My Experience

I had a thyroid nodule that was giving me discomfort and was not responding to medicine.

There was not much in the way of preparation, besides the presurgical information about what medicines not to take and not eating or drinking before surgery. I was well prepared by my doctor’s team and all I had to do was show up!

That being said, going to the hospital is very nerve wracking. And having anesthesia, for me personally, is frightening. I worry about my kids and my family if something were to happen. This is perfectly normal. After speaking with the anesthetists, who were so warm and caring, I forgot all about my worries. My doctor came to see me prior to the procedure, and his calm demeanor helped me with my own nerves. That and the fact that every nurse that looked at my nametag, and saw his name on my wrist, assured me I was in the best hands. That helped.

I don’t remember much immediately after the procedure, although I have been told I was “awake” in the recovery room. My first memory is being in my room, waking up and feeling very, very nauseous. They immediately gave me something for that. I never had any pain or discomfort in the area of my procedure. I could talk and swallow. I just felt out of it from the anesthesia. I was sick for a week with the after effects of that— if I hadn’t been, I suspect I would have been up and about after 2 days!