Fatigue and pain

Hi. I went back to work after similar time as you to a busy community pharmacy. I know now that it was too soon.

The advice would be to take painkillers when they are due, not miss a dose, so for example paracetamol 4 hourly and for fatigue you need to rest when you have a chance. I don't know if going back of sick is something you could think about, I know not all of us are just able to go without wages.

It will take some time but you will get better and stronger. Take care x

Hello. I was given a three week sick note by ward staff and returned to my gardening job around that time. It was ridiculously early the cycle of pain and numbness in my neck was so distressing making me feel like an absolute failure. I took a few days off unpaid just to see if I needed that additional short space of time.

I'm now 7 weeks post hemithyroidectomy and not even back part time the fatigue crept up then overwhelmed me til I was rotating between sleeping all of one day then part time work the next . 

This is my own business which has taken 20 yrs to build up so I can assure you I certainly am not prepared to just give up lightly. However for now others have had to step in to assist in also facing full thyroidectomy very soon certainly do not envisage a three week post operation hop skip and jump back to work. 

I'm afraid the short answer is yes your body is screaming at you im not ready to return to work. Go back to your Dr tell them exactly what is happening and the pain you are in plus the fatigue. Request a full blood test to see where your thyroid levels are as well. I'd personally take a family member or friend with you who can clearly state how distressing it it is to see you like this battling through something which is clearly bringing you to your knees.

Look after yourself im sure with the right  input you will return to work but not right now.

Kind regards

Flukka 66

Hi. New here and first post.

I am in a similar position. 7 weeks post op on Tuesday (partial thyroidectomy and right neck disection). I too would like to return to work for sanity and financial reasons. However most days im absolutely exhausted by mid to late afternoon. Talking is difficult due to a damaged vocal nerve as a result of surgery too. Some days my energy levels are ok, others like today are non existent. Bloods done and remaining thyroid is functioning ok!?! Im sure everyone is different and will depend on what kind of work you do too as to what is manageable. My work have been great and at this stage theres no pressure. I do need a further op to remove the thyroid thats left so really want to keep some absence pay for then! 

I have restated my iron, magnesium and vitamin D supplements in recent days. Hoping they will make a difference. 

Hello.

Is it possible to phone your work place and arrange a face to face chat. I know how exhausted you are feeling seriously all folk on here know that physical and mental strain once the surgery system has encircled you so no need to explain here. 

Right it's all systems go for you to get recovery time . I know this goes against what is probably your stance and mine but get that face to face time assuming I'm talking to a lady but the same for a man coat off scarf off hair up at this chat your scar is your journey . When you go in head back and clearly state this will all be reopened for the next stage and I will not be able to sleep flat once again for weeks hold that strength you now have in you to speak firmly . State I'm still not cancer free im on the NICE NHS guidelines and American thyroid Association guidelines hoping that these surgeries remove macroscopic state your cancer type cancer and your diagnosis ( on your letters)  it will be something like pT2m n1b papillary thyroid cancer with oncocytic variant with lower lateral level 4 lymph node cancer ( that's my diagnosis) firmly and clearly . Then I may be facing RAI treatment you will have to have time off for that because of the isolation. 

Due to my own experience I beg you to check and double check what is needed and will be done during any further surgery. As an aside if you do have a total thyroidectomy you will be in levothyroxin for life you will need to explain this at work as well getting levels right thus your energy level is notoriously hard we are living human beings pushed and pulled by intricate hormone levels you won't be able to eat a mars bar or yorkie to get you through that fatigue no only getting your level right will do that.

Go in prepared and you will come out with a good result it's not about luck it's about preparation.

Take care.

Flukka66