Thyroidectomy: What to have ready when returning home

Most people will spend the first night in the hospital after a total thyroidectomy. The purpose of the stay is, primarily, to make sure calcium levels are OK. Whether it takes one day or several days for Calcium to become acceptable, you will eventually be sent home. Under the best of conditions you will be up and about, able to care for yourself. However, you might not be so lucky. Therefore, there are some things you can do in advance to prepare for your arrival home.

The following is a list of items to have at the house:
Ice pack
heating pad
soup
soft foods
ice cream/Popsicle
books/magazines

Neck pillow
Ibruprofen and Tylenol
thermometer

Throat lozenges/hard candy
Chapstick
Straws

Hand sanitizer
portable fan

Tums/Rolaids

You may not be up for grocery shopping for several weeks. Therefore, stock up to get you by.

You can only lie in bed for so long. Preparing a comfortable chair with a blanket, pillow, and a small table would be beneficial. Easy access to a television, electronics, and cell/telephone will help the time pass.

Preparing these items in advance will help with an easy transition from hospital to home.