I'm no expert but I just had my total thyroidectomy on Monday.

-Get a heating pad for your upper back, mine is crazy sore (but I do have prior back injuries)

-If you plan to sleep in your bed make sure you have some good supportive pillows to prop you up, I recommend the one with arms. I would have loved a neck support pillow as well.

-For the love of all things, get a stool softener. (TMI, but I felt like I was giving birth to a poop monster)

-cough drops helps with the sore throat and the cough

• You're going to be exhausted so get as much sleep as you can

-walk around and take deep breaths to help your lungs wake up

-be kind to yourself, I didn't feel as good as the doctors said I would within 3 days, I'm still tired, I still feel weak and I'm still having bouts of dizziness.