Following my earlier posts about thyroid surgery, including my full surgery account and a one-year update, this reflection is a little overdue. Life has continued to be a bit of a rollercoaster since then.
In December it will be two years since my thyroid was removed. I’m still taking varying doses of thyroxine and my levels have been fluctuating. That instability has given me a lot of time to reflect on the experience and what I wish I had done differently.
My most recent blood test, taken just over a month ago, came back showing I was feeling a bit hyper — and, as it turned out, my thyroid hormone levels were a little high. My dose was reduced and I felt some improvement, but I became worried that a small lump was reappearing on my neck.
To be honest, I’ve been quite ranty about it. Everyone keeps telling me the lump isn’t noticeable, but I can see it and it bothers me. An ultrasound was done and the doctors said it’s just leftover thyroid tissue. Even so, after having surgery to remove a goiter, it’s frustrating to see any sign of it again.
With that in mind, I’ve reached a few conclusions. Mostly, I feel that my surgery was rushed.
- My thyroid was still somewhat overactive at the time of surgery — perhaps it would have been better to wait until it was more controlled.
- After the operation I was told my thyroid had been “very big and oozing,” which suggests it wasn’t at normal levels when the decision to operate was made.
- My staples were removed in under 48 hours, and I believe that contributed to my scar being wider in the middle than I expected.
- If the surgery had been scheduled more deliberately, maybe there wouldn’t be this small amount of residual tissue now.
- Finally, this was never as straightforward as I assumed it would be.
I don’t regret having the surgery. Removing the goiter was the right decision for my health. Still, nearly two years later I’m being referred back to my specialist because a tiny remnant appears to be returning and my scar isn’t the thin line I hoped for.
As the photo below shows, the obvious goiter is gone and the visible change is dramatic — even if I can still detect a small lump myself.
Perhaps I’m just venting. I don’t want to discourage anyone from having what is likely to be a straightforward procedure, but I do recommend being completely ready before going under the knife: ensure your hormone levels are stable, ask questions about timing, and discuss wound care and staple removal timing with your surgeon.
Have you had a similar experience with thyroid surgery? What would you do?