Hi, I am 28 and have three children, I was diagnosed with graves disease 3 years ago and after being treated with medication and undergoing radio iodine that wasn't successful had a total thyroidectomy seven weeks ago, I had quite a large goitre that was causing me difficulty swallowing. The operation itself wasn't too bad at all, I was put to sleep and it wasn't especially painful afterwards, the first night was the worst but once the drains (normally by day 3) were removed I felt much better. I was able to eat the night I came back from theatre and found the pre-op info Heartlands supplied was really excellent. My scar has healed amazingly well and the operation was a succes and my recovery was very good. My parathyroid glands were fine after a week or so, but my voice is still hoarse and feels tight seven weeks on! Hope this will improve? Unfortunately getting my TSH levels has been a lot harder , I am really suffering with the symptoms of being underactive and after returning to work soon became exhauseted and am off again!
So the operation for me was the easy bit, see the hypothyroidsim site for more about managing the symptoms of being underactive!!
My advice to anyone considering surgery is look at all the options and read up on the condition yourself, as everyone is so individual what is right for you may not be right for another. Just be prepared for the post op effects, and give yourself time, because its tough especially if you work and have a family!! Best wishes...:lol::lol::lol::wink::wink::ok::ok:
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I was glad to read your experience. I am due to have a partial thyroid removal in 3 weeks time. I feel lousey now so hopefully after recovery i might feel somewhat improved . I hope you're continuing to get better, Take care,
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i read your article the other night. I fully understand and emphasie with you. My operation was one week ago;total thyroidectomy.I am married and have one child. previous to my surgery i suffered Graves disease. My life was a turmoil all the time with continuous rages and mood swings. I was so unhappy,also the physical symptons hand tremours, palpitations, hot sweats, and put on alot of weight from taking anti thyroid tablets. I couldnt wait to have the surgery. My friends and family noticed a big change in me. I just wanted the old person to return before i was diagnosed with this illness two years ago.
Since having surgery, a week ago i am expecting miracles, I thought i would be well in myself but instead have symptons of depression, tiredness and lethargy.I feel like crying all the time. i have started thyroxine 100mcgs daily.Has the weeks go on I hope to improve or maybe I am on a long road to recovery. Its nice to know their are people out there, who are suffering what i have been through. We need more literature in the after care, without a thyroid. good luck.
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Hi, glad to hear your operation was a success. I'm in limbo at the moment, not quite sure what is ahead. I saw the thyroid consultant yesterday and my thyroid is still "raging" as she put it. So 4 more weeks on 30mg of carbimazole, and then see her again on 20/4. As I've already had ione dose of radio-iodine, I'm not too optimistic about the increased meds having any effect as I've been on them 5 months already.
Therefore, the options I'll have in April will be more radio-iodine or surgery. We did discuss it as a possibility yesterday, however as I've just had a Cholecostomy too (gall bladder removal) I'm a little unsure about yet more surgery. Then again, don't want more radio-iodine! I'll probably opt for surgery, and reading your experience has been a help...so thank you for sharing.:D
Regards, Andy.
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