Mr Simon Smith

Written by a patient at Springfield Hospital

Goitre – No more! I can breathe normally again. Just over 6 years ago I noticed when shaving that I had a rather large lump developing on the side of my neck. Not knowing what it was I went to my GP who thought it might be a Goitre (a growth on the Thyroid gland). My GP referred me to Broomfield hospital in Chelmsford where upon I had a number of blood tests, an ultrasonic scan and a Thin Needle Biopsy (TNB). I saw a number of Endocrine Consultants who came to the conclusion that it was a goitre, suspected to be single nodule and plain. The Endocrine Consultant at the time recommended that it may be best to leave it rather than going through the risks associated with having it removed, (he probably detected that I would be extremely nervous about having an operation!). The consultants came to the conclusion on the basis that the Thyroid was currently operating normally and generating the associated hormones in the body T3 and T4 and the calcium levels were stable and it didn’t have a significant affect on my breathing and eating it could be left. They also suggested at the time that the surgeons would probably recommend the same cause of action. During the years that followed there was a small amount of change to the size and shape of the Goitre which eventually caused pressure to build up on the air pipe (trachea) to such an extent that the trachea partially collapsed significantly restricting air flow to my lungs. This was most prevalent at night and when lying on my left-hand side I could hardly breathe at all. I must admit when it came to the thought of an operation I was scared and when my wife brought up the subject when I moaned about the Goitre I would try to get off the subject. I was just sticking my head in the sand I suppose. Eventually my wife convinced me that I needed to do something about it. I went back to my GP who referred me to another Endocrinologist Consultant (as the previous consultant that I had seen 6 years ago had retired). The new consultant carried out a number of checks / tests (CT scan, TNB, blood tests, airway checks) and eventually agreed to refer my case to an Endocrine Surgeon. I then met Mr Simon Smith (Endocrine Surgeon) at Broomfield hospital but not before having done some research on him first. I looked him up on the internet. I couldn’t believe my luck - everything I found about Mr Simon Smith was extremely positive and put me at ease. Simon Smith appeared to be in the prime years of his career. At the peak of his profession with all the knowledge and experience you could hope for. I even found out that he had worked with one of the best in the country (Mr. Lynn) and been the Senior Registrar at Hammersmith Hospital Endocrine unit. I knew that I would probably need to make a decision on whether or not to go ahead with the operation and I wanted to feel positive when meeting with Simon Smith. When I meet Simon Smith both my wife and I took to him straight away. He was saying all the things that I wanted to hear and also making me fully aware of the risks but also trying to be honest and realistic about them. He indicated the benefits of having the operation and communicated everything very clearly and honestly; he had an excellent manner, made time to listen to me, and really did help to put my mind at ease. I came away thinking how lucky I was to have met such a professional surgeon who was at the peak of his career, who cared about the outcome and wanted to do a first class job. I opted to have the operation privately, so that Mr. Smith would definitely be carrying out the operation himself. I met Mr. Smith again at Springfield for a consultation and within six weeks I had the operation. I met a Mr. Maheshwar, ENT Consultant at Springfield Hospital who checked out the status of my Larynx and vocal chords before the operation. He too was very professional and helped to put my mind at ease. He also told me that Simon Smith and himself regularly used an anaesthetist, Dr Hywel Jones, who was highly skilled and a real expert . I wasn’t fully aware of all the things an Anaesthetist has responsibility for during an operation but when I found out and I heard that Dr Hywel Jones would be able to put me to sleep, keep me breathing and functioning during the operation and wake me up without any noticeable side effects I was really surprised - and even more surprised when this did actually happen. What a great team Simon Smith and Hywel Jones make! Both are a real asset to the medical profession. The operation went well. Mr. Smith had managed to remove the right hand half of my Thyroid yet still keep the two associated right hand Para Thyroids glands in place. The left hand Thyroid remained along with the two left hand Para Thyroid glands. Following the operation tests showed the calcium levels in my blood were OK. I was hoping that the left hand half of my thyroid might have managed to provide enough T3 and T4 so that I wouldn’t need to be on Thyroxin tablets for the rest of my life. Mr Smith, who has been realistic throughout the whole process, indicated that there would be a 60% chance that the remaining part of my Thyroid might be able to cope the whole body demands. Unfortunately blood tests that followed showed that my TSH level was high and my T4 was low - which indicated that the remaining part of my Thyroid wasn’t keeping up with my body’s demands for T4 / T3. So I was prescribed 75mg of Thyroxin to be taken daily, which I have been taking for several months now and my levels appear to be correct. Mr Smith is a highly skilled surgeon and particularly skilled with cosmetic surgery. He also specialises in breast surgery so I just knew he would do a good job when it came to stitching up the cut around my neck, which was some 7cm long. His skills with the knife would obviously result in less risk of an infection and a quick mend with little scarring. He made a cut the line where he judged accurately to be a natural crease line on my neck. Obviously with the large goitre present, it would have been difficult to know where exactly the crease line would lie. Now the swelling has gone and the healing is over the scar is hardly noticeable. I have a little numbness on the neck but I am told that this is normal and with time this will get better. I also found my voice to be a little hoarse at times for several weeks after the operation and felt tired at times particularly in the evenings. But this is all behind me now and I feel good. It is really great to be without the goitre, which was a real nuisance, and it was only with Mr. Smith’s help that I managed to overcome my fears of having the operation. To summarise, an excellent job carried out by Simon Smith and Hywel Jones, individually they are two very gifted, highly skilled professionals who are very good at what they do. As a team they were excellent and I am so pleased that they carried out the operation. A big thanks to both of them! I am also pleased that I had the operation at Springfield hospital, which was a lovely place to stay afterwards, the room, facilities, and food was great. The nursing staff were excellent and they really looked after you. Thanks to all at Springfield for a job well done. My advice to anyone who has similar problems with their Thyroid or any other part of their body do your research and check out who will be doing the operation, the expertise they have and what care you will get both before and after the operation. I say this as your research and selection can make all the difference. I know it did for me. John.

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Written by a patient at Springfield Hospital

I originally went to see Dr S Smith over 10 years ago, to be assessed for breast reduction surgery. It took me far too long to decide to have this fantastic surgery. My life has changed dramatically for the better. I no longer get back, neck or shoulder ache now my bust has been reduced. My original 32K breasts were far too big for my frame. I had my surgery with Dr S Smith, because he did a breast reduction on my mother. The outcome was fantastic, as is mine. He is a professional, knowledgeable doctor who is great with his patients. I highly recommend Dr S Smith as a breast surgeon.

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Written by a patient at Broomfield Hospital

I had to attend the Breast Unit today for what was a minor iproblem . I was treated very quickly and proffessionally by Mr Smith and his team . As it was a one stop service , a mamogram was done and the results available instantly . This enabled Mr Smith to reasure me that all was well and that there was nothing to worry about. Excellent service . Thank you .

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Written by a patient at Broomfield Hospital

Mr Smith gave me my diagnosis 6 years ago. He was very positive when discussing it & answered all questions. He did a marvellous job with my surgery. All follow-ups were done with skill & caring. I used to work with Drs & a good bedside manner does mean a good Dr. Mr Smith is both. I recently had to see him for a minor issue & was pleased to see him again to thank him fir his part in my getting to my 5 years. I would trust him with my life. I actually did!!

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Written by a patient at Springfield Hospital

Mr Smith took great care to respect my emotional and mental health as well as work on my physical problems. He went to great lengths to reassure me about any concerns I had. I feel very privileged to have been in his care.

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