What are the common side effects of thyroid removal surgery. How long do thyroidectomy complications typically last. What steps can patients take to manage post-thyroidectomy symptoms. When should you contact your doctor after thyroid surgery.

Understanding Thyroidectomy: Purpose and Procedure

Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped organ, located in the neck, plays a crucial role in producing hormones that regulate metabolism, body temperature, and organ function. Doctors may recommend thyroidectomy to treat various thyroid conditions, including:

• Thyroid cancer
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Large goiters
• Thyroid nodules or cysts

There are several approaches to performing a thyroidectomy:

1. Traditional thyroidectomy: Involves an incision in the center of the neck
2. Transoral thyroidectomy: Uses an incision inside the mouth
3. Endoscopic thyroidectomy: Employs smaller incisions and a video camera

While thyroidectomy is generally considered a safe procedure, it’s essential for patients to be aware of potential complications and side effects that may occur post-surgery.

Immediate Post-Operative Complications of Thyroidectomy

In the hours and days following thyroid removal surgery, patients may experience several short-term complications:

Bleeding and Hematoma Formation

Bleeding is a potential complication that typically occurs within the first few hours after surgery. In some cases, it can lead to the formation of a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels.

Infection at the Surgical Site

Although relatively rare, infections can develop at the incision site. Proper wound care and following post-operative instructions can help minimize this risk.

Nausea and Vomiting

These symptoms are common side effects of anesthesia and usually subside within a day or two after surgery.

Neck Pain and Stiffness

Patients often experience discomfort and limited mobility in the neck area immediately following the procedure. This typically improves with time and gentle exercises as recommended by the healthcare team.

Long-Term Side Effects of Thyroid Removal

While many patients recover without significant issues, some may experience long-term effects following thyroidectomy:

Hypothyroidism

After complete thyroid removal, patients will develop hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production. This requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy to maintain proper metabolic function.

Voice Changes and Laryngeal Nerve Damage

The laryngeal nerves, which control the voice box, are in close proximity to the thyroid gland. Injury to these nerves during surgery can result in voice changes, ranging from mild hoarseness to significant voice alterations.

Symptoms of laryngeal nerve damage may include:

• Difficulty speaking
• Problems with swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Noisy breathing

In most cases, these symptoms improve over time, but some patients may require speech therapy or additional interventions.

Hypoparathyroidism

The parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body, are located near the thyroid gland. During thyroidectomy, these glands may be inadvertently damaged or removed, leading to hypoparathyroidism.

Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include:

• Muscle cramps
• Tingling sensations in the extremities
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Dry, rough skin

Management of hypoparathyroidism typically involves calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Managing Post-Thyroidectomy Symptoms

Patients can take several steps to manage symptoms and promote recovery after thyroid removal surgery:

Voice Care and Rehabilitation

For those experiencing voice changes, the following strategies may be helpful:

• Avoid whispering or straining the voice
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Use a humidifier to moisten the air
• Work with a speech therapist if recommended by your doctor

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

Patients with hypoparathyroidism may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Regular blood tests can help monitor calcium levels and adjust dosages as needed.

Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy

For those who have undergone total thyroidectomy, taking synthetic thyroid hormone (typically levothyroxine) is crucial for maintaining proper metabolic function. Regular follow-ups and blood tests will help ensure the correct dosage is maintained.

Nutritional Considerations After Thyroidectomy

A balanced diet can play a significant role in managing post-thyroidectomy symptoms and supporting overall health:

Calcium-Rich Foods

Incorporating calcium-rich foods into the diet can help maintain proper calcium levels, especially for those with hypoparathyroidism. Good sources include:

• Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
• Leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, collard greens)
• Fortified foods (orange juice, cereals)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, sesame seeds)

Iodine-Balanced Diet

While iodine is crucial for thyroid function in individuals with an intact thyroid gland, those who have undergone thyroidectomy may need to be mindful of their iodine intake. It’s important to discuss dietary iodine recommendations with your healthcare provider, as needs may vary based on individual circumstances and treatment plans.

