One week post total thyroidectomy

[WD10]

Hello,
I had surgery one week ago and I feel a tightness across my throat tonight.  Pretty uncomfortable, I feel like it is just due to the healing of the tissues but would love some reassurance that this feeling is normal and will go away with some time.  

I had path results that showed two areas of papillary carcinoma so I also get to look forward to radioiodine treatment.  I am not taking any meds right now and am already experiencing insomnia along with other hypothyroid symptoms.  I don't see the endocrinologist until July 14th which is beginning to seem like a long long time away.  

Thanks for any advice.

[nissah46]

The tightness you are experiencing is very normal. The  incision takes  even longer to heal internally. Do you have stitches? You should be able to do some  gentle neck exercises shortly. It helps get the mobility back.  Also, a lotion on the incision is a good idea.  I used Glaxal Base, which was recommended by  my sister in law, an oncology nurse.  Good luck.
Trish

[redheadaussie]

I've had two thyroid surgeries and each one was the same; that tightness you refer to is very normal. Everything is pulled back nice and tight and stitched under the skin then the skin on the outer is either stitched or special glued in place. The tightness does take a little while to go away. Just be sure to do some lifting your head to the ceiling and down to your chest every so often. Only go as far as is comfortable..DO NOT over stretch. It is only to help the skin loosen up. I did all that and added some oil to the scar and now I am fine, 6 months on!  Using a peanut shaped neck pillow at night can help alleviate that weird stretching feeling you might have too.
Good luck!

[WD10]

Thanks, I felt like it was normal healing since scar tissue is not as strectchy as regular tissue but It was really bothering me last night.  Feels better this morning.  

[WD10]

No stiches an the skin surface.  I suppose some internal stiches.  Wendy