Thyroid cancer is a malignancy affecting your thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer surgery or thyroidectomy is the most effective treatment for thyroid cancer. Thyroidectomy involves the surgical removal of all or part of your thyroid gland.

The thyroid cancer surgeon in Kolkata excises the cancerous part with the surrounding tissues, stopping the spread of cancer once and for all. However, after thyroid cancer surgery, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Below are the dos and don’ts you need to conform to for a swift recovery after thyroid cancer surgery.

Dos After Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions

Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions to follow after your surgery, such as when to take medication and when to return for follow-up appointments. It is crucial to follow these instructions to the letter.

Take medications as prescribed

Your healthcare provider will prescribe medication to help manage pain, prevent infection, or regulate your thyroid hormone levels. Be sure to take these medications as prescribed to help manage your symptoms and facilitate your healing.

Rest and take it easy

After the thyroid cancer surgery, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects or exercising, for a few weeks.

Eat a healthy diet

A nutritious diet can help support your recovery after surgery. Be sure to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to facilitate your body’s healing process.

Stay hydrated

Drinking ample water and other fluids can help prevent dehydration and support your body’s healing process. Aim to drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Don’ts After Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Smoke or use tobacco products

Smoking and using tobacco products can increase the risk of complications after surgery, such as infections and delayed healing. Hence, abstain from smoking or consuming tobacco products during the recovery period.

Drive or operate heavy machinery

After surgery, you may be taking pain medication or other medications that can cause drowsiness or impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Lift heavy objects or participate in strenuous activities

Thyroid cancer surgeons in Kolkata strictly advise against lifting heavy objects or participating in strenuous activities, such as exercising or playing sports, for at least a few weeks after surgery. You also need to stay clear of any activity that can strain your neck.

Neglect follow-up appointments

After surgery, your healthcare provider will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. It is highly recommended that you do not skip these appointments. Also, if you notice sudden swelling in the neck, which might be indicative of infection, you should contact your healthcare provider without any further ado.

Having undergone a successful thyroid cancer treatment in Kolkata, you need to be extra cautious not to impede or complicate your recovery. A successful surgery and cautious management of the recovery stage will make you a proud cancer survivor.