1. It's Gotta Go
The removal of the thyroid is called a thyroidectomy. During the procedure, a doctor makes an incision at the base of the neck and removes all or part of the thyroid gland while the patient is under general anesthesia. A head and neck surgeon will decide to remove a thyroid because of malignancy, an untreatable goiter, severe hyperthyroidism or Grave's Disease.
2. Care for the Incision
The incision will be sensitive immediately following the surgery. On the first day, the surgical site will be drained by a tube extending from the neck. A nurse will empty this drain tube every few hours. Do not use heat or ice on the incision. If you experience pain, tell your doctor or nurses, and they will give you pain medication.
3. Post-Operative Complications
After thyroid removal, patients will remain in the hospital for a day or two so that the wound can drain and the nursing staff can monitor them for conditions such as lowered calcium levels (called hypocalcemia), nausea, infection and other complications. There are small glands behind the thyroid called the parathyroid glands. If these glands are disturbed or touched, they can stop working. These small glands control the amount of calcium and vitamins in your blood. If they stop working, you will need to take calcium supplements until they revive. If calcium levels drop too low, it could affect your heart and other vital organs.
4. Hormonal Changes
After having your thyroid removed, you will no longer have the gland that helps produce some of the most important hormones in the body. The hormones in your thyroid help control your heart rate, metabolism, male/female hormones and vitamin levels. To help control the thyroid hormones and to prevent them from dropping, you'll have to take hormone replacements for the rest of your life. These replacements usually come in pill form. The doctor may have to experiment with different amounts after your surgery to find the right amount that will enable you to maintain a healthy life.
5. Life is Better After Thyroid Removal
Many people report feeling better shortly after surgery. Most people return to their normal activities after about a week or so. Frequent doctor visits after the surgery are needed to normalize the calcium and hormone levels. Within a few months, you will feel like a new person. Many people say that they feel more energetic and happier, with an improved sense of overall well-being. Just don't forget to take your medication. Your life will depend on it after surgery.
