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Re side effects of operation

avemaria
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Hi please may I ask you I have been offered the choice of having thyroid nodules removed but because of previous surgery on thyroid there is a risk of damage to vocal chords and aspiration on swallowing causes coughing and choking this really scared me as chocking is a real fear I have and I have trouble swallowing mainly with liquid not really food 

I can also opt to wait till February and have scans

repeated which is what I have agreed to 

but is there anything they can do after operation to help with the choking aspect if it could be corrected it doesn’t sound quite so scary but I won’t be seeing consultant now until February and I don’t know who to ask about this 

Thankyou 

  • Hello and thank you for coming back to us. 

    I think we may have helped with this question for you before, but it can be hard for us to give you specific advice about your situation.

    What I can say is that everyone who has this type of surgery would have the support of a speech and language team (SALT) who would be reviewing and assessing you and advising on what to avoid while you are healing and recovering. Difficulties in swallowing (dysphagia)  are managed by sometimes changing the consistency of foods and fluids.

    Take care and do write down questions that you have for your doctors so you can ask them at appointments and then understand your situation better.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Sarah

    Thankyou 

    for your reply I’m so sorry ve just repeated my self asking the same question I do apologise 

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