Adventures in Parenting

You know that I usually write about parenting topics here on this site. But once in a while, I like to post something personal about me, so hopefully you’ll get to know the me behind the posts that you read. And to know that I am a real person!

On Monday, I had surgery to remove my thyroid gland – a thyroidectomy. They tell me that the thyroid is shaped like a butterfly and lies across my windpipe. Now I have a 3-inch Frankenstein looking scar on my neck.

The History

All this goes back to the kids; it’s always the kids.

When I had my son 22 years ago, the doctors noticed I developed goiter, an enlarged thyroid. It was not grossly enlarged, but about 30% bigger than normal. Every year I go for a check up and my thyroid functions are normal. I am neither hyper nor hypo. Every year I do an ultrasound to note any changes. All these years my condition has been unchanged.

A few years ago, at my annual check up, my endocrinologist felt multiple lumps on the thyroid. He said it was not uncommon to have a multinodule thyroid, and the nodules were tiny. He gave me the option to have surgery to remove it. But the thought of removing a perfectly good operating gland and having to take Synthroid the rest of my life did not appeal to me.

Then last year one of the nodules grew a little bigger, and I was ordered to do a biopsy. I had my eyes closed when the long thin needle came towards my neck for the needle aspiration. Good news it was benign.

This year, another nodule grew in size. This time the biopsy came back inconclusive. Now I didn’t have a choice. When in doubt, take it out.

The Surgery

This is my first major surgery under general anesthesia. Now it’s on my medical chart that my short chin makes it very hard to get the breathing tube down my throat. I am left with soreness when swallowing, and weakness in my voice. I am praying that I will recover quickly, as I am scheduled to give two parenting workshops in a week and a half!

Thanks to modern technology, I don’t remember a thing about the surgery except that the operating table was warm with a heat pad on it. After that observation, I was out, until I was in my personal private room with a view, and my husband there waiting for me. The setting was ideal except I was nauseous and dizzy and hungry. I had not eaten for 19 hours. But nausea and hunger doesn’t go together well. I couldn’t keep down the jello. I couldn’t keep down the beef broth. TMI, let’s move on.

The Recovery, so far

As you can see, I am of sound mind, enough to blog. I started taking Synthroid, and calcium supplements. I take Tylenol for the discomfort in swallowing. I opted not to get the prescription pain killer. I am anti-meds, as much as possible. I am also anti-paying for the c0-pay, as much as possible.

I am due for  a follow-up visit with my surgeon next week.

Stay tuned for the next episode.

If you’ve gone through similar experiences, do share. Misery loves company!