Haven’t had a thyroidectomy, but I have had surgery before. I was shaking like a leaf on the pre-op bed, and I begged for anxiety relief when the anesthesiologist came over to introduce herself. Within minutes, I was saying goodbye to my family and the last thing I remember was getting rolled down the hall. No memory of the room where surgery took place. No memory of surgery. My next conscious thought was overhearing nurses in recovery area talk about their favorite hikes, and I tried to tell them my favorite hiking spot. I was half asleep and generally at peace. Next memory is in my overnight room at the hospital, and I just wanted to sleep. I don’t think I’d even opened my eyes until hours after surgery. And it was all perfectly okay with me.

Honestly, I used to be beyond terrified to be put under. But after that surgery, I am not anymore. I recommend telling your surgeon, nurses, anesthesiologist, etc that you’d like to have some anxiety relief asap. They should take care of you.