thyroid surgery
Once you start treatment, you need to know what awaits you and that you are honest with your treatment team. They will answer your questions so that you can make an informed decision about your life. All of these questions may not apply to you, but it may be helpful for you to know the answers.
Here are some of the questions and their answers:
- What is the recovery like?
Recovery is typically short, and pain minimal. The most common complaints are fatigue, a sore throat and generalized soreness, but they generally resolve within a few weeks.
- When can I go back to work?
Recovery varies, but most people return to work one to two weeks after surgery.
- When can I eat? What can I eat?
There are no restrictions on what you may eat or drink after surgery. Some people experience a sore throat and prefer soft foods for a few days. It is recommended that you avoid heavy, greasy or spicy meals for the first few days.
- What activities can I do?
There are no restrictions on normal activities after surgery. You may feel more tired than usual, but it usually resolves quickly. Light activity such as walking is encouraged to help speed up recovery. Gentle neck exercises will help prevent neck stiffness after surgery.
- When can I talk again?
You may talk immediately after surgery. Your throat may be sore but talking is highly encouraged.
- How do I take care of the dressing over my incision?
Typically, Steri-Strips are placed over the wound. These should remain intact for seven to ten days. You may remove them after a week.
- When can I shower?
You may shower 24-48 hours after surgery. We recommend that you leave the Steri-Strips intact and lightly dry them off with a towel when finished. Avoid swimming, baths and hot tubs for at least 2 weeks post surgery.
- What should I eat to relieve pain?
After discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for painkillers. Take ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen for the first 3 to 5 days if you have pain at home and if necessary. Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Painkillers may cause constipation. If this problem occurs, you can use over-the-counter laxatives.
- How does a wound heal?
Most scars turn into smooth white lines over time. The incision site will be slightly prominent and there may be slight swelling and bruising at the incision site. This is normal for a few weeks after surgery and resolves over time.
- Why is my scar red?
During the first few weeks after surgery, the surgical line area becomes red, hard, and normal. You may feel swelling or stiffness that goes away over time.
It is also possible that a small amount of watery, red fluid may seep out a day or two after surgery, which is normal. Contact your doctor if the wound is thick and yellow (such as pus), or you have a fever, or if your incision becomes red and hot.
- When do wounds heal?
Wounds are usually permanent and less visible as the healing progresses.
- Does putting Vitamin E oil on the scar help?
There is no guarantee whether Vitamin E oil helps scars heal faster or become less visible. Applying any oil or lotion that adds moisture will help. One to two weeks after surgery, it is a good idea to massage your scar gently but firmly (using oil or lotion) for five minutes, a few times each day.
- What about sunlight and scars?
Keep out of direct sunlight for up to one year after surgery. Too much direct sunlight makes a scar darker in color than the skin around it. You should use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when outdoors.
If symptoms such as:
- High fever,
- Difficulty swallowing,
- increased pain at the incision site that is not relieved with painkillers;
- Increased swelling, redness or discharge from the incision
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers, toes or around the mouth
- Muscle cramps
You should see your doctor. Consult your doctor and get advice from him. You should also consult your doctor about whether or not you need a mental health professional.
You can write a number of your own questions next to these sample questions and try to make sure you do so. Remember that doctors are not the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer some of your questions.
References
https://www.mcw.edu/departments/surgery/divisions/surgical-oncology/patient-care/endocrine-surgery/patient-information-before-and-after-surgery/before-and-after-thyroid-surgery
https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/surgery/endocrine-surgery/conditions/thyroid-gland/after
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/thyroid-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html