When to Seek Medical Attention Post-Thyroidectomy

While some discomfort is expected after thyroid surgery, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe neck swelling or difficulty breathing
• Fever or signs of infection at the incision site
• Persistent or severe pain not relieved by prescribed medications
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers, toes, or around the mouth
• Severe fatigue or weakness
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations

Patients should not hesitate to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any concerning symptoms or have questions about their recovery process.

Long-Term Follow-Up and Monitoring

Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for patients who have undergone thyroidectomy. These visits typically involve:

• Blood tests to monitor thyroid hormone levels and adjust medication dosages as needed
• Physical examinations to check for any signs of recurrence (in cases of thyroid cancer)
• Assessments of overall health and well-being
• Discussions about any ongoing symptoms or concerns

The frequency of these follow-up appointments may vary depending on the individual’s condition and treatment plan. It’s important for patients to adhere to their recommended follow-up schedule and maintain open communication with their healthcare team.

Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Thyroidectomy Recovery

The physical side effects of thyroidectomy often receive the most attention, but it’s equally important to address the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery:

Coping with Body Image Changes

Some patients may struggle with the visible scar from thyroidectomy. While modern surgical techniques aim to minimize scarring, it’s normal to feel self-conscious about changes in appearance. Strategies for coping may include:

• Using scar-minimizing treatments as recommended by your doctor
• Exploring makeup techniques to conceal the scar if desired
• Seeking support from a therapist or support group to address body image concerns

Managing Mood Changes

Thyroid hormone imbalances can affect mood and energy levels. Even with proper hormone replacement, some patients may experience mood fluctuations during the adjustment period. It’s important to:

• Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any mood changes
• Consider counseling or support groups for emotional support
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga

Adjusting to Lifestyle Changes

Adapting to life after thyroidectomy may involve significant lifestyle adjustments, including:

• Remembering to take daily medication
• Scheduling regular medical appointments
• Making dietary modifications
• Potentially adjusting work or daily routines during the recovery period

Patients should be patient with themselves during this adjustment period and seek support from family, friends, and healthcare providers as needed.

Side Effects Of Thyroid Removal (Thyroidectomy)

September 22, 2021
Dr Anita Nischal

Table of Contents

The process of Thyroidectomy includes the removal of all or parts of the thyroid gland. It treats diseases related to the thyroid glands such as thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, large goiters, nodules, or cysts. Thyroidectomy complications can affect men but majorly those are triggered in women.

As per the studies, more than 25% of the population of the United States undergo thyroid removal operations every year. Persons with thyroid cancer should go for thyroidectomy then your doctor may recommend surgery to remove
part or all of it. Common thyroidectomy side effects include nausea, vomiting, neck pain and stiffness, a sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness, and voice problems.

About Thyroidectomy

The Thyroid Gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ found in the neck. It makes two hormones secreted into the blood that further help the body maintain its temperature and energy. Also, thyroid hormone keeps the heart, brain, and other organs running efficiently.

Thyroid disorders are very conventional which some are temporary or permanent. An imbalance in body weight is a sign of the abnormality of thyroid function. Excessive production of thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism.
Another indication of thyroid disease is the swollen neck which is caused by goiter.

Thyroidectomy is a process to eliminate the thyroid gland. It can be used to treat thyroid disorders like thyroid cancer, goiter, overactive thyroid or thyroid nodules. Thyroidectomy, complication process includes:

• Traditional thyroidectomy– In this, a slit in the center of the neck is inserted to directly approach the thyroid gland.
• Transoral Thyroidectomy– This procedure comprises a slit inside the mouth instead of the neck.
• Endoscopic Thyroidectomy– This procedure makes use of the smaller incisions in the neck. Surgical instruments and a small video camera are inserted through the cut.

Removing the thyroid is a safe procedure but entails thyroid removal long-term side effects.

Post Thyroidectomy Complications

Some of the vital complications of thyroid removal surgery involve:

• Bleeding
• Wound in the laryngeal nerve
• Low levels of parathyroid hormone
• Hypothyroidism
• Injury in the laryngeal nerve

Thyroid removal long term side effects

• Infection
• Bleeding takes place a few hours after surgery.
• Injury to the nerve which regulates the voice box.
• Injury to PTH.

