Endocrine, 
Gallbladder, 
Hernia and 
General Surgeon  
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Written by Consultant Surgeon Mr James Kirkby-Bott

Advice on helping you with your recovery

Post Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

The following advice has been written by your surgeon - James Kirkby-Bott, with advice on helping with your recovery. Please read it and use the advice to help minimise discomfort and maximise your outcome.


How you will feel after surgery


The first 1-2 days are the worst in terms of feeling discomfort, tiredness, a sore throat and generally not feeling yourself. Surgery and general anaesthetic are perceived by your body as a trauma, and this takes some time and patience to recover from.
Mr Kirkby-Bott says.
“If I can offer any general advice, it is this:
  • Try not to get pre-occupied with how you feel or how you feel compared to what you have been expecting. Instead try and go with the flow.
  • Give yourself a period of rest time from work and activities but continue to get up and move around.
  • As each day passes try and increase your activity levels doing gentle exercise and keeping moving around the house. Going for a walk might be pleasant, but don’t do strenuous sports until you feel up to it. Doing the neck stretch exercises from day 1 is also important.
  • Remember any unusual sensations are temporary and will improve as time goes by. Don’t be distracted by feeling unwell.
Stay positive – doing things you enjoy while you rest will help achieve this. It is OK to enjoy your recovery time. After all you’ve just had a big operation and deserve the rest!”

Contact us for a private endocrine consultation

02380 178 991