Thyroid and Lymph nodes operation

Hello Lyle

Very sorry to hear you’ve got this to deal with.

I had a total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection in Feb 22. I was very scared and had never had surgery before. I was in hospital for 4 nights, some of it’s a blur.   The staff were incredibly kind which I appreciated as I hate needles etc .
When I came home I took it very easy.  I had my dressings removed by a friend who’s a nurse but I would recommend speaking to your surgery to find out about arranging this - not so easy to do yourself as it’s all glued on!  

i saw my fabulous surgeon after 3 weeks and she told me to start massaging my scars with Bio oil.  I felt anxious about this but did it twice daily for 10 minutes over 4 months and now my scars are almost gone. The point is to break down the scar tissue. 

it’s completely natural to be scared and if I need more surgery I will be again, but I think it taught me to trust the professionals who do this day in day out. 
Wishing you peace of mind x 

Thank you for that reassurance, I've been told that I'll only be in hospital for one night, my daughter is coming to stay with me for a few days, and have been told after a few days to get out  and do a walk, I been to get out to be able to play my bowls  again

I forgot to say on my first post, that some spots have been found on my lungs, which can happen sometimes, but they have assured me that this nothing to worry about these will be zapped when I have e RAI treatment, I suppose you have to believe  what they are telling you!  As if you don't have enough to think about

Hi Lyle, I had TT and central and rh side neck dissection last July.  I had 60 lymph nodes removed in all and the operation was over 7 hours.  I felt fine afterwards, obviously not great but had a headache and sore throat from the anaesthetic but only needed paracetamol.  I remember feeling tired on an evening after getting home for a while, and was told to not lift anything heavy for a while too.  With rest I was soon back to normal.  It is a shock and I am so sorry you are having to deal with this, we all totally understand how anxious you must be feeling right now.  I wish you all the best for next week and a speedy recovery.

Definitely get some light exercise @Lyle, I had a walk a few times a week with my hubby and it lifts your spirits.  I don't remember having any dressings on my scar, and was told not to get it wet for the first 72 hours, so had to be gentle getting washed etc.  I agree with Gold Finch about massaging your scar and moisturising, it does help, but don't start too early let it heal a bit first.  Think I started gently massaging around the 3-4 weeks mark and still do now 10 months one, it has become a morning and evening ritual for me using E45 cream, and my scar has healed nicely and is only a feint line now.  Best wishes for your surgery, it will soon be over and you can focus on your recovery.