~*~* POLL~*~* Hiow long did your incision remain swollen? ....

[ChitChatNine]

Mine is healing nicely and I can see how it will blend in with the skinfolds in the future but I was wondering how long it took for the swelling to subside with you guys who have had partial or TT?

When I saw my Prim. Care Dr. this week he proceeded to "try" to have me swallow and feel the gland, etc.  I pulled back very fast and said NO NO NOPE .. U think I'm going to let you near this .. I don't think so.  So he backed away and then said, "I guess this is all from the incision swelling" ... He was feeling to see if the other side of the thyroid was enlarged I think.  It's fine.  It is the incisional swelling.  I get alot in the AM on the top of the incision.  It is still quite red and icky looking and I wear a scarf all the time to protect it as the necklines bother it (light to touch is ouchies) and nobody should see it yet .. not too pretty.

C~  13 days post op 1/2 thyroidectomy

[hazelhurst]

My TT was in July '07, and the swelling has taken 6 months to subside. It was a gradual process, and it continues. My neck wrinkles when I swallow, and I can still feel the tightness. My only solace is that every week it seems to be getting better....

[hazelhurst]

Sorry, make that July '06!

[cyndeegreen]

I think about 6 months.  (Surgery Nov '03)  And now the fine white line has become angry red and "pulled" as the new tumor growth has changed its appearance.  My incision was up higher on my throat than many other people I've seen.  I really am jealous of the beautiful way I've seen other incisions heal.

[Jez777]

I had a TT in September 06 and think that the majority of the swelling/fluid accumulation was 90% gone within 6 weeks. At my 4wk check up the incision was still sensitive and a bit puffy but my dr encouraged me to gently massage the area to increase the fluid absorbtion in the area. The incision itself still feels a little numb/tight at times especially during cold weather. In general I don't like to touch it cause it creeps me out that I can't feel anything on the incision but it doesn't hurt if I keep the area moisturized.

[utahmomma]

Both times it took about 6-8 months for the swelling to all be gone, the redness to disappear, and the incision to lay flat.

Don't forget to put either a scar cream (Rx or OTC) or aloe vera gel on it.  You don't want it to dry out and crack and the moisture will help the incision to disappear.

Oh, it hurt to touch for a few months and was difficult to swallow with my head turned for about that long too.

[MJ13]

It's been about 5 wks since TT.  I have a little redness around incision area and no pain or swelling.  My surgeon did a wonderful job...even my endo said so.  It itches occasionally but I've been putting Mederma and Vitamin E lotion on it.  Overall, I'm quite please with my second smile.

[ChitChatNine]

I have trouble @ night sleeping .. if the neck touches the pillow I have trouble swallowing/breathing and it wakes me up .. I sit up and am ok.  So I prop myself up.  I wonder if that is from some swelling inside still.

It is getting better daily.  I have used Mederma Scar Gel on my kids' stitches with wonderful success.

I measured it .. only 3.5" .. not too bad and not as bad to look at anymore.

I am beginning to get anxious in a few weeks to start some Yogasize which is water based Yoga at the "Y" .. I will NOT let my scar interfere with my plans to maintain healthy mind/healthy body ... I want to do regular Yoga too .. both are GREAT STRESSBUSTERS.

C~

[venora]

I show off my scar all the time.Mostly I cant stand having things touch it and I have lots of v necked tops.The sternum scar is still sore but the thyroid scar has just about faded into oblivion.My surgery was Sept.25th so I feel like it has healed well.Keep lots of sunscreen on it too.

[rr80]

I had surgery on 3rd jan 07. I had the running stitch and my scar is amazing. I'm 26 so so still very young. i can touch my scar and havent had any pain or swelling at all. i had a few problems with a stiff neck but that is getting better daily. i had 2 drains and the one was a little uncomfortable but all i have is a little mark. From what i have been reading i think it is the stitch type which affects the scar and healing the most. I'm 100% happy with mine so far.

[ChitChatNine]

ME TOO .. cannot stand anything to touch it!  I have washed/ironed up all my scarves from the days when we used to wear a suit/scarf into the office in the 80's/90's b4 the casual attire took over LOL!!!  I have quite a few beautiful silk scarves that my bosses thru the years gave me as Xmas presents ... so I guess that is good to have them in-stock hee hee!

My scar is about 3.5" long.  It is looking better daily.  Also the swallowing feels better daily but still feels like something is missing LOL!

C~