Thyroidectomy


Diet:
Resume your previous diet.

Activity:
Keep your head raised 30 degrees (i.e. on 2 pillows) at bedtime, for 48 hrs.

Avoid straining, strenuous exercise, or lifting over 5 lbs. for 2 weeks.

Medications:
Take all of the antibiotics prescribed.

Follow directions for taking pain medication carefully.

Do not take aspirin or products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) These “thin the blood” and slow clotting of the blood.

Apply a thin layer of one of the following ointments (Neosporin, Bacitracin or Polysporin) to the incision site twice a day.

Follow-up:
Return to the office in one week for suture removal.

Information:
Swelling in the surgical area is normal and will reduce over the first 4 weeks after surgery.

Call the doctor for excessive bleeding from the wound or fever over 100.4 degrees.

Call the doctor if you experience shortness of breath.

Call the doctor if you experience any numbness or tingling in your face or hands.