Thyroidectomy: Complications, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Below find some of the thyroidectomy side effects:

1. Hoarse voice / Laryngeal Nerve Damage

2. Hypoparathyroidism

Definition	A medical condition in which a person’s body produces slightly low levels of a parathyroid hormone commonly known as PTH (PTH maintains a balance of calcium and phosphorus in your body. Lack of PTH leads to a decrease in calcium in blood levels and an increase in levels of blood phosphorus.)
Causes	Genetics Cancer radiation treatments Autoimmune disease Injury or removal of PTH
Symptoms	Symptoms include dry rough skin, mood swings, fatigue, muscle cramps in legs, feet or stomach, trembling of face muscles.
Treatment & Diet	Vitamin D and calcium supplements. Also, consider thiazide diuretics which can reduce the lost calcium through urine. Include dairy products, green vegetables, orange juice, and cereals.

3. Hashimoto’s Tingling and Numbness

Definition	Hashimoto is a disease of the immune system In which antibodies are created by the immune system. These antibodies later damage the thyroid gland.
Causes	Gender- Women are prone to this. Age Factor- It occurs mostly in mid-age. Heredity- There is a possible chance for you to be at higher risk.
Symptoms	This puts pressure on nerves in the arms as well as legs which often leads to tingling, numbness, and pain.
Treatment & Diet	Take over-the-counter supplements like vitamin D Also, adopt a good lifestyle such as eating nutritional foods, exercising, controlling stress amongst many.

Read More: Proven Ways to Lower Thyroid Antibodies & Prevent
Hashimoto’s Disease

4. Bleeding Thyroid Nodule

Definition	A thyroid nodule is a lump present in the thyroid gland. There can be solitary thyroid nodules or multi nodules in the thyroid gland. Size varies in these nodules.
Causes	Thyroid nodules are composed of fluid, which usually accumulates due to bleeding from the fragile blood vessels.
Symptoms	Some are enormous getting out of the neck while some can be too small to feel or see at all which we call non-palpable nodules.
Treatment & Diet	Radioactive iodine treatment may be operative in both controlling gland overactivity and diminishing its size Antithyroid drugs: Speak to your doctor before you start taking anti-thyroid medication. These medicines stop the release of hormones from the thyroid.

5. Seromas

Definition	Seroma can be defined as a group of fluids that spreads under the surface of a person’s skin.
Causes	It develops after surgery, mainly at the place where the tissue was taken out. Breast reduction, implantation of breast, breast checkup, cosmetic surgery.
Symptoms	Fever and chills Confusion Blood pressure changes Rapid heart rate or breathing
Treatment & Diet	Our immune system naturally treats small seromas. On the other hand, larger seromas are taken care of through large or painful draining by doctors.

Conclusion | Thyroid Removal Side Effects

The thyroid removal side effects can lead to depression, dry and flaky skin, muscle cramps, sleeping issues, tiredness.

Apart from this thyroidectomy side effects include neck tension and tenderness, hoarseness, difficulty in
swallowing, irritated windpipe, laryngeal nerve wound.

Often when thyroidectomy complications like these happen, prompt medication and treatment can bring your health back to normal.

To prevent thyroidectomy complications, you must avoid foods like cabbage, broccoli, sweet potatoes, peanuts and
millets. Furthermore, consult your doctor if symptoms get worse.

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Thyroidectomy | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Thyroidectomy is surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland releases thyroid hormone, which controls many critical functions of the body.

What You Need to Know

• Thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and other conditions may require thyroidectomy.
• Once the thyroid gland is removed, the person takes replacement thyroid hormone to keep the body’s functions in balance.
• Thyroidectomy can be performed through an incision at the front of the neck, or through the mouth (scarless thyroidectomy).

Why might I need a thyroidectomy?

A thyroidectomy may be appropriate for people who have a thyroid tumor, thyroid nodules or hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.

Hyperthyroidism can be the result of an autoimmune problem, too much iodine in the diet, a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, too much thyroid medication, a swelling (goiter) in the thyroid gland or an inflammatory process.

What are the risks of thyroidectomy?

