Swallowing discomfort after thyroidectomy

i too had a total thyroidectomy about 3 weeks ago. i could swallow fine a few days afterward but now food doesn't go down as easily. i will address this when i go back for my follow up. i'm still adjusting to the thyroid replacement med. good luck to you. jani2123

I had a total thyroidectomy as well in December 2011.  About a week after surgery this issue started and was inducing pretty strong anxiety feeling like any minute I was going to choke or not be able to breathe.  I pursued several different doctors and options for treatment.  Was told it was just the healing process and scar tissue and was put on prilosec and a nasal spray.  Had a scope done three seperate times to check my vocal cords and make sure there wasn't a visible blockage.  Finally, my most recent ENT said to try taking regular Mucinex, (not the DM) and see if that helped.  It actually REALLY HAS HELPED!  I'm so relieved!  Not sure if you can take Mucinex indefinitely, but it does appear to be a combination of thicker mucus and altered muscle control when I swallow that has created this issue for the most part.  That combined with the fact that after the RAI i have had thicker saliva and a little bit of dry mouth seem to have contributed to this issue too.  I hope the same course of treatment helps others, because I was starting to feel like I was losing my mind with this constant sense of 'stuff' in my throat!  Good luck to all of you!

you can not take calcium suppliments while getting ready for the iodine reuptake and radiation...

Hi,  I had a hemithyroidectomy in March 2012 and still feel a lump, tightness in my throat area.  My surgeon told me to give it a yr.  I researched complications from hemithyroidectomy and do not find any info regarding this post surgery complication.  I'm worried that I will have to live with this for the rest of my life.  I can breathe and eat fine, but there is this constant feeling of lump in my throat which is annoying and worrisome.   I would appreciate any information possible.

 

 

I just wanted to say God Bless you, and he will heal you. I have Thyroid nodules and am very scared, I am reading stories to sort of answer some of my ?'s

Hi, I could understand your fear, but if you have a good endocrinologist, you should be fine. I found out in 2004 that I had nodules on my thyroid. I have been checking from since 2005 to last year. and the were not going away. They were getting bigger. I had about 5. I had two biopsy done it was not cancerous. But it was getting difficult to swallow. so I had a total thyroidectomy done in August and was in the hospital for two days. I did everything I was told, I had no infection, no extra swelling. But swallowing was difficult, I used a straws for drinking until about two months after. Had my surgery on Aug 13th last year, still recovering. everything takes time to heal. You just have to be patient. I am on meds for life. That too takes time for them to get the right dosage. One piece of advice, don't read too much, I never thought to read I did after the fact. Trust your doctor and you will be fine. Ask questions and remember everyone experience is different.

I have all the symptons a you do. I thought I was going crazy but I am not now. Thanks for that. I just got a ultra sound done and my thyroid is growing back after 3 months. Good luck and let you know what surgeon says when he gets the report.

Going crazy

I have the same issue. Can you please tell me if this was resolved for you and what helped. Thank you

I have a friend who experienced the same symptoms, post thyroidectomy, her surgeon stated it was called: tethering, Surgeon was able to operate and fix the scar and tethering, is fine since.

Hi - Long time!  Forgot about this until I saw that someone posted or liked original post and I received an email.  

Let's see, 8 years later, I am glad to say that the issue with the swallowing feeling is almost all gone, but still there a little, I'm just used to it now. [My scar is completely gone, though, and I attribute a lot of that to using a sunscreen stick for a year which helped protect the scar from being bleached and whitening, as well as providing a daily massage to loosening the scar tissue.]  The swallowing feeling is certainly much better than 4 weeks post surgery, it really does take a while, months, to feel back to normal.  I notice that the tissue feels like it contracts more in very cold, dry weather, and then I notice it and worry a little, but I'm always fine.  My own theory is that since it's something so essential (breathing or swallowing), it gives me a little anxiety when I notice it, but I am always fine. 

I had much more difficulty over these 8 years finding a correct dose of hormone (synthroid).  My Rx has changed again this past year, has been all over the place, and the highs and lows in energy can be terrible.  My endocrinologist has been terrific, considers how I feel when considering the dose and also give me longer to 'settle' before retesting since it seemed to help find the right dose.  It also helps if your endocrinologist tests in his/her own lab, the results can vary more if sent to outside labs.  I also had a hysterectomy a few years ago due to cysts, heavy bleeding, and since then, my body seems to be more 'stable'.  Two endocrine systems gone, hopefully no more. 

To guest on 1/23, thanks. (and to all who posted).  I will consider that and mention it to my doctor if I decide it's worth another surgery, but at this point, it doesn't feel like anything I need to pursue.  Will certainly help others, thanks for posting.

Hope all are faring well now, especially those battling cancer. 

There is is one it's called thyca.org cancer page

Seadog...I am not sure if you will get this post as it is almost a year after you have posted your's. I had my thyroidectomy 3 weeks ago and are experiencing the same feeling where when swallowing the skin pulls op....almost as if attached to muscle underneath? Are your problem sorted now?

Thanks i had my surgery 23 April 2014. Friday, i went back to doc who said there is a mild infection, due to moisture, the drain pipe was removed to soon and i choked just after my opp. My throat also feels tight, difficult at times to swallow, swelling is still there. hope this condition will soon improve.

Hi, I had this surgery 6 years ago and I have the same problem to this day. I can eat fine, I burp more, but it does feel like less space in my throat. Unfortunately, I don't think it's every going to go away. In my case I believe it's a build up of post-surg adhesions.

I am five months after the surgery. had total plus large goider and modules removed. did not have a voice for almost 4 months. having trouble swallowing, laying down flat, and also grasps of air. having trouble breathing to. I get short winded. going back to see the surgeon next Tuesday. will keep you posted. I will keep you in my prayers
Ann
Houston tX