problems after total thyroidectomy

[skipandflip]

Hello,
Had growing cold nodule for 4 years, 4 neg. FNAs, thyroid fuction never affected. This summer starting causing symptoms (Reached 4+cm) of pain in neck , diff. swallowing, SOB when lying flat. planned lobectomy w/ poss. TT on 9/18.  Nodule sent to Path. while in OR - Frozen slide + pap. CA, Did TT and removed all lymph nodes in area. I assumed this is a definite diagnosis of Pap Thy CA - surgeon says let's wait for final Bx results. Can Path finding be wrong? I am already assuming a def. Dx of Thyoid CA. (42 yr. old female).  Also immed. upon awakening in Recovery had SOB /difficulty getting a satisfying breath.  This was severe for first 24 hrs. did stat ekg/cxr - both normal.  felt like I was suffocating - could not sleep, had to sit straight up to breathe.  I am four days post-op still having some shortness of breath but much better.  Difficulty drinking liquids (keep choking).  Voice very hoarse and a lot of mucous in throat.  Is this all considered normal?? I would appreciate any help.

[FB1963]

I hope you're feeling better.
I had my surgeryMay 13.2009, and I have congestion, which being a former smoker, I was told is normal.  I still have some problems breathing at times, but I attribute the that to the scar tissue from surgery.
Hang in there. I was told that it will be a long road to full recovery, and so far I'm doing alright, and so will you.

[skipandflip]

Thanks for the reply,
The amount of mucous is getting better.  I am still getting Short of Breath , esp. when talking or eating, I actually get lightheaded like I am hyperventilating.  I am still running a low grade temp.  I don't really feel anxious - more tired.  I talked to the surgeon Mon. afternoon and I am to hold my Cytomel for 1 week.  I am getting a litttle disgusted with this sensation.  Like you, the pain from the actual surgery was nothing.  I don't know if my problems are from some vocal cord paresis - I wish someone would just give me an answer.  Thanks again for the reply.  Hope all goes well with you.

[alona99]

I had alot of mucous in my throat too and it went away after awhile.Do they know what the shortness of breath is from? If you have a sore throat and the choking difficulty drinking ,eating soft foods ect. it could be from that stupid breathing tube!!!!! I had more TROUBLE from that than the surgery!! My throat was sore as hell for 4 days that is what I needed the pain meds for two days for!! HAHA! I had lobectomy on 9/8/09 with possible second surgery - look at uh-oh nodule in Italy! post. Good luck to you and I hope you feel well soon!