Pre-surgical consultation #1 of 4 scheduled. Saw a doctor associated with St. Vincent's Hospital. Notes below:
- Thyroid feels a little firm on the left side
- 1.5-2 hour surgery, overnight stay
- Pain probably not related to nodules (Lisa is skeptical)
- Iodine treatment 4 weeks post-surgery
- Exam one year later
- Removal of thyroid can cause calcium levels to drop - calcium supplements may be needed
- About a week of recovery/week out of work after the surgery
- Uncommon surgical result that they are very careful to avoid, but possible - temporary or permanent vocal chord paralysis
- Two or three enlarged lymph nodes that will need to come out most likely
- Small incision, 2-3 inches, center of neck - heals clean
- Should have the surgery in 4-6 weeks
- Surgery would be at St. Vincent's
- Dr. does "one or two" thyroid surgeries a week
- Observed some redness in larynx and additional tonsil tissue
- Surprised MRI was ordered - is okay with it
- In surgery - will remove right lobe first and then send for immediate pathology to ensure no mistake was made in the initial pathology assessment before removing the entire thyroid (called a "frozen section")
Lisa - I am praying for you. I had my entire thyroid removed three years ago (multinodular toxic goiter) and have a great endo here in Jersey if you need yet another opinion and get desperate enough to cross the bridge. I will be checking in regularly.
ReplyDeleteMary Cowan
Thank you so much, Mary. I'd love to talk with you about this. Let's hook up on Facebook to chat. It's good to hear you're doing well and are happy with your care!
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