In endemic goitre areas 20%of the population over 70 years old will have a retrosternal goitre. The definition of a retrosternal goitre varies with respective authors, there are four major definitions.
I started PT after 10 days and can straighten my leg, bend to a little past 90 degrees and walk without crutches three days before the 3 week post surgery mark.
You should be able to return to work three to five days after surgery as long as you do not need to lift, push or pull anything over 15 lbs for the first three weeks after surgery. You may begin light exercise only one week after surgery, initially walking then gradually increasing exercise as you lose weight.