Hypothyroidism

Surgery Group LA
Recovering from Thyroid Surgery: What to expect?

A Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of a part of all of your thyroid glands. Your thyroid is located around the neck and produces hormones that control every aspect of your body’s metabolism, from your heart rate to how efficiently you work through calories.

A Thyroidectomy is required in order to treat conditions such as thyroid cancer, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or goiters. 

Depending on the amount of thyroid removed your thyroid may function normally after surgery. However, if your entire thyroid must be removed (total thyroidectomy) you will need to ingest a daily amount of thyroid hormone in order to replace your thyroid’s natural duties.

What is the recovery process from a thyroidectomy like? 

Some common temporary ailments that you might endure after your thyroid surgery include:

  • Sore throat
  • Neck pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Weak voice
  • Tingling fingers and mouth (requires calcium supplement)

The good news is again these symptoms are quite temporary, and should completely go away after 2-3 weeks. Your doctor will still recommend that you do not perform any heavy lifting or strenuous activities for about 3 weeks. 

It’s important to avoid scrubbing or soaking the site of your surgery for at least a week after surgery, though regular showering is generally okay after one day.

Before you are released from the hospital, your medical team will schedule follow-up appointments, provide specific instructions for recovery at home, and prescribe any medications you may need.

Pain and other symptoms involving the incision site of your surgery should improve after a few days but may continue for a week or so. If you notice sudden swelling in your neck, this may signify an infection, and you should follow up with your medical team as soon as possible.

Does Thyroid Surgery have side effects?

If you are undergoing total thyroidectomy, you will need to take thyroid hormone replacements for the rest of your life. If your parathyroid gland was affected during surgery you may need calcium supplements as well to balance your calcium levels.

What is the recovery process like day to day?

As mentioned earlier, after your surgery you may experience:

  • Sore Throat
  • Weak Voice
  • Neck pain

Your incision will need to be taken care of and you may need to avoid showering, pools, or baths for up to a week after in order to ensure proper healing. Your scar may start to grow pink and harden, and the surrounding area may grow dry and itchy. 

While you should avoid any neck strain a week or two after surgery, after this you should begin to stretch out and move your neck as soon as you can without pain or difficulty. This will ensure that your neck does not permanently become stiff.

When can I return to normal activities?

After about 10 -14 days you may be able to resume vigorous physical activity such as running or working out, but you should still take it slow in the beginning. Be mindful of any sudden swelling or new symptoms and alert your doctor if they come up. After 3 weeks or so you should back to normal activities without much problem.

August 30, 2022

Surgery Group LA
New Advancement in Non-Opioid Post Surgery Recovery Programs Show Positive Results for Thyroid Cancer Patients

May 6, 2022 – With over 10 million people last year abusing opioids in the past year alone, patients with major surgery have become more and more aware of the risks of opioid dependency.

However, in a multi-study analysis of double blind studies, patients who participated in a program of pre-op therapy sessions and minor pain medications, resulted in a statistically significant drop in post opioid use.

Perhaps just as importantly these patients didn’t desire new opioid prescriptions after surgery. This suggests that with proper pain management, modern thyroid surgical treatments might not require opioids at all.

While potentially addictive, opioids still can be a crucial option for patients who need them and the representatives of the study reiterated that each patient post operative care needs to be treated as a unique case.

However, with new best medical practices, thyroid cancer patients might have one less thing to worry about during this stressful time in their lives.

If you or a loved one is going through thyroid cancer and needs more information about their case, please speak to a medical professional today.

May 9, 2022

Surgery Group LA
Thyroid Nodules: Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid Nodules

A Thyroid Nodule is a solid or fluid-filled lump that forms within the thyroid gland, a hormone gland that is wrapped around your neck under the Adam’s apple.

Symptoms

While most thyroid nodules are small and go away with time if you have any of these symptoms it may be time to speak with a doctor for testing.

For cases of an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism  you may suffer from: 

  • Feeling cold all the time
  • Memory problems or trouble concentrating
  • Depression and fatigue

For cases of an overactive thyroid  or hyperthyroidism you may suffer from: 

  • Sudden weight loss, even if your appetite has increased or is normal
  • Pounding heartbeat, tremors
  • Muscle weakness

Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid nodules are often discovered during a routine physical exam. Your doctor might discover a growth or swelling around your neck and perform further imaging tests. These are performed in order to get a better idea of the size of nodules, assess whether you are suffering from hypo or hyperthyroidism, as well as determine if the growth may be cancerous.

