How Do You Cope After Thyroid Surgery?
Thyroid surgery is a procedure that removes part or all of the thyroid, depending on your specific condition. The surgery is like any medical procedure with anesthesia, scars and a recovery period. Follow your doctor’s instructions before and after your surgery. You can use your recovery time to heal properly before going back to normal activity. Take notes about what you should and shouldn’t do when you leave the hospital. Allow your throat to heal. Expect a sore throat and difficulty swallowing for about a week. Watch for the drain, a small tube, in the skin of your neck. The drain helps with any fluid buildup that causes swallowing difficulty. Make sure you keep the drain in your neck until the doctor removes it. Stick to liquids and soft foods during recovery to reduce any throat discomfort. Wait at least a week before you go back to your pre-surgery eating habits. Shower or bathe normally. You can take off your bandage when you’re bathing, but make sure to not tear your stitches.