• Voice changes, such as hoarseness
• Sore throat
• Bleeding and blood clots
• Adhesions or scar tissue that require another surgery
• Injury to the esophagus or trachea (windpipe)
• Hypoparathyroidism (too little parathyroid hormone, which can result in abnormally low blood calcium levels)

What happens during a thyroidectomy?

Before the Procedure

The doctor will order imaging and laboratory tests, including:

• Thyroid imaging with ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Blood test(s) for thyroid hormone levels and other factors

• Examination of the vocal cords using an instrument called a laryngoscope

Just before your procedure, the surgical team may give you an antibiotic if you have a weakened immune system or other condition that makes you prone to getting infections. You may receive medicines to reduce nausea and vomiting (antiemetics).

For people with hyperthyroidism, the doctor will administer medications to keep thyroid hormones in balance during and after surgery.

Types of Thyroidectomy

Traditional Thyroidectomy

In the operating room, you will be in a semi-seated position, with or without your chin tilted back and with support under your neck and shoulders. Most thyroidectomies are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin of the neck as close to a natural crease as possible to reduce the appearance of the scar. The surgeon parts a thin layer of muscle to gain access to the thyroid gland, then removes one or both lobes of the thyroid gland as well as any nearby lymph nodes that may be affected by disease.

The surgeon then returns the muscles of the front of the neck to their proper position and secures them in place. The skin is closed with sutures or glue.

Scarless (Transoral) Thyroidectomy

A newer technique involves accessing the thyroid gland through the mouth. This surgery leaves no visible scar since there is no incision on the outside of the neck.

Thyroidectomy: Recovery and Next Steps

In some cases, patients return home the same day as the surgery, but some
people spend the night in the hospital. There, the team can observe the
patient and monitor calcium levels in the blood.

When the thyroid gland is surgically removed, the body still requires
thyroid hormone to keep vital functions in balance.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy

involves taking synthetic or naturally derived thyroid hormones in pill
form.

Life after removal of the thyroid gland in women: consequences, surgery and postoperative period

The thyroid gland is the most important organ of the human body. The hormones that it produces are responsible for metabolism, regulation of body temperature, heart function, and appetite. Removal of the gland leads to serious consequences – hypothyroidism. To avoid this complication, it is necessary to drink artificial hormones for life to compensate for this condition.

When is thyroid removal necessary?

In Russia, about 30% of the population suffers from some kind of thyroid disease. At the same time, pathology occurs 10 times more often in women than in men. In most cases, the disease can be controlled with conservative methods of treatment, but there are certain situations when removal of the gland is necessary: ​​

• Malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland (cancer). In this case, the operation is the first stage of complex treatment.

• When the thyroid gland is affected by nodular neoplasms. By themselves, “silent” nodes (nodular neoplasms that do not have excessive secretory activity) are not an indication for surgery. But under certain conditions, they must be removed, for example, if the nodes are large and form a goiter (pronounced aesthetic defect), or interfere with swallowing, breathing and voice formation.
• Treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

For the treatment of nodular goiter and thyrotoxicosis, organ-preserving operations can also be used, when the thyroid gland is partially removed. But they are beginning to be abandoned, because often there are difficulties in terms of subsequent control of hormone levels. In the presence of residual tissue of the organ, it can be difficult to choose an adequate hormone replacement therapy.

Is it possible to live without a thyroid gland? This organ produces important hormones, without which the body cannot function normally. But these hormones can be replaced with medications. After the gland is removed, the medication will have to be taken for life.

Consequences of removal of the thyroid gland in women

Removal of the thyroid gland is not an extensive and traumatic operation, therefore it is quite easily tolerated by patients. Discharge from the hospital is made 5-7 days after the intervention.

After surgery on the thyroid gland, a scar about 7 cm long remains. It is located in the area of ​​the jugular fossa. Due to tissue injury, it may be difficult to move your head at first. Over time, the pain will pass and no discomfort will remain.

If we consider the side effects after removal of the thyroid gland, then the most important and inevitable of them is hypothyroidism – the body stops producing thyroid hormones. It is important to correct this condition. Until the optimal dose of thyroxine is selected, symptoms of hypo- and hyperthyroidism may be present:

• Increased nervous excitability, tearfulness, irritability, depression.
• Dizziness.
• Great weakness.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Hand tremor.
• Change in weight either up or down.
• Convulsions.
• Impairment of skin and hair.

