jugular pulses after thyroidectomy

[doggiedoc]

Hi everyone. I am 8 days post total thyroidectomy in which the left side was very large and the right side minimally enlarged. I am doing pretty well, have been back to work for 3 days now. I still have soreness/pain at surgery site and swelling is still evident. I had my small "bandage" covering removed 2 days ago. I noticed today in the mirror that I could see my jugular/carotid pulses quite easily, more so on the left side (where the surgery was more extensive). I am presently on 150mcg levothyroxine daily and my blood pressure 2 days ago was normal at the recheck. I did not ask Dr. about it because I hadn't seen it until today. Has anyone experienced this and if so, will it diminish after swelling, etc resolve or does it indicate a problem (hypertension, too much thyroid supplement????)  If anyone had had similar problem, please let me know. Thanks!

[ChitChatNine]

I agree with Utah .. it takes upwards of 6+ weeks for the internal stitches to actually all disolve!

C~

[utahmomma]

You have *so* much internal swelling from the surgery, I'm betting it's just the swelling displacing your jugular vein but it would be worth calling the surgeon about.  Besides, followup appointments should be included in the cost of the surgery so go for it.  :-)

Try ice on your neck too - it helps reduce the swelling and numbs it a bit.