Discharge Instructions for Thyroidectomy

You had a procedure called thyroidectomy. Part or all of your thyroid gland was surgically removed. Normally, this gland releases certain hormones that are needed to regulate your body’s creation and use of energy (metabolism). When the thyroid is affected by disease, its size or activity may become abnormal. Surgery may be done to remove an overactive gland that can’t be controlled with medications. A surgeon may also remove a thyroid gland that is cancerous or an enlarged thyroid (often called a goiter).

After Surgery

• Don’t get your incision area wet for a few days after your surgery.

• Avoid strenuous physical activity for 3–5 weeks.

• Don’t return to work until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Keep a card in your wallet that lists:

  • Your name and contact information

  • Your doctor’s name and contact information

  • The name of your disease

  • The brand name and dose of your medication

Medication

• Take your medication exactly as directed.

  • Keep your pills in a container that is labeled with the days of the week. This will help you remember whether you’ve taken your medication each day.

  • Take your medication with a liquid (anything but soy milk, which interferes with your ability to absorb the medication). It is important that the pill make it to your stomach and not dissolve in your throat.

  • Try to take your medication with the same types and amounts of food and liquid each day. This will help you regulate the amount of thyroid hormone in your system.

  • After taking your thyroid medication:

    • Wait 4 hours before eating or drinking anything that contains soy.

    • Wait 4 hours before taking iron supplements, antacids that contain either calcium or aluminum hydroxide, or calcium supplements (regular amounts of cow’s milk are probably okay).

    • Wait 4 hours before taking medications that lower your cholesterol.

  • Continue to take your thyroid medication if you become pregnant.

  • Never stop treatment on your own.

Doctor Appointments

• Make and keep appointments to see your doctor and get laboratory work. You will need to be monitored for the rest of your life.

• During your routine visits, tell your doctor about any signs of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), such as:

  • Restlessness

  • Rapid weight loss

  • Sweating

• During your routine visits, tell your doctor about any signs of hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone, which can be a side effect of treatment), such as:

  • Fatigue or sluggishness

  • Puffy hands, face, or feet

  • Hoarseness

  • Muscle pain

  • Slow pulse (less than 60 beats per minute).

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.