It should be remembered that all these difficulties are temporary and as the dose of thyroxine is corrected, they will pass without a trace.

In addition, when the thyroid gland is removed, the consequences may be directly related to the surgical intervention:

• Change or partial loss of voice. It occurs due to damage to the laryngeal nerve, which runs next to the thyroid gland. In the vast majority of cases, over time, it is restored, and the voice returns to normal.

• A sharp drop in calcium levels. It occurs due to damage to the parathyroid glands, resulting in hypoparathyroidism, a condition accompanied by a sharp decrease in the level of calcium in the blood and bones, as well as an increase in the level of phosphorus in the blood. In most cases, the situation can compensate on its own over time. In others, you will have to take special drugs to correct hypoparathyroidism for life.
• Bleeding. Due to damage to large blood vessels, as well as in the presence of a pathology of blood clotting, bleeding may develop. In severe cases, blood can enter the airways and cause airway obstruction and pneumonia. To prevent this from happening, the doctor will closely monitor hemostasis during and after surgery.

Many women are concerned about the consequences of a postoperative scar in a prominent place after a complete removal of the thyroid gland. Unfortunately, it is impossible to make it completely invisible. At best, it will look like a thin whitish strip. In some people, for example, those who are prone to keloid scarring, the consequences after thyroidectomy may include noticeable scarring. To eliminate them, various hardware cosmetic procedures are used.

Replacement therapy after thyroidectomy

The key to thyroidectomy is the dramatic drop in thyroid hormone levels. Hormonal treatment after removal of the thyroid gland should begin the day after the operation. A woman needs to take hormone replacement therapy immediately in full dosage. If before the operation the level of hormones was normal, the drug will be prescribed at the rate of 1.6 μg of thyroxin per 1 kg of weight. For women, the average dosage is 100 micrograms. This is an indicative figure, which will be further adjusted in accordance with the results of the analyzes.

Hormones after removal of the thyroid gland must be taken strictly on an empty stomach half an hour before meals. The tablet should be taken with water only. These principles are very important so that nothing interferes with the full absorption of thyroxin. If the patient accidentally forgets to take a tablet, there is no need to increase the dose the next day. You need to continue taking the drug in the standard regimen.

The correct dose of thyroxin is determined by the level of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is secreted in a special part of the brain – the pituitary gland). With adequate hormone replacement therapy (HRT), its figures should be in the range of 0.4-4.0 mU/l. The exception is some types of thyroid cancer. Here it is necessary to take thyroxine in suppressive doses, which allow reaching a TSH level of no more than 0. 1 mU / l. Such figures allow timely monitoring of relapses of the disease.

TSH levels should be measured every 3-4 months in the first year after thyroidectomy. It is not advisable to do such tests more often, since this is an integral indicator that reflects the average level of thyroid hormones in the blood over the past 2-3 months. After the dose of hormones is selected, it will be necessary to monitor TSH at least 1 time per year.

Features of life after removal of the thyroid gland in women

And now let’s talk about lifestyle and what is possible and what is not possible after removal of the thyroid gland.

There are no global lifestyle changes after removal of the thyroid gland in women, except for the period of selection of therapy. Otherwise, life goes on as usual, without restrictions. On the contrary, many women notice an improvement in well-being, as the painful symptoms of thyroid disease go away. In general, the only thing to do is to apply HRT and undergo dispensary observation in a timely manner. In general, life without a thyroid gland practically does not change.

So, how do people live without a thyroid gland? Let’s talk about the main recommendations.

Dispensary registration

All patients who underwent surgery to remove the thyroid gland are subject to dispensary registration, the main task of which is to control and correct hormonal status. The timing of visits to the doctor and the list of necessary studies depend on the underlying disease that caused the thyroidectomy. The closest follow-up is for patients treated for thyroid cancer.

