Gallbladder surgery is very common, but it can still be nerve-racking, especially if you don’t know what happens afterward. This post gives a quick overview of what to expect during your recovery period.
About 20 million Americans have problems with their thyroid gland — and about 60% of those people don’t even know it. That’s because thyroid problems often cause subtle symptoms (at least at first), and sometimes, those symptoms can be mistaken for other problems.
Many thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism, can trigger serious health problems if not caught and treated early. The team at Desert West Surgery offers this review of five common signs of hyperthyroidism so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible.
Thyroid hormones affect how your body uses energy, which means they affect your heartbeat. When your thyroid gland produces too many hormones, you can experience a faster-than-normal heartbeat or palpitations, along with arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation or Afib. Without medical management, Afib can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Thyroid hormones also play a significant role in metabolism — the process of breaking down food into calories your body can use. In hyperthyroidism, your body produces an unusually high amount of these hormones, speeding up your metabolism, so you lose weight — even though you’re not dieting, and you may even be eating more than usual. You may also have more bowel movements than normal.
Excess thyroid hormones affect muscle activity, as well as the nerve activity that controls how your muscles work. Some people with hyperthyroidism have symptoms like shakiness or tremors, or their muscles may feel unusually weak.
Our moods depend on our body’s chemicals, including the hormones released by the thyroid gland. People with hyperthyroidism may experience an increase in irritability, restlessness, nervousness, or anxiety. As many as 69% of hyperthyroid patients suffer from depression due to their condition.
Some people with hyperthyroidism develop an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goiter. Very large goiters make your neck appear swollen just under your voicebox, and they can interfere with swallowing or breathing. Some goiters cause your voice to sound hoarse.
While many thyroid conditions can be managed with medication, there are some instances where thyroid surgery is the best option. Typically, our team recommends surgery in patients with thyroid tumors or growths called“nodules,” growths that can interfere with normal hormone production.
Our team offers three primary surgeries for thyroid problems:
Removing all or most of the thyroid eliminates or significantly reduces hormone output. In those cases, you’ll need to take medication to replace the hormones your thyroid is no longer producing
To learn more about thyroid surgery and its role in managing hyperthyroidism, call Desert West Surgery and schedule an appointment at one of our three locations in Las Vegas, Nevada.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Gallbladder surgery is very common, but it can still be nerve-racking, especially if you don’t know what happens afterward. This post gives a quick overview of what to expect during your recovery period.
Ulcerative colitis can take a huge toll on your life, both physically and emotionally. But there are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms and their effect on your well-being. Here are five to consider.
Pancreatitis happens when your pancreas gets inflamed — a problem that’s more common than most people realize. Here’s why pancreatitis occurs and how to tell if your symptoms might be related to this crucial digestive organ.
Most people associate hernias with groin pain and swelling, but actually, hernias can happen in different areas. Here’s what you should know about the most common types of hernias and how they’re treated.
For many people with ulcerative colitis, medication is effective in managing the symptoms and controlling its progression. But for others, conservative treatment doesn’t do enough. Colon surgery provides another option.
A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland, and while not uncommon, it can be concerning. Here’s why goiters happen and what it means for the health of your thyroid gland.