Hi,

I'm due to have this operation in two weeks. Very nervous but trying to stay positive!

Ive had a lump on my neck for four years but recently it had grown in size. I had an ultrasound and fine needle biopsy and both were inconclusive so it's been recommended I have this procedure.

Please can I ask those on here:

- if your thyroid hormone levels returned to normal (I.e the remaining half perfectly compensated for the missing half)?

- if they did return to normal levels how long did it take for this to happen?

- if they didn't return to normal levels what medication did you have to take and was this for a period of time, or will you need to take them for life?

I'm 39 and had planned to start the IUI/ IVF journey shortly (I have my initial appointment next week to check fertility levels). So what I'm most nervous about, is the effect of this operation on my thyroid levels - as they seem to be critical to get pregnant and throughout pregnancy to ensure a healthy baby.

I wasn't asked if I plan on having children so I assume I'm worrying for nothing, but I'm concerned:

- it's just assumed at my age I'm not planning for children, or

- than I haven't received the info on the fertility implications of the procedure.

thank you so much! 

Hi Rosie2021

I remember very clearly how I felt the couple of weeks leading up to the op, I was a bag of nerves but trying to stay positive like you. The anxiousness leading up to the op is much worse than the op itself and afterwards I healed very quickly and was pretty much back to my normal self and working after a couple of weeks. 
The thing I found most helpful after the op was a pregnancy pillow (C shaped one) which propped me up a bit sleeping and also stopped me from rolling on my side. 
I wasn't in pain afterwards, only mild discomfort. 
 

I had my thyroid levels checked at my 2 weeks post op and they were the same as pre op. About 3 months later I started to feel a bit more tired and cold than I normally do so I had my bloods done by the GP. My levels had dropped a bit but were still 'within normal range'. Pre op my thyroid levels were at the running at the higher end of normal (faster metabolism) and my later bloods were at the lower end of normal. 

I left it another month or two but was still getting very cold and had my bloods taken again and they had dropped a little more (but still in normal range) so my GP suggested going on a very low dose of levothyroxine (2.5mg once daily) and see how I felt on that. 

After two months of taking I had loads more energy and wasn't experiencing unreasonable coldness any more so I have stuck on 2.5mg and my levels have rose a bit ( but not to their original levels).  I think I am taking them indefinitely, unless I want to try weening off them and ideally my GP wanted to check my bloods every 3-6months (but that hasn't been so straight forward in these times!) 
 

Neither my GP or ENT surgeon mentioned hypothyroidism in relation to fertility, but I think that's probably because I would have been managed differently and medicated earlier if my thyroid levels were so low that they would affect fertility.

If it is something you are concerned about, you are likely to see you surgeon on the day of your op, pre surgery, so maybe mention your concerns and they maybe able to reassure you. 
 

I wish you a speedy recovery and try a relax before hand! 

Hey reading everyone's comments on here I'm going in for the same operation on Wednesday I'm a bag of nerves and I have huge concerns about weight gain after the operation. I'm reading all over the internet that I will gain weight after the operation did anyone else experience this? 

Just wanted to say thank you for this thread. It was hugely helpful in helping me deal with my own fears about my thyroid lobectomy, which took place two days ago. It went as you and others have described on this thread, and I so agree that the lead up is far worse than the op itself.

After one uncomfortable night in hospital, the drain was out and I could go home that morning. I'm recovering at home and also only needing paracetamol.

Results hopefully within the next couple of weeks, although some helpful assurance from the surgeon that he could see no problems with lymph nodes etc. Voice a little hoarse and neck somewhat stiff, but so far so good. 

Hi Maire, hope you are recovering well!

I recently got U3 and Thy3f, and the doctor indicated a surgery might be needed. But he was not very sure and said he would take my case to MDT meeting for further advice. I am now a bit lost as there is no one I can contact for further information. I don't know this docotor' name and I have more questions now.

In you case, did you just wait for your doctor to call you, or is it possible for patients to directly contact the doctor we see in our appointment? And I just wonder about your timeline. After endocrinology consultation, how long did it take to see the surgeons to plan the actual surgeries? And how fast was the surgery scheduled? Many thanks!!

Hi Marie 

I am so happy that you found the post useful. I was so fearful and scared leading up to the op and really wanted to try reduce fears for others. I remember that night in hospital well, but as you said once the drain is out and you are home you can really start to recover.  
I hope you have good news with your results and that you heal quick! Make sure you have lots of delicious food and rest! 
All the best!! 

Hi Bennn

i had the consultants name so they were easier to contact. It might be worth giving the hospital a call and see if one of the secretaries can help you?

I was offered either the surgery or ongoing monitoring with the warning that surgery was likely to be needed at some point. After discussion we agreed to go ahead with the op.

I was lucky to get a speedy appointment as I was covered privately through work, which I know is very fortunate. The hospital should be able to advise you on wait times.

i hope this helps and the very best of luck.

Marie

Hi, Marie, thanks for your advice. I will give the hospital a call tomorrow morning.

Hope you can have good news about the result soon.

Thank you, you made a real difference to how fearful I was. I have everything crossed for the results, but I'm optimistic that at worst the other side needs removing and at best I'm sorted for now, save the hormone balancing act. 

I was wondering how you were informed of the results? Was it by letter or did you have to go in for an appointment? Thanks :) 

Hi, 

I attended for an appointment with the consultant for my results 2 weeks after surgery. 
 

Hi can anyone on this thread tell me if there swellings was hard or soft please  xx

Hi can anyone on this thread tell me if there swellings was hard or soft please  xx

Hi, 

Mine was firm but not rock hard.