In the first year after the removal of the gland, they should visit a doctor every 3 months, in the second year – once every four months, from 3 to 5 years – once every 6 months, and then once a year. During the visit, the doctor will conduct an examination, clarify the presence of complaints and prescribe the necessary examination (laboratory tests, ultrasound, X-ray). In other diseases, such close monitoring is not required. In the first year after the removal of the thyroid gland, a doctor’s examination is carried out every 3-4 months, and then once a year. With properly selected replacement therapy, the need for dose adjustment is rare. Indications for revision of the dose of thyroxine:

• Significant change in the patient’s weight.
• Pregnancy.
• Necessity of taking certain other drugs – hormonal contraception, calcium supplements, etc.

Pregnancy planning

Condition after removal of the thyroid gland is not a contraindication to pregnancy. Moreover, this operation can be performed as one of the stages of infertility treatment.

Planning for conception can begin 6-8 weeks after the selection of the optimal dose of HRT. The exception is situations when additional therapy with radioactive iodine is required. In this case, the pregnancy will have to be postponed for at least 8-10 months.

As for the management of pregnancy, regular consultations with a gynecologist-endocrinologist with monitoring of the level of TSH and thyroid hormones will be required. If necessary, the dose of the drug taken will be adjusted. Otherwise, the observation is the same as for healthy women.

Physical activity

Physical activity after removal of the thyroid gland is not contraindicated when HRT is selected. In some cases, there may be restrictions regarding cardio loads.

In general, women after thyroidectomy live a full life. They can play sports, travel, change climates, have children and in general have no restrictions other than taking a daily pill. The modern level of medicine makes it possible to ensure a high standard of living for such patients without any problems.

Appointment for a consultation around the clock

+7 (495) 668-82-28

removal of the thyroid gland in the clinic of Dr. Borisov in Moscow

Contents:

• Observation steps
• Who is eligible for a disability?
• Substitution therapy
• Lifestyle after surgery
• Diet
• Gymnastics

Before removing the thyroid gland, patients often think about how their future life will turn out. Surgery is necessary when the pathology causes difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Indications are malignant neoplasms, diffuse or nodular goiter of large size, hyperthyroidism, not amenable to conservative treatment.
The speed and efficiency of recovery depends on several factors:

• the presence of postoperative complications – bleeding, infection, paresis of the larynx, injury to the esophagus, damage to the recurrent nerve with impaired vocal functions, transient hypoparathyroidism;
• age of the patient;
• quality care in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations;
• the presence of chronic diseases and their severity.

Observation steps

In the early postoperative period, pain, discomfort in the throat, muscle tension in the back of the neck, and swelling in the incision area are felt. Severe pain is relieved by analgesics. The excision site is necessarily treated with disinfectant solutions and is examined daily by a surgeon. In the event of a cervico-shoulder syndrome, gentle manual therapy and therapeutic exercises are performed. With the development of hypocalcemia, calcium intake is prescribed.
During the first month after discharge, patients experience increased fatigue and decreased performance. In this regard, it is desirable to limit physical activity. In the area of ​​scar formation, there are feelings of numbness, tingling, and in the throat – a foreign body when swallowing. These phenomena disappear in 30-60 days.
Before removing the stitches, washing your hair and taking a shower is allowed, while avoiding contact of the neck with water. If the dressing gets wet, it should be replaced with a new one. It is also worth refraining from wearing things made of coarse, woolen fabrics with a stand-up collar.
Then planned monitoring by an endocrinologist is carried out 1-2 times a year. Medical examinations are necessary to detect a recurrence of the disease, so you should inform the doctor when you are worried about pain in the head and bones, cough, swollen lymph nodes. If necessary, a person is sent to a psychotherapist to correct the psycho-emotional state.

Who is eligible for a disability?

The operation itself is not considered a reason for registering a disability, since in the absence of a thyroid gland, it is possible to maintain a normal, full life. According to Art. 1 of the Federal Law of November 24, 1995 No. 181-F3, a person is recognized as a disabled person only in situations due to:

• permanent impairment of health due to physical handicap, serious illness or injury;
• the need to move with the help of various devices – crutches, wheelchairs, orthopedic shoes, etc.;
• disability – the loss of a person’s ability to perform self-service, control their behavior, learn, work.

It follows that an examination for a certain group is carried out if the operation was performed for a malignant neoplasm or complications were received as a result of surgery. In all other cases, the documents are not considered by the medical and social expertise.

