Is My Surgical Incision Healing Appropriately?
On the 23rd, I underwent a complete thyroidectomy, and as of today, the 27th, I'm seeking some insights. I am a 25-year-old assigned female at birth transgender male who has been diagnosed with Graves' disease and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Lately, I've been experiencing some unusual symptoms, such as dizziness, a lack of coordination, shakiness, and occasional tingling sensations. To address my calcium levels, I'm currently prescribed 2000 mg of Tums four times daily, along with 1 mcg of calcitriol twice a day, and 0.112 mg of levothyroxine once daily. However, I haven't received any clarification regarding the symptoms I mentioned. The surgical site has been sealed with glue and includes dissolvable stitches beneath the surface, but I'm uncertain if the healing process is progressing as it should. I will share a picture of my incision in the comments for reference.
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 7:20:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to ensure that your surgical incision is healing properly and to address any concerning symptoms you're experiencing. After a thyroidectomy, some symptoms can be related to both the surgery and your underlying health conditions, particularly with your history of Graves' disease and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Key Points:
- Surgical incision healing requires close monitoring after thyroid surgery.
- Symptoms like dizziness, shakiness, and tingling may indicate various issues including potential calcium imbalances or other post-operative complications.
- Your current medications are crucial for managing your calcium levels.
Explanation:
Healing Process: After a thyroidectomy, it's common for incisions to be sealed with glue and for sutures to be buried, leading to a healing process that may take a few weeks. Normal signs of healing include:
- No significant swelling or redness around the incision.
- No drainage or unusual odor.
- The area feeling warm but not excessively painful.
Symptoms: The dizziness, lack of coordination, shakiness, and tingling sensations could be linked to low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), a common concern after thyroid surgery due to parathyroid gland involvement. Your prescribed calcium and calcitriol are essential for maintaining calcium balance, so effective monitoring is vital.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, especially noting when they occur and their severity. This will help you track any changes over the next few days.
-
Check Calcium Levels: If symptoms like tingling or shakiness persist, it would be prudent to check your calcium levels with your healthcare provider if you have not done so already. You might need a blood test to ensure your calcium and vitamin D levels are adequate.
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Incision Care:
- Ensure that the area is clean and dry.
- Avoid any irritants like lotions or creams until it heals.
- If you notice increased redness, swelling, or discharge from the incision, contact your healthcare team.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Proper hydration and nutrition will support your recovery process and overall well-being.
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Follow Up: Consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and the healing of your incision. If symptoms worsen or if you experience severe symptoms (like difficulty breathing or significant swelling), seek immediate medical attention.
Please take good care of yourself, and remember that open communication with your healthcare team is key to addressing your concerns effectively.
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