For those of you who have stumbled across this blog in search of information about thyroid surgery, hopefully this page will make things a little easier to navigate!
In December 2010, I had surgery to remove my overactive thryoid.
Thyroid conditions have often been linked to coeliac disease, and having suffered from hyperthyroidism for as long as I can remember, it has been a big part of my life!
Before having my thyroid removed I was on medication for years, it then went into remission before becoming overactive again.
This time, I decided I wanted it out!
Before my operation I was in a blind panic of googling and after not being able to find much information on people’s personal experiences of the surgery, I was a nervous wreck.
I have created this page in the hope that if you are going through thyroid surgery or have just had an operation, it might put your mind at ease a bit!
Here’s all my thyroid related posts so far (will keep updating as and when I post – newest at the top!)….
A long overdue thryoid update (nearly 2 years post-op)
Thyroidectomy Scar 5 months on
Another month gone by with no thyroid!
My Thyroidectomy Experience (post op)
Coeliac Disease linked with thyroid cancer (news)
Links between Coeliac Disease and Thyroid Conditions (my experience)
For those of you who want to see the gory details (If you’re having/had the surgery I know you’re dying to see what the scar looks like!) here’s some images (which I hope to update regularly!) on the progression of my scar.
For those of you who are a little squeamish, look away now!
15th Dec 2010, The day after my op (complete with surgical drain and staples!)
20th Dec 2010 – Back home, staples are all gone and there’s a bit of bruising!
6th Jan 2011 – been using the bio-oil and it’s looking heaps better already!
8th Feb 2011 – nearly 2 months after surgery and people already don’t notice my scar until I tell them, though to me it’s still so obvious!
12th March 2011 – Three months (ish) after my op and I’m really noticing how differently shaped my neck is!?
21st May 2011 – five months on and you can barely see the ends of my scar – it’s healing amazingly well!
31st August 2011 – 9 months on from my op and my scar is so much better!
17th Dec 2011 – Just over a year after my surgery my scar has improved considerably
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Great post! Have you seen the active Thyroid Forum on HealthUnlocked? We have a Coeliac Forum (GFGs) and their Thyroid one is brill: http://thyroiduk.healthunlocked.com/
Best of luck in the future.
Hey, I’m going in to have mine out this Wednesday (4/27/11) and I’m pretty anxious. I imagine it felt a little strange put the pictures of it up, but it was kind of nice to see what I can expect “visually”, so I appreciated it.
Jonathan – it did feel strange putting pictures up as I am still a little self concious of my scar, but when I was having my op I found it hard to find anything but horror stories and I wanted to show people that it isn’t as scary as the internet tends to make out! Hearing that it makes people feel a bit better about their op makes it all worthwhile – I know exactly how you’re feeling – I was terrified and I’m the biggest wimp around (I cried and passed out when I got my ears pierced!) but nearly five months on I am soooo glad I’ve had it done – my scar is healing amazingly well and with virtually no pain
Best of luck, I’m sure it will all go well and don’t be too nervous 
Sarah
Hi Sarah, I’m so glad I came across your blog. I also have to have a total thyroidectomy due to lots of nodules, which is annoying because my thyroid levels are just fine. I’m glad to hear you haven’t put on weight either as that is my biggest fear. I’ve just been tested for Coeliac disease too and am awaiting the results, but have been trying to cut out gluten for the last few months. I’d love to hear how you’re going now with your thyroid, as it’s been more than a year? And if you feel much different that before your surgery. Thanks! Jo
i have to have an operation to remove my thyroid gland as i have a nodule that could be cancerous. i dont want to have the op, i cry every single day in fear of having the op, things going wrong and fear of lkeaving my 5yr old son cuz im so scared of dying. i cant eat or sleep, i just wish i didnt have to have the operation done, im so scared and so upset, ive put the operation off for months but i know i have to face up to it and have it done!
Hi LeAnne,
I’m do for surgery soon and feel just like you did.Just wondering how your surgery went? I hope all is well.
Tammy