Having a hemithyroidectomy on the 7th April and I’ve never been had an operation/been to hospital as an inpatient before
can anyone advise on what I should take? im thinking it might be good getting some button up pyjamas/shirts but I don’t want to waste money if that’s unecessary, but I’m worried it’ll hurt to lift tops over my head. Anything else I should think about taking?
Hiya, I had a hemithyroidectomy in 2016. It probably will hurt a bit to move your neck, and you'll be a bit stiff, so some button up style tops could be useful.
I'd also take something warm, so a dressing gown perhaps. I know hospitals are usually warm but I found I was quite cold at points during the night.
Other stuff would be mp3 player and a book. You may be waiting around a while both before and after the op.
Depending on which side you're having out, as daft as it might sound, I'd suggest one of those soft seatbelt things or a fleece to wrap around it because a seatbelt resting against your incision (even with a dressing on) isn't pleasant.
I'd also get some dry shampoo because you can't get the incision wet for a while. I vaguely remember wrapping my neck in clingfilm, leaning very uncomfortably over the bath so someone could wash my hair. Amusing but not fun!
I had some voice issues afterwards so be prepared that things could be a bit different with your voice. It gets better though!
Happy to help with anything else you might want to know although of course your experience could be totally different to mine and I hope nothing I've said worries you.