I just had my left lobe taken out on March 24, 2009, for a fast growing tumor, which turned out to be benign thank goodness! But ever since the the surgery I have been hoarse and can hardly talk. I also have been having feelings of breathlessness and a choking sensation around my neck where the incision is. At my post op check up (last week) the ENT scoped my throat and said that one of my vocal cords appears to not be working, but he was sure that it was only temporary. I called him today because the choking sensation and feeling that I cannot breath is getting worse and he told me that is probably anxiety and prescribe Xanax. I am supposed to see him again on Monday. Who knows what he will tell me. At least after reading all of these similar situations I know that it is not just in my head. Has anyone else been told it is just anxiety? I sure hope I feel better soon, this sucks! I thought a partial thyroidectomy was supposed to be a piece of cake!
I had a sub-total bilateral thyroidectomy on the 24th March aswell. Not cancer thankfully but my thyroid was becoming so large it was pushing my trachaea to the left and badly affecting my breathing. I had no symptoms of any thyroid malfunction.
I was told by my surgeon that during the surgery all the channels that the lymph fluid travels in under the skin are cut, so that, after the operation, the fluid will gather above the scar and become really quite swollen. I had a drain that exited below the scar and continued to drain lymph for about 4 days after the surgery. I was released from hospital the afternoon of the day following the operation.
Once closed the swelling he mentioned appeared and as he also explained to me it increased in size for about 3 weeks before suddenly decreasing as the fluid finds new pathways past the scar tissue.
I also have the sensation of having a lump in my throat and there is a small area at the front of my neck that feels like hard tissue. It seems to be more noticeable during and after excercise which is when the transport of lymph is at it's highest. I am hoping with more time the sensation will disappear and the hard lump under the scar will diminish.
My feeling is it is post surgical scar tissue and that over time my body will take care of itself and reduce the size of the tissue. In the meantime I totally understand the horrible sensation a lot of posters seem to have or being strangled! Mine seems worse at different times of the day. I'm going to start the stretches others have described and see how that goes.
I was told by my surgeon that during the surgery all the channels that the lymph fluid travels in under the skin are cut, so that, after the operation, the fluid will gather above the scar and become really quite swollen. I had a drain that exited below the scar and continued to drain lymph for about 4 days after the surgery. I was released from hospital the afternoon of the day following the operation.
Once closed the swelling he mentioned appeared and as he also explained to me it increased in size for about 3 weeks before suddenly decreasing as the fluid finds new pathways past the scar tissue.
I also have the sensation of having a lump in my throat and there is a small area at the front of my neck that feels like hard tissue. It seems to be more noticeable during and after excercise which is when the transport of lymph is at it's highest. I am hoping with more time the sensation will disappear and the hard lump under the scar will diminish.
My feeling is it is post surgical scar tissue and that over time my body will take care of itself and reduce the size of the tissue. In the meantime I totally understand the horrible sensation a lot of posters seem to have or being strangled! Mine seems worse at different times of the day. I'm going to start the stretches others have described and see how that goes.
Dear friends,
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Papillary Thyroid Cancer. August 29, 2009 I had my thyroidectomy. I read about the tightness in the neck and was determined not to have that problem. Wrong! I also sing in a choir and an ensemble, so my vocal cords get a work out.
A few things that I do to aleviate some of the problems are massage to the neck. My scar is fine, it is just all of the other tissue in the neck. My lymph nodes are tender frequently, and I believe that the neck massages help with the lymph flow. Most of the time, I do the massages while driving. So I usually show up with a red neck! (Not so bad, I do live in the South! :-P ) I also have problems wearing necklaces. Even the lightest weight necklace tends to give me the sensation of choking. Again, I think it is because of the pressure on the tissue, and muscles.
Lastly, when I sing a lot, the tightness seems to be the worst. As a short term fix, I take 400-800mg of Motrin (Advil, Ibuprofen ) and it takes the tightness sensation away.
My doctor has discussed vocal therapy, but have not done it yet.
No real solutions, just affirmation that WE ARE NOT ALONE! I know now, that I am not crazy either! But I try to remember that "The Lord is Blessing Me Right Now!" I am cancer-free and living to see a new day.
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Papillary Thyroid Cancer. August 29, 2009 I had my thyroidectomy. I read about the tightness in the neck and was determined not to have that problem. Wrong! I also sing in a choir and an ensemble, so my vocal cords get a work out.
