DEN53

[Sachs]

Just read your comment there about feeling bitter not knowing thyroid contributed to osteo. Could you have changed that outcome though? I have thyroid x

[Chickadee]

Hi Den

Last op was 4 years ago. It was to remove all the lymph nodes in the area (69 in total taken).

Yes, the numbness is nerve damage. When I had the op originally I had to have lots of physio. I couldn't lift my left arm up or move my head hardly at all.
What with my frankenstein scar and swollen neck I must have looked a right fright!!

Also yes, the parathyroid was damaged I have to take calcium everyday. I also take iron tablets as I am slightly anemic since.

They keep me on a high dose of thyroxine (I only changed from liothyronine six months ago) to suppress my thyroid simulating hormone. This is because if the little thyroid tissue that is left tries to work the cancer could come back.

I haven't been discharged from the hospital and probably won't be for some time yet.

I must admit that on bad days when I am feeling particularly crappy and my neck really hurts I find myself wishing I had never gone to the Dr originally!!

[DEN53]

Chicky - why did they leave some thyroid tissue ? I also had an horrendous scar and it was very swollen - in fact they thought they might have had to operate again.
I went private and had the president of the Royal College of Surgeons do my op and he still managed to cut into one of my arteries. What hospital do you attend ?

I still have my scar and you can even see the two small holes where the drains came out, but I use Prologene Gel by Decleor and this does help scarring etc.

Can you not get a second opinion Chicky ?

[Chickadee]

Den

I was told that tissue is left in all operations?! That it is difficult to remove all of it because of where it is and the danger of trying.

You can see the small drain hole scars on my chest too!! Those drains are awful aren't they.

At one stage I was trying to go to the loo with two drips (one in each hand) on those post thingys and two drainage bottles. Ah such fun!!

Had surgeries at Whipps X and am under Bart's for endocrine care. I only go yearly to Whipps now.
Bart's is every six months and they do any tests needed.

Never even thought about a second opinion, Bart's and my GP seem to think everything I am going though is normal.

[DEN53]

Is your Dr at Barts Dr.Karl Metcalfe by any chance ?

[Chickadee]

No, I see a registrar under Professor Grossman.

[DEN53]

I was under Dr. Metcalfe at the Nuffield in Brentwood but he also practises at Barts and Southend General.

I remember those horrible drains - dragging them to the loo along with the drip and a massive bandage around my neck hiding the frankenstein scar and when they pull them out - oh my god - I remember my hysterectomy one being pulled, so I knew what was coming. My friend came into see me and fainted, I had to put her on the bed to recover. She could'nt stop crying at the state I was in.

I had to sleep for 8 weeks propped up with 4 pillows - everytime I tried to lay down, I thought I was choking. In fact to this day, my throat makes a funny hissing noise.

I know Whipps Cross - I live in Hornchurch Essex, so its not that far from me.

I do hope things improve Chicky - perhaps some alternative therapies may help - especially with the nerve damage.

Anytime you fancy a chat - I am here or on FB.
Den xx