These tests include:

  • Hormone Test – Your doctor will perform a blood test in order to test your thyroid hormone levels and see if your thyroid is performing properly
  • Antibody Test – Depending on your blood work,  your doctor may perform an antibody test in order to rule out Hashimoto’s or Graves disease, a thyroid condition linked to an autoimmune disorder
  • Ultrasound of the thyroid – A ultrasound uses sound waves in order to create an image of your thyroid, which helps your doctor reveal the size of the thyroid and nodules affecting the thyroid
  • Radioactive iodine uptake test – Your doctor may prescribe this test in order to understand your thyroid function. They will inject you with a small amount of radioactive iodine and scan your thyroid gland in order to see how your thyroid absorbs it 
  • Biopsy – Your doctor may perform a microscopic biopsy of your neck tissue cells in order to rule out the possibility of a cancerous growth causing your condition

Treatment

Depending on the size of the nodules, severity of symptoms, and causes of the thyroid nodules, your doctor may perform any of these treatment options. 

  • Watchful waiting – In most cases, thyroid nodules are small, noncancerous, and have little chance of growing. In these cases, your doctor may advise no treatment but will prescribe a careful observation schedule with regularly timed testing intervals. If the thyroid has caused new growth or causing new symptoms report it to your doctor immediately
  • Medications – Underactive thyroids (Hypothyroidism) will often be treated with hormone supplements like levothyroxine (Levoxyl), while overactive thyroids (Hyperthyroidism) will be treated with drugs like methimazole (Tapazole) which may reduce the size of the goiter.
  • Surgery – If your thyroid is affecting your ability to breath or swallow, or is connected with thyroid cancer, you may need surgery in the form of a total or partial thyroidectomy. If surgery is performed, you will often need to take regular hormone supplements in order to replace the hormones your thyroid would usually produce

However, in most cases, thyroid nodules do not need treatments and can be managed with aspirin, and a diet that focuses on increasing supplies of iodine in the form of:

  • Seaweed
  • Saltwater fish such as salmon and tuna
  • Soy and dairy products

If you have any concerns regarding your thyroid, speak to a medical professional today.

December 15, 2021

Surgery Group LA
Goiters: Diagnosis and Treatment

Goiter

A Goiter is an irregular growth of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a gland located under the Adam’s apple in a winged-like wrapping around your neck.

Symptoms 

Most people with Goiters won’t develop any symptoms outside of swelling around the neck. However, Goiters can cause specific symptoms depending on if it causes a decrease or increase in thyroid function.

Hypothyroidism – Decrease in Thyroid function

  • Fatigue
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Sleepiness
  • Dry skin
  • Muscle weakness
  • Problems with attention or concentration

Hyperthyroidism – Increase in Thyroid function

  • Weight loss
  • Rabid Heartbeat (tachycardia)
  • Increased sensitivity to heat
  • Excess sweating
  • Tremors
  • Twitchiness or Irritability
  • High blood pressure

Diagnosis and Treatment

Goiters are often discovered during a routine physical exam. Your doctor might discover a growth or swelling around your neck and perform further imaging tests. These are performed in order to get a better idea of the size of nodules, assess whether you are suffering from hypo or hyperthyroidism, and determine the cause of the goiter. 

These tests include:

  • Hormone Test – Your doctor will perform a blood test in order to test your thyroid hormone levels and see if your thyroid is performing properly
  • Antibody Test – Depending on your blood work,  your doctor may perform an antibody test in order to rule out Hashimoto’s or Graves disease, a thyroid condition linked to an autoimmune disorder
  • Ultrasound of the thyroid – A ultrasound uses sound waves in order to create an image of your thyroid, which helps your doctor reveal the size of the thyroid and nodules affecting the thyroid
  • Radioactive iodine uptake test – Your doctor may prescribe this test in order to understand your thyroid function. They will inject you with a small amount of radioactive iodine and scan your thyroid gland in order to see how your thyroid absorbs it 
  • Biopsy – Your doctor may perform a microscopic biopsy of your neck tissue cells in order to rule out the possibility of a cancerous growth causing your condition

Treatment

Depending on the size of the goiter, severity of symptoms, and causes of the goiter, your doctor may perform any of these treatment options. 

