totall thyroidectomy postop swelling

[thyroidless1944]

I am now a week post-op after having thryroid removed along with lymph nodes.   I have swelling like a raised hard band at the scar site.  It is sometimes hard to swallow.  Is this normal?  I have also had intense itching around the ankles, feet and arms.  I am not on pain medication, just regular asthma, blood pressure, cholesterol meds.  Any feedback would be welcome.

[thyroidless1944]

Thank you all for your feedback.  It helps to know I'm not alone (or a hypochondriac).  I am resting and did call the doctor's service.  It was a Saturday, and I did not get a call back.  However, I am feeling better.  I took Advil for the swelling, and it seems to have helped a bit and the itching has subsided.  I was drinking soy milk (not something I am used to drinking), but since I stopped that, the itching has subsided.  It may have been a coincidence, but it worked.

I'm also a member of Curves and am anxious to resume exercising and walking.  Did any of you do that before a month?  Thanks again for your support.

[utahmomma]

Perfectly normal (I had the surgery twice).  Ice packs can help with the swelling and, as mentioned, massaging scar cream (or aloe vera gel or vitamin E), - WITH YOUR SURGEON'S BLESSING - works well.

Swallowing was difficult for me (had to turn my head slightly), lifting my head off the pillow, looking over my shoulder and (gasp!) sneezing is KILLER.    All perfectly normal and will go away with time.

Not sure about the itching - may be the body reacting to the anesthetic or even the change in hormones.  Talk to your doc.

Welcome to the double smile club.  The few, the proud, they thyroid-less!

Utahmomma
papillary carcinoma

[Susan312]

I had total thyroidectomy June 2nd. I also had a hard tender area about an inch all around the scar for about a month after surgery. Give it time to heal and talk with your surgeon about it on your post-op visit. Mine recommended scar cream massaged into scar twice a day - but don't do that until your surgeon says so... it is too early to start now.

I had no itching, but did have tingling from low calcium. If itching is intense and continues, suggest you call your surgeon to report symptom.

Good luck and take the time you need to rest and heal.

Susan

[Linda1068]

What you describe about the scar site is normal. Well, at least that's how mine felt. I am now just about 3months post PT. Scar is still noticeable. Swelling gone done ALOT.  As far as the itching you have, I don't know, maybe someone else can help you with that.  
Just please, take it easy, don't over due it. I would give it a good month before to 6 weeks before resuming normal activity. GET THE OK FROM YOUR DOCTOR ON THAT.