What not to eat when you have your thyroid removed?

Although there are really no strict diet limitations after thyroid surgery, it is often recommended that you avoid spicy, heavy or fried foods in the first week after surgery. Some people experience a sore throat after surgery, and spicy or deep fried foods can add to that discomfort.

How long does it take for your throat to heal after thyroid surgery?

Most people are ready to return home within one day of surgery, but take off about two weeks from work to recover. You’ll need to refrain from heavy lifting or other tasks that can strain your neck for up to three weeks after your surgery.

How should I sleep after thyroid surgery?

Head of Bed: Please elevate the head of your bed 30-45 degrees or sleep in a recliner at 30-45 degrees for the first 3-4 days to decrease swelling. The skin above the incision may look swollen after lying down for a few hours.

How long will my neck be swollen after thyroid surgery?

You might notice bruising around your incision or upper chest and slight swelling above the incision when you are upright. The swelling may remain for 3 to 4 weeks.

Is it OK to cough after thyroidectomy?

Sore Throat/Cough

This is normal to experience after surgery and will often last up to 5 days after surgery. Lozenges and a softer diet may be helpful until this resolves. You may also feel like you have phlegm in your throat and need to cough. This is due to the irritation of the tube in your windpipe during surgery.

How long will my neck hurt after thyroidectomy?

Most often, neck stiffness lasts for only a few days to a few weeks after surgery.

When can I shower after thyroid surgery?

You can shower 24 hours (1 day) after your surgical drain is removed. If you don’t have a drain, you can shower 48 hours after your surgery.

What vitamins should I take after thyroidectomy?

Conclusion: Routine administration of a supplement containing oral calcium and vitamin D is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

Why do you breathe hard after thyroidectomy?

Common causes of this complication include compression due to formation of a hematoma, tracheal collapse, laryngeal edema and bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and they should be taken into consideration to ensure prevention and/or timely treatment of dyspnea (1,2).

How do I prepare for thyroid surgery?

Day Before Surgery

As a general rule, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before, and arrive at least two hours before your scheduled surgery. Most often you can take your routine medications with a sip of water. Medication guidelines prior to surgery will be discussed at your pre-operative visit.

What are the side effects after thyroid surgery?

Potential complications include:
  • Bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism) caused by surgical damage or removal of the parathyroid glands. …
  • Airway obstruction caused by bleeding.
  • Permanent hoarse or weak voice due to nerve damage.

How big is the incision for thyroid surgery?

HOW BIG WILL THE INCISION BE? This is largely dependent on how big your thyroid is and how extensive a surgery is required for removal. You may ask your surgeon how long they expect your incision to be. In general, most incisions will be between 1.5 to 3 inches long.

How long do you stay in hospital after thyroid surgery?

In the case of thyroid and parathyroid surgery, the risk is 1 in 300 patients (much less than 1%). Because of this rare chance of bleeding, we keep you in the hospital for 4 hours after the operation for observation and in certain cases may observe you overnight in the hospital.

What is life like after thyroid removal?

You will need to take at least one or two weeks to recover before you return to work and other daily activities. You should not lift any heavy objects for about 2 weeks after your operation to avoid any strain on your neck. Your neck is likely to be swollen and may feel hard and numb right after the surgery.

Do you gain weight after a thyroidectomy?

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy experience possible mild weight gain, particularly younger individuals and those with hyperthyroidism as the indication for surgery.

How painful is a thyroidectomy?

Pain at the incision is minimal (most liken it to a sore throat), and patients generally require only mild pain medication (for example, acetaminophen) by the first day after the operation. It may be more comfortable to eat soft foods for a few days.

Is thyroid surgery a major surgery?

A thyroidectomy is a common but major surgery with serious risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.

Will I have a drain after thyroid surgery?

What to Expect at Home. You may have a drain with a bulb coming from your incision. This drain removes any blood or other fluids that might build up in this area. You may have some pain and soreness in your neck at first, especially when you swallow.

Can a thyroid grow back?

Although having the capacity to grow in response to a stimulus that perturbs the pituitary-thyroid axis, the thyroid gland is considered not a regenerative organ.

Can you survive without a thyroid and no medication?

Aside from having your thyroid levels tested regularly and taking medication daily to give your body the thyroid hormone it needs, people without a thyroid live an otherwise normal life.

Can a thyroid nodule be removed without removing the thyroid?

Bulging or uncomfortable thyroid nodules used to require surgery. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective alternative – no surgery or hormone therapy required.