  • Watchful waiting – In most cases, goiters are small, noncancerous, and have little chance of growing. In these cases, your doctor may advise no treatment but will prescribe a careful observation schedule with regularly timed testing intervals. If the thyroid has caused new growth or causing new symptoms report it to your doctor immediately
  • Medications – Underactive thyroids (Hypothyroidism) will often be treated with hormone supplements like levothyroxine (Levoxyl), while overactive thyroids (Hyperthyroidism) will be treated with drugs like methimazole (Tapazole) which may reduce the size of the goiter.
  • Surgery – If a goiter is affecting your ability to breath or swallow, or is connected with thyroid cancer, you may need surgery in the form of a total or partial thyroidectomy. If surgery is performed, you will often need to take regular hormone supplements in order to replace the hormones your thyroid would usually produce

However, in most cases, goiters do not need treatments and can be managed with aspirin and a healthy diet that rich in iodine which includes:

  • Seaweed
  • Saltwater fish such as salmon and tuna
  • Soy and dairy products

If you have any concerns regarding your thyroid, speak to a medical professional today.

December 15, 2021

Surgery Group LA
What to Expect After Thyroid Surgery

It’s important to know prior to your thyroid surgery what to expect after your operation. That way the process won’t be nearly as surprising or concerning to you. It can also be a great barometer for how your post-operative recovery is going and when it might be time to consult your medical professional for questions and concerns. The team at Surgery Group of LA has created this handy guide about what to expect after your thyroid surgery.

Immediately After

It is fairly common for patients immediately after thyroid surgery to suffer from a temporary sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a weak voice. These symptoms are normal and almost always temporary. Your doctor will often prescribe a limited diet the day of surgery, but you should be able to follow your normal diet the very next day. 

Getting Back to Normal

Most patients will be able to return to their normal daily activities in a few days and to work in about a week. Activities like weight lifting or strenuous work should be avoided however for at least two weeks. 

Pain from the incision point usually goes away after a few days, but should not be too dramatic and can be treated with an OTC pain medication like Tylenol or aspirin. If you have been prescribed Percocet at your discharge, do not take OTC medications with acetaminophen like Tylenol. Only use pain medication as prescribed by your doctor to avoid complications.

New Supplements

After surgery, you will need to incorporate supplementation daily as part of your new routine. These will include:

  • Thyroid Hormone – usually in the form of a Synthroid (levothyroxine is its generic name) every day on an empty stomach usually in the morning. Do not eat 30 minutes after taking thyroid hormone
  • Calcium – Typically after surgery your calcium levels will be depleted and need to be replaced though is usually temporary. Usually in the form of calcium carbonate pills 1-3 times a day at your doctor’s discretion. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid side effects or complications.


When to call your doctor

If you are experiencing any of these severe side effects, contact your doctor as soon as you can:

  • Fever over 101.5
  • Prolonged difficulty swallowing
  • Muscle cramps
  • Increased pain, swelling, or tenderness  in your incision point (Crucial)

While thyroid surgery complications may occur, recovery from thyroid surgery is often quick and easy. However, consult your medical professional if you have any questions or concerns before or after your surgery.

November 12, 2021

Surgery Group LA
Pros and Cons Of Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery

For patients who suffer from thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid goiters, minimally invasive thyroid surgery can be a crucial option in treating their condition. Normal thyroid surgery also has a low complication rate and is quite effective and treating thyroid-related diseases. However, there are complicating factors that may make minimally invasive surgery a better option.

The word surgery however can cause anxiety even for the most well-informed patients, so we here at the Surgery Group of LA have formulated this handy information sheet on the advantages and disadvantages of minimally invasive thyroid surgery that you can discuss with your doctor prior to any decisions about an operation.

Advantages

While the incision length can vary, open or normal thyroid surgeries can require incisions anywhere from 3.5 cm (for parathyroidectomy) to 5.5 cm (for total thyroidectomy). While any surgeon will do their absolute best to minimize the incision point in any surgery, minimally invasive thyroid surgical techniques can dramatically shorten the length of the incision required for surgery. While all of these measurements are estimates, a video-assisted thyroidectomy might only require an incision of about 2 cm in length. This means a shorter recovery time and a less noticeable scar for the patient.

In general, the recovery time associated with minimally invasive surgery techniques are far lower than their open surgery counterparts. The recovery time for an open thyroidectomy can be 2-3 weeks and may require an overnight hospital stay for observation and treatment. Minimally invasive surgery has recovery times in as little as 10 days and patients can often be sent home the same day as their operation.

