On Wednesday (June 20, 2012), I had surgery to remove my thyroid.
Last summer, during my routine physical, my new Doctor told me I either had a real fat, muscular neck or there was something that we needed to get checked out.
So, in August I went in for a ultra-sound, where they found one rather large nodule on the left side of my thyroid and about 4 smaller nodules on my right side.
In September I went to have the large nodule biopsied. It was found to be benign and I was then referred to an Endocrinologist.
What is an Endocrinologist? It is a doctor that treats the Endocrine System.
What is the endocrine system? The endocrine system is a complex group of glands. Glands are organs that make hormones. These are substances that help to control activities in your body. Different types of hormones control reproduction, metabolism (food burning and waste elimination), and growth and development. Hormones also control the way you respond to your surroundings, and they help to provide the proper amount of energy and nutrition your body needs to function. The glands that make up the endocrine system include the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus.
I took the referral and waited. I waited until about November to make the appointment, thinking that I could schedule an appointment during the holiday vacation. There were no appointments available until January!
In January I went to see a fabulous Endocrinologist, who asked me what took me so long to come in. I told her I knew I just needed to come in for a follow-up, so I took my time. "No, there is more to this appointment than just a follow-up.", she tells me with a very serious voice. She begins to explain that because of the size and irregularity of the shape of my rather large nodule, I am going to have to be referred to a surgeon.
A what?! The tears start to come....she very thoroughly explains what I can expect from my visit from the surgeon, assures me she is sending me to one of the best surgeons around who specializes in thyroid surgery, wishes me luck and give me my referral. I call Eric in a panic. I messed around for 5 months, thinking the nodule was nothing to worry about!
In February, Eric goes with me to meet with the surgeon. We are at first greeted by her resident. I can barely keep a straight face or stop giggling as he asks me all of his important health questions....you see, this resident still has acne! He is so young, I could probably be his mother! He asks me my age, I answer him but then ask him "and how old are you?" He tells us that he is 26!!! he also says, "If you think I'm really young, wait until you meet the doctor." A few minutes later, in walks this really tall, really beautiful, really young, African-American woman. She is my surgeon! Of course I had already googled her, and yes she is one of the best in her field, but her picture online did her no justice. She is warm, friendly, thorough in her explanations and brilliantly smart. One last question I have for her..."Can I wait until the end of the school year to have surgery?" She gives me the OK and Eric and I leave her office feeling informed and in good hands.
Fast forward to June 20, last Wednesday. My mom has come into town to help out with the kids and hold down the fort. Eric takes me to the hospital, we do all the pre-surgery stuff and the last thing I remember as a thyroid owner, was Eric kissing me, as they wheeled me out to the operating room.
6 hours later, I am no longer in possession of my thyroid. I do have a scar that will be the source of questions for a while until it heals nicely. I will have to take synthyroid (thyroid replacement drugs) for the rest of my life. I sleep all of Wednesday, waking up periodically to greet visitors (thanks Eric, mom, Gabby, Sinobia, Rachel and Sarah), take some pain meds, throw up the ice cream I tried to eat and have my vitals checked. I am surprised that I can talk. I was worried about not being able to talk for a while and my voice changing. I think my family is a little disappointed. They were looking forward to some quiet time without moms voice:)
On Thursday, I go home and sleep some more. I bring my hospital surgery socks home with me...I love those socks! My throat is sore, my neck is stiff, I have a tension headache and I have no appetite, but I'm chill in in my own bed with my hospital socks on (Eric hates theses socks. He says they scratch him when I move around in the bed).
I'm not allowed to drive for 1 week!
On Saturday, one of my students comes to visit me! He brings me flowers and a beautiful necklace for me to wear when my neck heals. He climbs on the couch with me as we chat and have popsicles together (thanks Alex and Amanda for the visit).
On Sunday I ask Eric to take me to Whole Foods to get some vitamins. The trip makes me exhausted! I'm frustrated about not having any energy. Eric tells me to give it time.
By Monday I have my "real mommy voice" back, as I yell for Sinobia to do something. I go with my mom and the girls for Gabby's orthodontist appointment. I feel like I'm going to faint. I am so tired from this trip. This sucks! I'm not used to having no energy! Eric tells me to spend Tuesday resting. I'm also starting to get hungry. The family has grilled polish sausages, macaroni and salad. I decide I am going to eat. The polish goes down with very little throat pain, but I pay for it later, as it comes out with more fanfare. I am up all night with indigestion and an upset stomach.
So, today I am taking Eric's advice. I'm taking it easy, resting and going back to my yogurt, soup, green tea and ice-cream diet. This has been quiet a long post, and I just realized that I'm not exhausted from it, so I believe I'm on the mend!
Thanks to Eric, my mommy and the girls for all of their great recovery love and care!
I hope you are feeling better and still taking care of yourself!
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