Advertisement
Do you suffer from chronic pain?
Learn how straightening up can ease your pain
Chronic pain management tips
Learn how straightening up can ease your pain
Chronic pain management tips
More DailyStrength
|
Terrified
|
Watch this |
| View More Posts Ignore |
I am a disabled vet who was getting x-rays prior to reconsctuctive surgery for my spine when the x-rays accidentally found lumps in my thryoid. That led to an unltra scan within the month. I had to reschedule the biopsy twice due to time constraints. Within two weeks of the biopsy, there was talk of surgery. Due to other things going on in my life, I asked that it be postponned one week - but now we are at crunch time.
Anyone who has worked with the VA on surgery (my spinal surgery has been a year in process and might be another year before it happens) knows that they NEVER are fast about anything, but we have gone from x-rays to surgery in just over two months. They are taking out my whole thyroid plus the lymph nodes - today they called it neck disection. I already take six oxycotten for pain a day for my spine. I can't fathom coping through any more pian. I am at the raggidy edge of functioning as it is - how much is this going to hurt? I don't heal well from surgery - the last surgery I had was emergency and it took months for the pain to go away - but that was before my spine took this latest turn for the worse. I was ill for months and I was not admitted for that surgery - but sent home a few hours later. I am terrifed as my pain levels are not under control enough now for me to be functional for more than a couple hours a day - how about after they lay open my neck? And if you havn't guessed it, I have Post traumatic Stress Disorder which makes everythign worse.... Posted on 06/21/12, 11:54 pm |
| 5 Replies | Add Your Reply |
| View More Posts Ignore |
First of all, thank you so much for your service. :) Secondly, assuming there are no complications, thyroid surgery really isn't that taxing on the body. You'll want to allow yourself 2-3 weeks to rest, you'll need lots of soft foods (oatmeal and broth were great for me), and other than that, just avoid talking because it stresses your throat. I had a total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection and I was on my feet, doing housework within 1 week of surgery. So I'd say it really won't hurt much at all, especially compared to what you're dealing with your back. Thyroid patients seem to be a bit dramatic at times -- don't let that scare you. :) It's really very manageable. If you need some comfort, read the Psalms, especially Psalm 33. :) 
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
So, I am a lot calmer today - which is a great thing.
My next question is about the radioactive iodine. The Docors have not said much about it other than it will happen after the surgery. The research I have done says that I need to keep distance from people and pets - I have a Servie Dog in Training who is a four month old puppy. The research I am doig makes me think that I need to find a baby sitter for her while dealing with this radiation. Does this sound right? She is triained to never be more than a few feet from me - other than when she is on play time. yadlim
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
I would advise finding a babysitter for her for at least the first 5 days... Here's the best info I've found on RAI; it really tells you everything! :)
http://thyca.org/rai.htm
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
Hello. I had radioactive iodine 3 months after my thyroidectomy. I went to the site that mebuescher said. It is very informative. Yes, you need to distance yourself from people and pets which you are radioactive. I was away from my family and pets for about 5 days.
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
I had two surgeries to remove a large tumor and one to finish the thyroid removal. Adams apple went too. My voice was crappy for a month. Pain wasn't bad. The RAI was my hell. I am claustrophobic and the hospital room I was confined in was my undoing. I got really sick and my mental anguish translated into physical symtoms.
My doc said to stay away from others for 72 hrs and stay away from airports for 90 days.
|
|
|
|
||
| Add Your Reply |
Advertisement
More From Around the Web
