shortness of breath and upper chest tightness after total thyroidectomy

LJ · Guest

I am 27 years old, diagnosed with a complex left thyroid nodule and 3 small solid thyroid nodules on the right in Jan this year. They came on very quickly and did not cause me any real problems. Due to their character on my FNA and ultrasound, I underwent total thyroidectomy in late Feb this year at the recommendation of my surgeon, another ENT specialist and my family doctor. Thankfully my cysts were all benign by pathology an considered to be a multinodular goiter. I have never had any health problems at all in my life, until after having this procedure performed. Since my surgery I have not been able to sleep comfortably lying flat on my back and more importantly I have had very random times with shortness of breath, tightness all over my neck and upper chest, and a general feeling of a more narrowing airway or throat---this happens both while sitting stationary and more so when I am picking up my toddler or running errands or busy doing chores at home or out running them. I do not believe that there are any allergies of the air/environmental factors causing this. There have been times that I just have to sit down and rest and other times I just wait for it to pass and try not to think about it. I was on levothroid for 1 month or so following surgery and asked my ENT surgeon to try me on brand synthroid to see if it may help my symptoms. I have been taking it now for 4 weeks without any changes or improevments. I have not had any voice problems at all, however I do swallow a little differently than I used to, but it is never a bother to me. I don't relate the systoms to anxiety or stress. I am sad and very boggled though that I have these health problems now, which I had never had before surgery. I have been told by my surgeon that everything is fine according to his exam. The surgeon has scoped me 2 times since my surgery and tells me everything is normal. However, I know that it is definitely not. I should add that I am a nurse myself, so I do have an idea when something is not right. I know what my body is feeling more than anyone else too. I feel like my surgeon is not taking my symptoms seriously enough and that maybe has no clue what could be going on and feel like I am getting no answers or relief meanwhile. My surgeon is now sending me on to a pulmonary specialist and has orderes a CT Scan of my neck and chest. Hopefully this will bring some answers and direction. Is anyone else having these symptoms or anyone gone through this that may be able to tell me any answers or share their experiences which might be similar?

Guest · Guest

I have the same exact symptoms you're referring to. Its like a tightness in my neck and a feeling of an upper airway restriction of some sort. Also, when I turn my neck to the side I really feel the airway restriction. I've been to doctors in the past and all of them say I'm fine

Sal

sabrinaopate · Newbie Joined: 28 Feb 2008 Posts: 2

I just had a my entire thyroid removed in Dec. I ended up having papillary carcinoma (thyroid cancer) and had to do a radioactive iodine treatment. But since my surgery, I have had shortness of breath. My doctor says it will fix itself soon... but it has been three months and no change! I am having voice trouble though, and my doctor told me the two problems were linked.

as73 · Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 1

I had a total thyroidectomy 1 year ago. Have had an onset of numerous problems 3 months after removal. One of my main complaints is shortness of breath and chest tightness, chest pain also. I was always a very healthy person, maybe going to the Dr. 1x a year. Now I am there every couple of weeks. Have had ct scans, heart tests, x-rays, and they say everything is fine. I am only 35 and feel I am not in my life anymore. The Dr.'s have said i just need antideppresants, but thats not it! The only thing depressing me, is I get no answers! Anyone that has any ideas?

anjnath · Newbie Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 1

It's been 2.5 months since my total thyroidectomy for removal of thyroid where papillary cancer was found, two lymph nodes were removed, one which was touching nerve to my vocal chord. Later learned from I-131 scan that it spread to my chest. As of a week and a half have been experiencing chest tightness and asked Endocrynologist about it and said didn't sound related to surgery so to go see my GP. Saw GP today and no concrete answers either. It's a hard feeling to describe as it doesn't prevent me fron breathing well, it feels connected to my throat and voice healing, it tightens when I'm stressed, sad or angry or carrying heavy things. Exercise may make it worse but not sure.

So the doc did an EKG on me today, seemed normal. He tested my peak flow in case asthma was developing and presecribed me an albuterol inhaler in case I wanted to fill it. I also made an appointment to see a therapist because the anxiety of dealing with everything might be contributing to chest tightness. It's extremely frustrating to know when things don't seem to be normal, to try to be patient with the healing process, and to not get any clear answers at all.

I myself would love some advice but the only thing I can offer is don't feel bad bugging your docs and getting second opinions and asking friends of friends in the medical field. It's tough because I am finding that there is not one person who can look at all of me an help me understand what is going on inside. I've been told that this kind of care doesn't exist. Docs know us in pieces so it's important that we educate ourselves and make sure we get the answers we are looking for but not drive ourselves crazy in the process.

Guest · Guest

I too have had a total thyroidectomy and have ask some of the same questions you are asking. Have not gotten an answer yet? I am seening a pul
mologist now also. I have had a ct scan of my chest area to find I have lung scarring. But I have the same tightness, short or breath, coughing all the time since I had the surgery. I am needing help badly. If you find out please let me know. By the way my thryoid surgery was 5/07 and I also experience hypocalcemia.

Guest · Guest

Something triigers my body to become hot, I start to have shortness of breath, cough and wheezing, nasal stuffiness. Is it allergies, I am not for sure. I just get scaried everytime it happiens. Am now starting to take my sons albuterol treatements at night to stop the wheezing. should I go to a doctor. Should I be worrried!!!!. or is it just allgeries?

shortness of breath and upper chest tightness after total thyroidectomy

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