Substitution therapy

The absence of the thyroid gland causes a persistent deficiency of hormones. Due to the fact that they regulate metabolic processes, affect the activity of the brain, reproductive, cardiovascular, digestive, nervous and other systems, specific therapy is vital. Modern hormonal preparations are similar in composition and action to natural thyroxine. At the same time, they are well absorbed and tolerated, preventing the onset of symptoms that develop with insufficient thyroid activity. The medicine is taken daily throughout life. The dosage is selected and adjusted based on the indicators of the blood test, as well as from the moment of pregnancy, which the woman must inform the doctor about.
Treatment is not only to maintain a constant level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, but also to prevent recurrence of the tumor or the development of secondary hypothyroidism. When residual thyroid tissue is preserved, radioactive iodine is prescribed in liquid or capsule form. If you are planning to conceive a child, then after taking an artificial isotope, you will have to postpone it for at least 6 months.

Lifestyle after surgery

After a correctly performed operation and adequate therapy, the quality of human life does not decrease, which is confirmed by many years of research and observation of patients. On the contrary, non-removed nodes become a source of danger, as they are capable of containing cancer cells.
Unpleasant consequences of removal of the thyroid gland – the occurrence of sudden mood swings, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, stiffness in the cervical spine, sleep disturbance. Therefore, to alleviate these symptoms, you should strictly follow the recommendations of your doctor. And it is also required to exclude from the life of the patient:

• holidays in resorts with a hot climate;
• visits to saunas, baths;
• strenuous exercise;
• stressful situations, overwork, overexertion;
• intake of sugar.

The effect of the unique technique used in our clinic by Dr. Borisov, called Selective Chronophototherapy (ICPT), which is based on photodynamic therapy, is able to regulate the level of immune status indicators by activating a cascade of biochemical and cellular reactions, and demonstrates excellent results both when used alone and in combination with others. methods. This significantly reduces the risk of recurrence of oncological diseases and the severity of side effects from cytostatic agents and radiation therapy, while enhancing their effect on the affected cells.
The sparing technique of Dr. Borisov can be used repeatedly, course treatment is recommended. The number of procedures is regulated by the treatment regimen and the achievement of the desired result.
In our clinical practice we use chlorophyll, highly purified to chlorin E6,
processed by a unique technology and has a wide spectrum of action:

• diagnostic and antitumor;
• antiviral and antibacterial;
• normalizing hormonal status;
• improving metabolism, circulation and blood properties;
• boosting immunity.

It is able to localize in pathological zones and be activated under the influence of the red spectrum of apparatus radiation, after which it begins to release high-energy molecular oxygen. Which, in turn, is considered a powerful oxidizing agent that destroys tumors and cleanses the body of them.
We recommend taking VIALIFE capsules or VIALIFE solution, because they contain the highest possible concentration of chlorophyll, which:

• strengthens the immune system;
• enhances cell regeneration;
• saturates tissues with oxygen;
• has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying effect.

Diet

In the diet, it is better to give preference to a healthy diet in accordance with the age and general condition of the person – limit the amount of sweets, avoid fatty, fried and smoked foods, refuse carbonated and alcoholic drinks. When taking vegetarian food, do not forget that soy, including sauces and desserts from it, impairs the absorption of hormones, calcium, and iron. It is recommended to be careful about low-calorie meals, a lack of protein also negatively affects the hormonal background. And in no case should you practice fasting, including partial and incomplete.

Gymnastics

When doing exercises at home, it is forbidden to tilt your head back, it can be turned to the sides and tilted down. It is undesirable to lift dumbbells, barbells or use strength training with your own weight and other weights. Aerobic exercises or moderate-intensity cardio exercises will help to improve well-being, gain strength:

• • walking;
  • swimming;
  • running in place;
  • climbing stairs.

At first, everything is done slowly, without fatigue and fanaticism. You need to start with walking at a leisurely pace, gradually increasing the distance. Climb the stairs calmly, periodically stopping and resting. Movement helps reduce the risk of blood clots and pneumonia, stimulates the free passage of gases and bowel movements.