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what to expect

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steve52463
steve52463

My Dr has suggested a complete thyroid removal. Still haven't made up my mind to do it. But If I do what can I expect as far as changes to my lifestyle? I am 54 years old male, very active with running, biking and obstacle course racing. Main concerns are heart palpitations, weight gain and fatigue. Looking for all who have been there, done that. Please reply back.

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3 Replies

  • christine1956
    christine1956 steve52463

    Posted

    You don't say why you need to have your thyroid removed - mine was enlarged and I was having chocking sensation at night - doctors told me it would mean I would be on a tablet for the rest of my life, this is true but he didn't tell me the other problems high blood pressure and all the other symptoms so think very carefully and check out other alternatives

    • steve52463
      steve52463 christine1956

      Posted

      I already take meds for high blood and synthyroid. had a partial removal in 1996. a nodule has formed and is growing on the thyroid. it has grown a1/2 centimeter this year. he thinks it will continue to grow. but i feel good and am very active, escpicially for a 54 yr old. what else can i expect from this type of surgery and thew aftermath ?
  • TassyJim
    TassyJim steve52463

    Posted

    My wife had a total removal a few years ago. She had a few weeks with a horse voice before it came back to nearly normal.

    It took about 6 months to get the thyroxine and calcium levels correct but since then, no real issues.

    We travel and are active. Keeping the thyroxine cool while traveling is the biggest issue and that's easy enough to sort out.

    I had a total removal 10 days ago and my energy levels etc seem reasonable for such a short time after the op. The starting dose of thyroxine must be close to correct.

    My problem is my voice. The best I can manage is a whisper and multi-syllable words are very difficult.

    I expect my voice will be  a slow recovery - as in months.

    The ENT surgeon will have a look next week but I am pretty certain that the vocal cords are working, just not very well.

    I had chronic laryngitis before the op so I don't expect miracles.

    It's too early to tell if the parathyriods are OK so I don't know if I will need the calcium permanently.

    One less pill to pop would be nice.

    Jim

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