What is the recovery after thyroid removal surgery?

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You will need to take at least one or two weeks to recover before you return to work and other daily activities. You should not lift any heavy objects for about 2 weeks after your operation to avoid any strain on your neck. Your neck is likely to be swollen and may feel hard and numb right after the surgery.

How long does it take for the incision to heal after thyroid surgery?

Does Thyroid Surgery Leave A Scar? Like all surgeries that require an external incision, there is an initial scar from the incision made to remove some or all of your thyroid. Over time this scar will heal over 8 to 12 weeks and become barely noticeable if taken care of properly.

How long does throat hurt after thyroidectomy?

The feeling of something in the throat should clear on its own in several days time. Some patients experience temporary hoarseness or difficulty swallowing. On rare occasions, the nerve that controls your vocal cord movements may have sustained surgical trauma, resulting in paralysis of one or more vocal cords.

Why am I so tired after having my thyroid removed?

After any operation, your body is using a lot of energy to heal itself, so you will feel more tired than normal.

How soon can I shower after thyroidectomy?

You can shower 24 hours (1 day) after your surgical drain is removed. If you don’t have a drain, you can shower 48 hours after your surgery.

What should I watch after thyroid surgery?

Risks

Bleeding.
Infection.
Low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism) caused by surgical damage or removal of the parathyroid glands. These glands are located behind your thyroid and regulate blood calcium.
Airway obstruction caused by bleeding.
Permanent hoarse or weak voice due to nerve damage.

What are the side effects of thyroid surgery recovery?

Thyroid Surgery Recovery, Side Effects, and Complications 1 Nausea and Vomiting. Nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy was the norm at one time,… 2 Neck Pain and Stiffness. The neck is put in an extended position during surgery,… 3 A Sore Throat. Thyroid surgery is often done under general anesthesia with a breathing tube placed…

What should I expect during thyroid and parathyroid surgery?

Most patients will be eating, drinking, and walking around the night of their surgery. Typically, there is not a lot of pain involved with thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Rarely narcotic pain medication will be required, but it will be available to you if needed. Most patients only need acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort.

How much weight will I gain after thyroid surgery?

We know from medical studies(2) (and just from patient experience) that about 80% of patients will GAIN weight once their thyroid is removed. The average amount of weight gained post thyroidectomy is somewhere around 15 to 20 pounds.

Is swallowing after thyroid surgery a common symptom?

Swallowing problems (dysphagia) are a common symptom after thyroid surgery, though they’re usually transient. Eating soft foods for the first few days can be helpful.