Madam Tong’s sharing
Ever wondered how thyroid tumors can affect a patient’s daily lives? Here, Madam Tong shares her experience, "I had to sleep with two pillows by my neck to cushion the tumor, I couldn’t even turn my body when I was sleeping!", But as she received the technologically advanced micro-incision thyroidectomy, discomfort was minimized to its lowest, the scar area also reduced, the above listed health problems were also solved.
Madam Tong, a security guard, noted swelling on the right side of her neck, the swelling also fluctuated and the cause was not found out despite medical consultation at the hospital. Two years later, the swelling became obvious and affected her appearance and daily lives. That prompted a second medical consultation. Blood tests confirmed that Tong had hyperthyroidism.
"Actually I didn’t resist accepting thyroidectomy but there was no particular doctor following my case. They only prescribed medicine for me to control hyperthyroidism. After each consultation, the different doctors would have different theories. Some said I should undertake surgery, another said it’s unnecessary. It really confused me!".
A friend recommended Madam Tong to see a specialist surgeon and accept micro-incision thyroidectomy. "The doctor explained in great detail the reasons for such a surgery, including the procedures and risks." After the surgery and a bit of rest, Tong was able to speak and drink. She was able to leave the hospital once the anesthetic drugs wore off.
Madam Tong said that her attending doctor went into great lengths to explain the micro-incision thyroidectomy before her operation: This technology removes thyroid tumor through making a small surgical cut, the scar is greatly reduced to around 3 centimeters, compared to the 6 to 8 centimeter-scar left by traditional surgery.
Like the traditional procedures, micro-incision thyroidectomy is also conducted in the neck area. But as the surgical wounds are smaller, it shortens the patient’s recovery time. Contrary to the "centipede-like" scar, the wound is also less noticeable.
Madam Tong fully experienced the advantages of micro-incision thyroidectomy and was able to return to work in a short space of time. Even she found it surprising, "Like the doctor said, the wound was small, recovery time fast and most importantly, it didn’t affect my speech".
She went on to say that the most dramatic change is that her sleep and daily life no longer suffers after the tumor has been removed. After the surgery, Tong’s mood also stabilized and she is able to maintain a positive outlook and optimistic attitude toward life.
