On 5/14/2008 Girlcat36 wrote:
Had my total thyroidectomy on May 9th. I had to be admitted for 5 days, due to hypocalcemia. So I have a couple questions:
I am not happy with my scar. It's about 4-5" and I have about 14 stitches in it. I was expecting steri strips for some reason. Did you have stitches or steri strips? And what is the reason for each choice?
My stitches will be in for 11 days--seems long, most people I've talked to had them removed right away.
I had a surgical drain(tried to talk my surgeon out of it), and the incision was placed on my collarbone instead of inline with the main incision(didn't like that). The drain was in place for 5 days, then when in was time to pull it--OMG---it wouldn't come out!!! I never want to go through that again! Did you have a drain or not?
Hypocalcemia--I had a textbook--but rarely seen in practice--case of hypocalcemia. If you had this, did it resolve quickly? My doctor said my parathyroids were left intact.
I am now taking 1250 mg calcium carbonate every 6 hours.
What is the difference between prescription calcium carbonate, and Tums?
My neck is pretty stiff, did you do range of motion exercises, and if so when did you start?
Thank you!
Wow! You've really been through it.
1. My stitches were on the inside; just steri strips and a bandage over it. Nothing to remove.
2. Yes I had a drain. Most everyone has one, but it was no big deal. He removed it the next day and I didn't even feel it.
3. My surgeon promised to make the incision in the crease of my neck. He hit it right on and you can barely see it if you're not looking for it. My TT was March 5th.
4. My calcium was fine in the hospital but went low after I went home. My doctor put me on calcium and Vitamin D supplement. I take 500 mg Viactiv in the AM and 750mg tums at night. The next blood test was perfect. Calcium levels are a normal problem from everything I've heard and read, but most people can handle it with supplements with no problem.
5. I did have the complication with my neck swelling up from the inside out right after surgery. My surgeon thought it was because my thyroid had a hard time coming out due to adhesion to my larnyx (sp?). Anyway, I was put on steroids for a week and it cleared up almost immediately. Your neck will be stiff and you'll lose your voice for awhile. I couldn't talk well for almost 7 weeks and couldn't eat for two. It's now 2 + months later and my voice is still alittle raspy.
6. If it's comfortable for you, I would definitely do range of motion exercises. My surgeon said it could tighten up if you don't exercise. I did it the first week and now have total range of motion.
It's a breeze from here on for you. Are you using Thyrogen or hypo? Talk to your dr about Thyrogen. It is wonderful!! Lid diet is a little tough, but if you prepare for it that too isn't so bad.
Let us know if you have questions along the way. This board got me through a lot by answering all of my many questions.
Donna