How long before the swelling is no longer a problem? I have a tight swelling along the suture line like a hard tunnel. Eating and drinking still feel "precarious" although not as bad as after surgery. It's been over 2 weeks. I've asked the doctor if I need to continue sleeping on my back, he said sleep any way you like. Do you find this true? Will ice or tylenol help? or is that a bad thing? Other than that, I adjusted to my 150 mcg readily. I feel pretty good. Hair seems to be holding it's ground (thank goodness) and labs are "normal" post surgery. I do have a horrid scar made worse at 68 y/o because the "wrinkles" in my neck aren't currently hanging normally so wrinkling more prominent. As if having a wrinkled neck isn't bad enough. Tell me that will all settle down one day? OF NOTE, I live in appalachia and - I run into people EVERY DAY who have had either thyroidectomy, nodules, or issues. I am amazed how common it is in this area, maybe all areas? Would be interesting to see a chart by state of incident of thyroid issues.
Thanks for any feedback.
Hello.
Swelling and tightness along the suture line are common after such procedures, but the duration and intensity of these symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.
Typically, post-surgical swelling starts to reduce within a few weeks but can take several months to fully resolve. Since it's been over two weeks and you're still experiencing some issues, this is within the normal range, but it's always important to closely monitor your recovery and report any concerns to your surgeon or doctor.
If your doctor has advised that you can sleep in any position, it should be safe to do so. Comfort is key, and finding a position that doesn't exacerbate your symptoms is important.
Ice can help reduce swelling, especially in the initial days following surgery. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally safe for pain management unless otherwise advised by your doctor. However, it's essential to follow the dosage instructions and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any liver issues or are taking other medications.
Scars can look more pronounced initially, especially in areas where the skin naturally wrinkles. Over time, scars usually fade and become less noticeable, but this process can take up to a year or more. There are treatments and creams that can help reduce the appearance of scars, which you might want to discuss with your doctor.
Thyroid issues are indeed quite common, and their prevalence can vary by region due to factors like diet, environment, and genetics. Creating a chart of thyroid issue incidents by state would indeed be interesting and could provide insights into regional trends and risk factors.
It's great to hear that you've adjusted well to your medication and that your hair and lab results are stable. Recovery from thyroid surgery, like any surgery, can be a gradual process.