Originally Posted by blahel
i know someone who has an enlarged thyroid and has it checked regularly and it is getting bigger. She is just in the process of seeing specialists to see what needs to be done. She has been told there is a chance of damaging her vocal chords if it has to be removed..should she be worried about that?
It is interfering with her swallowing at the moment and she has to keep clearing her throat. For those of you who have had it removed, is it a big scar?
Is there any other advice you can give?
There is a very small chance that the vocal chords will be damaged. My voice has lowered considerably, but they say that will correct itself. The scar is about 2 1/2" and is pretty prominent rite now, but they fade with time. One of my DGS says I have a permanent smile under my chin, so it's ok! I had a huge lump (that's why I went in to begin with) and it was beginning to interfere with my swallowing, but all is well now. It wasn't all that uncomfortable after surgery. I had to stay in the hospital over night cause it can affect your calcium levels, so they keep a close eye on those. All in all, I'm glad I had it done. I am one that likes to deal with things head on instead of putting it off. Especially if it is something unpleasant.