Post Thyroidectomy Swelling/Pain

[beblonde]

I had a total thyroidectomy and almost complete parathyroidectomy 5 days ago.  I had not had any surgical procedure that was as painless & complication free until yesterday.  My neck has swollen directly above my surgery scar.  I have pain at the base of my neck all the way to above my surgery scar.  It is somewhat painful to swallow.  My Dr. told me following surgery that I might have a problem with one of my vocal cords...he could not get any reading one one of them during the surgery.  Voice has minor changes...Is this normal.....after not having any swelling or pain....now 5 days out having alot of swelling.....and pain....hurts to move neck...swallow, etc.....

[dscoochie]

I also suggest you call your Doctor.

However, I also had swelling after my surgery.  I was told it was just fluid buildup.  It was very uncomfortable and I had to sleep in a upright position to not feel as if I was choking.

Regardless, I would still call the doctor.

Take care.

[amela321]

My neck swelled up about 4 days after my neck dissection and stayed that way for about two weeks.  It was very very swollen.  However, it seemed like after two weeks, I woke up one morning and it was gone.  It was recommended to me to ice it and take tylenol for any pain.  

I sympathize with you.  Good luck!!

[Thypatient]

I'd call the dr's exchange.  It sounds like you need to get a direct dr's opinion on this one.  If you can't call or don't care to do that, please go to the er.  Complications do come up after this kind of surgery, so they won't be too surprised to see you (I know this first hand; the nurse's told me so when I had to go).  It will be worth it, if only to put your mind at ease.

Keep in touch.