JoJo

Hi Gwen,  

I had a complete thyroidectomy in 2000, and was surprised that there was only minor pain from the surgery, but I had muscle spasms that were very uncomfortable that lasted for about a month.   

My hospital stay was short, just overnight to make sure that the swelling didn't get out of control and block my airway.  Before I was released my surgeon removed the bandage to check things and he was concerned about the excessive bruising, and the swelling was a little more than he liked, but I convinced him to let me go home, with the promise if things got worse I would return. I really dislike being in the hospital, and he knew that so he did let me go.  

Trying to eat after the surgery isn't fun,  because there is swelling, and it is hard to swallow, more from swelling than pain.  I was sure that nothing could possibly pass the area, and for the first few days it was very uncomfortable to eat so I ate pudding, mashed potatoes, ice cream, and drank lots of fluids. When you feel like you can swallow again I would recommend that you cut your food into small pieces, it took quite some time before I could eat whatever I wanted.    

I was badly bruised for about 6 weeks. The swelling and muscle spasms were the biggest complaints that I had for the first few weeks, after that it was exhaustion.  It took a long time to get the Synthroid regulated,  and I was exhausted for months.   

My mom, two of her sisters, two of my cousins and myself have all had our thyroids removed and we all had different experiences, not drastic differences but some differences, so I'm sure your experience will be different as well, but hopefully this gives you an idea of what to expect.   

I hope this helps,  if you have more questions please feel free to PM me, I will be glad to answer any questions if I can.    

Hugs, 

JoJo