentiated thyroid cancers because they process iodine similarly to normal thyroid tissue. 2. level 2. I've heard so many great things about the doctor and that it's not as painful as I'm imagining. I want to write up my story so that others can maybe learn from the details and also be reassured that this diagnosis does not mean the end of your athletic dreams. Just found out this week from biopsy and ultrasound I get to go for a 2nd surgery. I had a 6-month-old son. Thyroid removal is not the route I want but now the plan is in action. I was stiff as well after surgery just afraid more than anything to move . . At most, your endocrinologist is likely to order what is called a TSH with reflex to free T4. Thyroid surgery can cause damage to the laryngeal nerve, as well as the parathyroid glands. Thyroid Surgery GENERAL INFORMATION Your doctor may recommend that you consider thyroid surgery for 4 main reasons: You have a nodule that might be thyroid cancer. It starts even before surgery with a biopsy to detect if one has thyroid cancer-not always a comfortable procedure. All patients had undergone at least one prior thyroid operation and 16 patients had . The surgery may be recommended because you have thyroid cancer, or it may be done to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), an enlarged thyroid ( goiter ), or thyroid nodules. You will . 1) No matter where the cancer is, the emotional reaction is the same. I recently learned that Dr. Ivan Guldvog, a surgeon in Norway is conducting a clinical trial on the effect of a total thyroidectomy for people with Hashimoto's. A total thyroidectomy is a complete surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Though individual results may vary, most patients can expect results within the range of examples shown here. I desperately need to find peace before going under the knife, but if the last several days are any indication, that may not . After the first surgery where I was really scared, I migrated to "oh yay, a good rest" I used hemi-sync relaxation from the Monroe Institute to prep for surgery. By Karen Smyers. Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Head & Neck Surgeons: these are surgeons who have specialized in diseases affecting the ear, nose, and throat (they are also called ENT surgeons for that reason). The plan is to just remove the . This condition can make your metabolism speed up. Risks of Thyroid Surgery So far so good. Email This Article To A Friend. Hakuna matata 8 level 2 In the U.S., the cost is higher. In September of 1999, I was diagnosed with papillary carcinomathyroid cancer. 2. level 2. They are not going to let you die even if the universe wants to throw crazy stuff in your direction. It revealed a fully contained tumor of the thyroid. Hello, hypothyroidism, as long as it is controlled, and your physical condition allows it, are not contraindications for breast augmentation surgery. The test came back with a very high thyroid level. If your anxiety is due to financial concerns . Hyperthyroidism can be treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, beta blockers and surgery. For me, my four sisters, and my daughter thyroid surgery was the easiest surgery we've ever had. Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor of the thyroid gland. Take your thyroid hormone . I am worried that I will become . Complications are much less common and can include neck bleeding, permanent hypoparathyroidism that requires ongoing calcium replacement, and damage to . Here is what you need to do following a thyroid surgery to ensure that your incisions will heal with minimal scarring. Thyroid cancer treatment team members, their roles, and questions to ask. It is okay to be scared. . Thyroid surgery can be performed for several reasons including goiter, hyper and hypothyroidism, and cancer. At 2 1/2 weeks after surgery, your throat is still healing and there is still swelling present. Washing the Incision Dr. Izabella Wentz / February 3, 2016. You will have dozens of people making sure things go smoothly that day. After the first surgery where I was really scared, I migrated to "oh yay, a good rest" I used hemi-sync relaxation from the Monroe Institute to prep for surgery. The post surgery consultation, I heard it from the doctors mouth. Surgery is the standard treatment for thyroid nodules that we identify as being cancerous, and surgery has a high chance of successfully treating the patient's cancer. Fairer-skinned individuals generally have lighter-colored scars than individuals with darker complexions.