Disadvantages

The main limitation of minimally invasive thyroid surgical techniques is that unfortunately not all patients can be treated using minimally invasive techniques. Generally, only patients with small thyroid glands, who do not suffer from thyroiditis, and have not had previous neck surgery or radiation treatments are eligible. 

Minimally invasive thyroid surgery is also more technically complicated and demanding, and the actual operation time is much longer than its open surgery counterparts. Because minimally invasive surgery is new and not the most common procedure, your surgeon might not be as familiar with minimally invasive techniques as they are with open surgical techniques.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive thyroid surgical techniques can be a great way to limit post-operative pain and scarring associated with thyroid surgery. However, it is not for everyone and must be discussed clearly with your surgeon before being considered an option.

November 12, 2021

Surgery Group LA
3 Natural Ways to Improve Your Thyroid Health

While there are many reasons for poor thyroid health, most thyroid problems begin with: 

  • Poor diet
  • Lack of sleep/Stress
  • Missing Nutrients 

To help protect your thyroid before it gets to the point where you might need medication, here are 3 natural ways to improve your thyroid health.

Vitamin B

People with poor thyroid health, often suffer from low Vitamin B 1 and Vitamin B 12 levels, you can improve your Vitman B levels naturally by eating foods like:

  • Peas, beans, and asparagus
  • Sesame seeds, 
  • Milk and cheese
  • Eggs
  • Tuna

Tuna filet on a bed of asparagus, and toasted sesame seeds anyone? Not only a great meal but a great meal for your thyroid health!

Low Sugar or Sugar-Free Diet

The dangers of high sugar and processed food diets have been documented in numerous studies. Food high in added sugar can cause inflammation, which can slow down the conversion of T3 or T4 thyroid hormones, causing your thyroid-related symptoms to worsen.

Consider cutting out sugar from your diet, especially added sugar, and replacing what you can’t live without with a natural sweetener such as stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Selenium

In a study performed by the National Institute of Health (NIH), selenium plays a huge part in thyroid hormone metabolism. 

Thankfully, foods high in Selenium are numerous and delicious and include:

  • Tuna
  • Grass-fed beef
  • Turkey
  • Brazil Nuts

Probiotics and Gluten-Free Diet

While there has been some evidence that probiotics and gluten-free diets manage symptoms of patients who suffer from hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto’s Disease, there has been no FDA-recognized study that has concluded that introducing probiotics or gluten-free foods into your diet will promote thyroid health. 

Conclusion

Lean meats high in Selenium and Vitamin B like Tuna, Turkey, and Grass-fed beef, nuts like sesame seeds and brazil nuts, and greens like asparagus and peas are already delicious and nutritious additions to any diet. They just happen to also be great ways to boost your thyroid health without medication.

So give them a try, your thyroid will thank you!

October 7, 2021

Surgery Group LA
What is Hypothyroidism? Diagnosis and Treatment

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone into the bloodstream, causing your metabolism to slow down.

In extreme cases known as Mxeydema, patients could suffer from: 

  • Heart Failure
  • Anemia
  • Low Core Body Temperature
  • Coma

Thankfully, Hypothyroidism is a very treatable condition and can be controlled with medication and regular visits with your doctor,

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can often take years to develop noticeable symptoms. They can include: 

  • Fatigue, brain fog, 
  • Numbness and tingling in the hands
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain
  • Prolonged muscle weakness and soreness
  • Low tolerance of cold temperatures
  • Dry coarse skin and hair
  • Frequent and heavy menstrual periods

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism

After speaking with your medical care provider about your symptoms, your doctor will commonly perform a thyroid-stimulating hormone test (TSH), as well as blood tests for Hashimoto’s disease. If the thyroid is enlarged, your doctor can often check for that during your physical examination.

Treating Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is often treated through medication. Medication like levothyroxine improves the amount of thyroid hormone your body produces, realigning them back to normal levels. 

While Hypothyroidism is a very manageable condition, patients will need to take medication for the rest of their lives. However, with regular visits to your doctor to adjust and manage your medication, most patients can live a normal and healthy life.

If you or a loved one believes that they are suffering from Hypothyroidism, speak to your medical provider right away.

October 7, 2021



About Surgery Group LA

Surgery Group LA is a team of professional and board-licensed surgeons, who specialize of their respective fields. The institution’s project to offer sufferers with advanced and complete surgical care.

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Los Angeles, CA 90048
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