post thyroidectomy

[eima]

hi...it's been two weeks since i had my thyroidectomy...this was my second operation...i had subtotal right tyroidectomy two years ago...my concern is i still feel my neck a bit stiff. its as if it tightens...is this normal because its been 2 weeks since my surgery? how long will this wear off? or should i go visit my surgeon and ask about it?

[stella5349]

I have not had the surgery but can respond from 2 members here I talk with often. The both had several issues after the surgery - neck soreness for sure and that was present longer than 2 months.

Sometime because of the nature of the surgery and knowing basically it is a "neck" issue - subconciously you can be holding it funny after you had it and the muscles and tendions can be stiff until you orbit your head normally. It's a common issue and this surgery - but I certaily do not want you to think that is 100% your problem either.

I would ... call the surgeon - why not? - tell him about it. See what they say. There's no reason to hold back and he/she should be understanding.


ASPEN - I am leaning to think your issues could be more on the hypothyroidism issues then the fact of having surgery.

Whether surgical removal or RAI removal or plain old losing complete thyroid function - those 2 things you list above are totally releated to being still left OFF with your proper levels. I see you posted some and read about the thyroid tests with FT3 and FT4 - and with the TSH as just a THERE test. I'd ask to have those ran - get a copy of the lab sheet - after done- and see how your ranges of tests compare to many that find those labs optimal with the FT3 - being HIGH - the FT4 - being mid-high and the TSH being around 1.0 or maybe under or just slightly over the reference rages. That's what I would do now ( after going through exactly that) before I would have the tube shoved done my nose again. That was horrible and I would prefer never to go through it ever again. The voice issues hung on me for almost 2 eyars after I lost my thyroid. I sounds like a guy for a long time. I do however smoke and ( quitting presently) and that really has bothered me since the loss of my thyroid from RAI.

[ASPEN50]

I had a TT 12-17. SInce then my voice has changed - from sounding horse, voice fatigue, can't raise my voice, vocal range difficuties. I called doctor they want to scope me - down my nose & throat (ouch cause still sore) They are looking for sinus drainage and reflux. I don't believe a word of it. They must be looking for vocal cord damage. ANYONE have issues with their voice not returning to normal and for how long?

[Justin1967]

I would say it is it normal as It might take awhile to heal ..
I am not sure what your surgeon would say other than possibly take a pain-killer..
Take care..