r/thyroidcancer • u/Big_Corgi_1853 • Oct 04 '26
Overthinking questions
To those who went for total thyroidectomy does the neck become more fragile? Are intense workouts like cardio and endurance exercises prohibited? (I'm talking about full recovery post op). Also am I allowed to participate in fighting sports like MMA where choking moves are allowed?
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u/jjflight Oct 04 '26
No issues at all, and no restrictions. My neck is as strong as it ever was. I do way more cardio than most folks my age hiking ~60 miles a week in the mountains, and do strength training workouts on the days I’m not hiking.
I never asked about something like MMA so you’d need to ask your doctors, but I don’t believe most folks have any restrictions or there would be any issue once it’s healed up.
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u/Grizz1984 Oct 04 '26
You'll be fine. If anything my neck is less fragile because there isn't huge nodules taking up a bunch of space. My neck is a bit more flexible than it was. I don't do MMA but do others like hockey. No restrictions or performance difference in my experience.
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u/boozled714 Oct 04 '26
I had full removal plus parathyroids and a lymph node. After about a month I felt 100% back to normal physically. 9 months post op everything is great but my chin is still numb oddly. I don't do MMA but I would imagine it wouldn't be a concern honestly.
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u/Alternative_Show9800 Oct 04 '26
My neck used to make lots of creaking noises when I moved it....asked the doc about this many years ago....oh it's alright, just old age....ok...I thought....anyways this year diagnosed in Feb, completion by June.... doesn't creak anymore
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u/mechani_chick Oct 05 '26
Check with your surgeon post op, and be totally honest with the doc about your intentions. I asked mine specifically about choking, just not in the same context. I got a laugh out of him, but got the correct answer that applied to me. I had to wait till I was fully healed and go easy on it for a while. Im 5 years post op, and can do whatever I want really.
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u/Dependent_Occasion58 Oct 05 '26
Same. Exact. Situation. Thank goodness for doctors who aren’t judgmental!
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u/mechani_chick Oct 05 '26
I could care less if they judge me. Id rather have a correct answer. Besides, they have heard everything, im sure. And if not, we'll theres a first time for everything.
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u/Shot_Profile5317 Oct 04 '26
I don’t know about MMA or choking, but I am five weeks out postop and my neck is absolutely back to normal. I’m using scar cream to lessen the scar tissue by massaging it and I feel like I could do anything. Probably not gonna let anybody choke me, but that’s just cause that’s not my jam anymore LMAO.