After your Thyroid Surgery
Activity
You will be able to do most things to care for yourself after surgery and are encouraged to do so. You may shower as normal. You will need to avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks and any heavy lifting or straining for 6 weeks.
Wound Care
After your operation, you will go home with a dressing over the wound on your neck. The dressings should stay on until your post op appointment when they will be removed by your surgeon or the specialist nurse.
Mild swelling is not uncommon and will go away over 4-6 weeks. The pink line will slowly fade to white during the next 6-12 months. If any significant swelling develops, please seek urgent medical attention.
Uncommonly, an infection may develop. If you notice increasing pain, swelling or redness around the incision, or you are feeling unwell with a fever, please contact Dr Graham or your GP.
Numbness of the skin under the chin or above the incision is normal and should go away in a few weeks. Your incision may feel itchy while it heals. Avoid rubbing or scratching if possible.
Diet
Some temporary throat discomfort and swallowing difficulty may occur after surgery. These symptoms improve over the days to weeks following your operation. Most patients are able to eat their usual diet within a few days of surgery.
Skin Care
You may shower the next day after your operation. Gently pat the dressing dry. Avoid swimming or soaking in a bath as this may cause the dressing to lift off. Avoid moisturiser around the dressing.
Scar Massage
Dr Graham will indicate when you may start scar massage. This is generally 2 weeks after surgery if you have NOT had any wound complications. Massage helps to soften the scar tissue and reduce the appearance of the scar. You may use whatever kind of cream or oil you like. Massage the area for a few minutes twice a day.
Medications
After a total thyroidectomy, you will require lifelong thyroid hormone supplementation. Take your thyroid medication (thyroxine) as prescribed when you go home. These medications are identical to the hormone made by the thyroid.
Thyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach
Thyroxine tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place out of sunlight. Often it is recommended that they are stored in the fridge.
A temporary drop in your blood calcium level may occur after surgery requiring calcium medication on discharge. Blood tests will be used to guide whether these medications are required and how long you will need to take them for.
You will be supplied with a prescription for a mild pain medication. You do not have to take it. If you do take it, please do not drive or drink alcohol as these in combination may make you drowsy. Most patients do not need strong pain medicine once they leave the hospital.
When to Call a Doctor
For any non-urgent questions, please contact my office on (02) 8011 1020.
Go to the Emergency Department if you have any of the following symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Numbness or tingling in your fingers, hands, or mouth
Muscle spasms
Signs of wound infection (fever, redness, tenderness around the incision)