Well......the doctor just called.....

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

It is normal to be scared, Debbie. But don't worry, everything will go just fien, I know!

ps. I was wondering about that leak too . Is it still there

[Killearn Kitties]

I know it's a thought, but it does sound like you have made the right decision. We'll all be there with you in spirit!! Hope they don't charge extra for that ...

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Thanks so much everybody. It sure helps to have such a great support group. My mom had one (I think) of her para-thyroids removed years and years ago (almost 20 now? ?). I know she hated her scar and did everything she could to cover it up...then...and now you can't even see it....and I'm sure their techniques are much better these days too. I'm not even worried about the scar because winter, i.e. turtleneck season, is almost here and things should be good and healed before next summer, i.e. low cut season, comes around again.

Freckles, the only question I have probably comes from only having one other surgery before in my life (tubal ligation 6 years ago). Will I feel like my throat has been ripped out for a few days? Or maybe like a truck ran over my neck? I've never broken a bone and only spent overnight in the hospital once long long long time ago - so long I just barely remember being there - so I just really don't know what to expect once it's over and done with. The thing I'm really looking forward to is that I'm going to tell my boss I need to keep talking to a minimum, which means I can't answer the phone every single time it rings. Hehehe And yes, this is one part of the recovery that I'll milk as long as possible.

As for the questions on the motorhome....yes, it's the new motorhome that is still leaking hydraulic oil. We discovered it again on our way to Columbus last month for the rally. It happened after Terry put the cruise control on, so we thought back and everytime it happened the cruise control had been on. But of course, when the repair guys test drove it - with cruise control on - nothing happened. And now they found a coolant leak too - small leak, but still a leak - so Terry has even more to worry about. I said it's good that they discovered it so now they can fix it while it's there rather than us having to drag it all the way back there again. Didn't make him feel any better.

Back to the thyroid. I'm not really worried about it, and am actually looking forward to it being gone, I just wish it would just disappear on its own rather than having to be surgically removed. But since that's not going to happen....

And yes, no turkey cooking for me this year! Maybe I'll give Terry directions on how to do it.....nah....not a good idea.

[Cataholic]

That is scary, but, overall, sounds like you will be better off! So, we must help you bite the bullet, and see you through this. Do you think Terry would be agreeable to a post-op tour of the country so we might all wish you well in person? (Once the leak is fixed, of course).

[Freckles]

Sounds as if you are having more removed than me.

In my case, the wound area on my neck was uncovered and tender and I only touched it to clean it and put on a prescribed cream; it was not really painful. I did have a very sore throat for a few days, I think because of the tube down my throat. I kept a water bottle by my side and sipped often because it was easier to swallow that way. Can't recall how my voice behaved. Dr. removed the stitches about two weeks later.
I do recall the second day I had Olive Garden lasagna and that was really comfort food!


I even have a picture of what they removed, but I won't show you that!

[Barbara]

I can understand that you are worrying. I hate people cutting parts of me- even if it is better when they come out. And the last thing you need is other persons who worry more than you - the reason why I didn't tell my parents about the brain tumor until 4 months later when I had to see them and I still had to wear bandanas to cover the bald spots in my hair So I think it is good Terry has still all these leaks to worry about and cannot just concentrate on you

But I also know people who survived this surgery and whose scars were so thin you couldn't even see them. Wait another 10 years and you will have more creases in your neck than just this scar.

And you better stay that night in hospital. With the one and only surgery in my life I felt so sick because of the anesthesia- it was the worst part of it.

{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}

[anna_66]

I just wish it would just disappear on its own rather than having to be surgically removed. But since that's not going to happen....

I didn't have my thyroid removed Debbie but they gave me a radioactive iodine pill . Is there any way of them doing that instead of the surgery? Don't know if that's an opion but I thought I'd throw it out there
I know how bad it is to not be able to swallow, it really sucks. Seems like you have something stuck in your throat all the time

Either way...GOOD LUCK!

[lv4dogs]

Gosh how scary that must be. I'm sure everything will be fine though. Sorry can't be of more help. I wish you the best of luck.

[Randi]

Debbie, an opeartion is quite scary, but once it's done, you'll feel so much better, and the techniques they use these days ... it'll be a piece of cake! OK, it may not feel so nice for the first few days, but then, you won't have to worry about it for the rest of your life. Terry will worry for sure, probably more than you, but just think about it, when you get back home, he'll spoil you rotten! Milk it the best you can!

You're a tough girl and I'm sure everything will be just fine! I'm sending you big hugs and best wishes for a succesful operation! And headbumpies from Fister.

[ramanth]

Yikes! Good luck with the surgery!! *hugs*

[gini]

Debbie, I just saw this thread. I haven't had time to be on Pet Talk much.
I am sorry that you are facing surgery - and of course,that can be scary.

I don't know a thing about your type of surgery - but some of the others do and it sounds as though you will be happy when it is all over - and feeling much better.

Just the same - I think some prayers to lay the groundwork for you are in order. You can count on mine that all goes well - and you can fully enjoy Christmas goodies without any fear assuming you will be well by then.

[new mom to a veiled]

You will be in our thoughts and prayers. My Grandmother had the same surgery. She had no problems and was very happy with the results.

[carole]

Debbie just popping in to wish you all the best for your upcoming surgery, any surgery is scarey, but it sounds as though it is inevitable and that you will be much better off in the long run, HUGS to you and I am sure you will be just fine.

[ChrisH]

Debbie, I have only just seen this and I was sorry to read you will have to have surgery. I know I would find the prospect real scary so the fact that you don't makes you much braver than me!

Good luck! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

{{hugs}}
Chris

[trayi52]

Debbie, I know it is a scary thought, but if it will make you feel better, then go for it. Like was said, let us do the worrying. My prayers and good thoughts are with you. ((((Hugs))))

Willie