What happens when you remove half your thyroid?
If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can’t make thyroid hormone. Without replacement, you’ll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Therefore, you’ll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others).
Is partial thyroidectomy major surgery?
A thyroidectomy is a treatment for a variety of diseases, disorders and conditions of the thyroid gland. A thyroidectomy is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.
How long does it take to recover from a partial thyroidectomy?
You will need to take at least one or two weeks to recover before you return to work and other daily activities. You should not lift any heavy objects for about 2 weeks after your operation to avoid any strain on your neck. Your neck is likely to be swollen and may feel hard and numb right after the surgery.
Will I gain weight after having half my thyroid removed?
Conclusions: On average, patients receiving care for thyroid nodules or cancer gain weight, but existing evidence suggests that surgery for these conditions does not contribute significantly to further weight gain.
What are the side effects of a partial thyroidectomy?
What are the risks of a partial thyroidectomy? You may bleed more than expected and need a blood transfusion. Your voice may be hoarse or weak after surgery, and this may become a long-term problem. Your neck may be bruised and swollen, and it may be hard for you to breathe or swallow.
What are the long term effects of thyroid removal?
Injury to a laryngeal nerve resulting in temporary or permanent hoarseness, Acute respiratory distress in if both laryngeal nerves are injured (rare) Damage to the parathyroid glands that control calcium levels in the blood, leading to low parathyroid hormone (hypoparathyroidism) and low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)
Why am I so tired after having my thyroid removed?
Tiredness and feeling emotional After any operation, your body is using a lot of energy to heal itself, so you will feel more tired than normal. With a thyroid operation, there is another reason for tiredness. The thyroid produces hormones which control the speed at which your body works.
Can a thyroid grow back?
Most people do very well after treatment, but follow-up care is very important since most thyroid cancers grow slowly and can recur even 10 to 20 years after initial treatment.
What happens to your body after total thyroidectomy?
After your thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, you may have a temporary sore throat, neck pain, difficulty swallowing or a weak voice. Your diet will be restricted for the evening of your surgery, but in most cases, it can return to normal the next day.
What supplements should I take after thyroid removal?
Conclusion: Routine administration of a supplement containing oral calcium and vitamin D is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.
Is it hard to swallow after thyroid surgery?
Swallowing symptoms and persistence of complaints reported in our study, including sensation of residue, painful swallowing, and difficulty swallowing, are consistent with previous studies of patients following thyroidectomy.
How long do you stay in the hospital after thyroid surgery?
In the case of thyroid and parathyroid surgery, the risk is 1 in 300 patients (much less than 1%). Because of this rare chance of bleeding, we keep you in the hospital for 4 to 6 hours after the operation for observation and in certain cases may observe you overnight in the hospital.
How long does it take to feel better after thyroid surgery?
Most people take 1 to 2 weeks off to recover. You should not drive for at least a week. There are no other restrictions. Depending on the amount of thyroid tissue that was removed and the reason for your surgery, you may be placed on thyroid hormone (Synthroid or Cytomel).
How long will my throat hurt after thyroid surgery?
Sore Throat/Cough This is normal to experience after surgery and will often last up to 5 days after surgery. Lozenges and a softer diet may be helpful until this resolves. You may also feel like you have phlegm in your throat and need to cough.
Can I talk after thyroid surgery?
You may still have a tube called a drain in your neck. Your doctor will take this out a few days after your surgery. You may have some trouble chewing and swallowing after you go home. Your voice probably will be hoarse, and you may have trouble talking.