My usual advice is to ask specifically how many thyroidectomies the surgeon does annually - the number of surgeries they have done directly correlates to a reduced risk of complications. Just because they're a good surgeon doesn't mean they're good at thyroidectomies - there is tissue near your carotid, and often around your vocal cords.

I found my surgeon a little unrealistic about time off work, recovery etc. My surgery was a Tuesday and I took 2 weeks off, then worked shorter weeks the 3rd. I probably could have done work sooner, but it's mostly on the computer and it was uncomfortable to sit for too long. One woman I talked to was back to running after 10 days, but I think that's a bit unusual. I found it uncomfortable to drive for the first 3 weeks after because I couldn't properly turn my head all the way. If you have any calcium and/or parathyroid issues you could be in hospital longer.

The first night after surgery was really uncomfortable. I was in pain, on morphine, and getting bouts of nausea (all normal). By the next evening I was at home and took 1-2 tylenol 3s, and after that I only took a regular tylenol now and then. The incision itself wasn't too bad after the first few days, but the portion above (where the essentially burn out the thyroid tissue) was VERY tender for 1-2 weeks.

My throat was sore, and my voice was really, really quiet for at least a week after. Don't panic, that's just from the intubation.

I'm almost 5 months post-surgery and still feel a tiny bit of tugging when I swallow, and some people have described a sensation like a lump in their throat, but that all fades away.

I would ask WHERE they are doing the incision - mine is along a natural crease in my neck so not that noticable, but I've seen others where it's straight across the neck.


What's the reason for your thyroidectomy? Cancer, nodules/growth, hyperthyroid...?


More importantly: who will be managing your thyroid meds after the surgery? Have you talked about the meds plan? Will you be starting meds before the surgery to get some in your system? What meds? T4 only meds, or a combo T3/T4 med? Personally, I don't think anyone without a thyroid should be on a T4-only med. Some people are fine on it, but by and large thyroidectomy patients need T3 in pill form (because your thyroid produces 20% of your current T3 so you're starting from behind).

What labs will they run - free T3 and free T4? How often? What labs will they base your meds dose on? What is their take on "normal" vs. "optimal", and will they listen to how you FEEL even if the numbers are "normal"? Do they understand that your TSH may be suppressed because your only source of thyroid hormone is now the meds?

If it's for thyroid cancer - what is the plan for RAI and when? What kind of followups will be done after initial treatment? Annual scan? Do they understand that your TSH *must* be suppressed after and WHY that is the case?


That's just off the top of my head, will add more later if I think of it...

I had a tt last September, FNA discovered nodules containing Hurthle cells and I have Hashi's. Post surgery my neck and shoulder area was really sore (they have you in a uncomfortable position during the surgery) and my throat was irritated from the breathing tube but other than that I was fine. I only stayed one night in the hospital due to monitoring my calcium levels which were fine. My voice was never affected. I really didn't need any pain meds after a day or so and was back to working out normally about 4-5 days later. Only took a week off work and was fine when I returned, although I do work a sedentary desk job. I have a 4 yr old daughter so work may have been more relaxing for me! After the surgeorn ok'd it I started using Bio oil (purchased at Target) daily for about 3 months and my incision is hardly noticable. I also had a thyroid surgeon specialist who came highly recommend, ranked in the top 5 in my region of the US. The hard part has been getting levels correct. Fatigue and joint pain have been my biggest issues. I have to FORCE myself to workout on bad days and if I stray from eating clean I can feel it in my bones! I am 33 and in good health despite my crazy thyroid! Message me any questions, would love to help!