Sore Bulge post thyroidectomy

[husky1]

I had a Total Thyoidectomy 3 weeks ago.  Whenever I talk a very sore bulge appears on the left side above the incision.  It gets very tender but dissipates overnight. There weren't any complications with the surgery however I still have a very husky voice and cannot sing.

[a_rodriguez_04]

My lump is directly above my incision.  There were no stitches or staples used to close up my incision, they used some kind of "superglue" because it minimzes the appearance of a scar.  I still have th lump, still very tight and stiff in the area.  To top it off, some of the glue is still there and slowly peeling off (GROSS), I can't exactly scrub the area because it is still sensitive.

[ChitChatNine]

They told me the older we get the harder it is to recover from being put out ... that, in itself, I was told could not be compared to my last surgery years ago like you, too.  I ended up with a terrible vertigo and migraine headache for 48hrs after surgery that kept me in the hosp an additional day.  I could not use the restroom on my own.  Then couple that dizziness that lasted a full week with just getting over the surgery itself and it was tiring ... everybody is different in the healing .....

I had that lump where the stitch bundle was to my left side of the incision and it lasted about 6-8 weeks .. but sounds like you all have it above the incision ?

Cheryl (partial 1/07)

[husky1]

I haven't heard about a sponge but will ask my specialist.  Thanks, all comments have been very helpful. It does appear that recovery takes longer than the 1 -2 wks advised. I  thought it was wishful thinking as I had a partial thyroidectomy 15 years ago and recovery took about 6 weeks.

[paulmac]

I had partial on March 18th and 4 days later saw the bulge. Went to Dr and he informed me there is a disolvable sponge in neck to absorb the fluid. This was a surprise indeed. I knew that drains were not to be used however no one said anything about a sponge.
I have all other symptoms you all report- hard to swallow, tightness in neck, and hoarseness. Also really tired and have lost alot of stamina. Taking another week of week for recovery.     Has anyone else heard of this sponnge in the neck thing?

[quincytoo]

I had mine on Feb 19 and still incision area is very tight, hard and sore but getting better :).

Feels like an elastic band is wrapped around my throat and sometimes swallowing is very hard.

Last night I while sleeping I flipped onto my stomach and my neck came into contact with my pillow.. YOWEE I was jolted awake....not a good move.

Funny I thought recovery was 2 - 3 weeks.....now I realize it is going to be alot more

[a_rodriguez_04]

I still have a bulge above my incision site and I had my TT on the 27th of February.  Though it is not as large as it was it is still very much there.

[marsha1975]

I had my TT on 2/18/08 and I still have a constant bulge above my incision.  I did go to the doctor about it several times and was told it was fluid collection in the neck that would go away in time.  My doc said if it was very bothersome that he could drain it with a needle but I felt I had been through enough and wasn't about to do that unless I had to.  The bulge goes down from time to time but it is always there to an extent.  I do not know how long it will take to totally go away.

[Thypatient]

Have you had a follow-up appt yet?  I think I'd call and let the surgeon know what's going on.  If only to allay your fears.

[ChitChatNine]

The singing will most likely come back .. check out Choirgirl's posts ... last I hear she is SINGING AGAIN very well and she was so hoarse after surgery!  Not sure on the lump; but ice is a good idea when it appears .... they do alot of internal things inside during surgery and takes 6-8 weeks for stitches to fully disappear inside where we cannot see them.

do ask your Dr., about it though if you have the chance,

Cheryl