A few things that I do to aleviate some of the problems are massage to the neck. My scar is fine, it is just all of the other tissue in the neck. My lymph nodes are tender frequently, and I believe that the neck massages help with the lymph flow. Most of the time, I do the massages while driving. So I usually show up with a red neck! (Not so bad, I do live in the South! :-P ) I also have problems wearing necklaces. Even the lightest weight necklace tends to give me the sensation of choking. Again, I think it is because of the pressure on the tissue, and muscles.
Lastly, when I sing a lot, the tightness seems to be the worst. As a short term fix, I take 400-800mg of Motrin (Advil, Ibuprofen ) and it takes the tightness sensation away.
My doctor has discussed vocal therapy, but have not done it yet.
No real solutions, just affirmation that WE ARE NOT ALONE! I know now, that I am not crazy either! But I try to remember that "The Lord is Blessing Me Right Now!" I am cancer-free and living to see a new day.
Hi I also have Hashimoto disease and although i have never had my thyroid removed I am getting this tightness in my neck like someone is choking me. I have had it for about a month now and its freaks me out. This has become an everyday thing for me now and although my thyroid levels were low my doctor put me on a higher dose of levothyroxine and it did not help. I do have to say that I have had this tightness in my neck in the past but it would last for a day. Now it's to the point where its an everyday thing and I can't stand it, I've gone to an ent and they solution was stress. So he put me on XANAX. I take it only when the tightness gets to the point where it makes me nauseus and I cant take it. I try not to let it get to me. But of course that's easier said than done, I am relieved to know that I'm not the only one feeling this way. I hope and pray that some caring doctor out there can take us seriously and find a diagnosis to this. Good luck and it they find a diagnosis for you please let me know!!
I have had a thyroidectomy followed six months later by further lymph node removal. Total of 100+ nodes removed, maybe approaching 200. Certainly I have a lot of tightness. For the first 2 months after the first operation it got worse and I was starting to get concerned about choking but then it stopped getting worse. Second operation followed the same pattern. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be getting better it has just levelled out. Its not really painful - more very annoying like wearing a collar two sizes too small.
Everything I have heard is that this is par for the course. I am still taking the occaisional tylenol 1 which is tylenol plus a small amount of codeine. Otherwise the tightness is distracting unless I am really busy. I am hoping it will get better with the years. I am getting more used to it. I had one of the very best surgeons available in North America - I guess its the nature of the beast. I just thank God and the surgeons every day for being alive, because without this surgery I wouldn't be alive.
Everything I have heard is that this is par for the course. I am still taking the occaisional tylenol 1 which is tylenol plus a small amount of codeine. Otherwise the tightness is distracting unless I am really busy. I am hoping it will get better with the years. I am getting more used to it. I had one of the very best surgeons available in North America - I guess its the nature of the beast. I just thank God and the surgeons every day for being alive, because without this surgery I wouldn't be alive.
Wow, that is very intense! I am glad that you are doing well though. It sounds like you really had a hard time of it and I'm glad to hear that you're doing well. Thanks for posting your story.
It has been over 5 years since I had my left total thyroidectomy and I spent appx 2 years having xrays, ultra-sounds, bariums, esophogeal stretching, light down the esophogus, etc. due to feeling constantly like someones hands were choking me. I was finally told by my doctor/surgeon that he was releasing me because I was not having any additional problems with my Thyroid. However, he did say that I had another goiter on the right side that wasn't growing.
I have been on Synthroid therapy all this time which keeps all of my levels normal but it hasn't ease any feeling of choking I have. I finally decided I would start the process again by seeing my family physician, who felt of my neck (pretty much admitted he wasn't sure what he was feeling for) then sent me directly to have an ultra-sound done after I left his office. The ultra-sound (per my family physician) shows "multi-nodules" with the larges one being 1.7cm. He stated that it seem large to him but said I needed to go back to the surgeon to get his opinion.
So my question would be...I'm 42 years old, I'm without 1 thryoid already and have the same issues with my right one that caused the removal of my left thyroid. What are the ramifications of having to have the other one removed?
I have been on Synthroid therapy all this time which keeps all of my levels normal but it hasn't ease any feeling of choking I have. I finally decided I would start the process again by seeing my family physician, who felt of my neck (pretty much admitted he wasn't sure what he was feeling for) then sent me directly to have an ultra-sound done after I left his office. The ultra-sound (per my family physician) shows "multi-nodules" with the larges one being 1.7cm. He stated that it seem large to him but said I needed to go back to the surgeon to get his opinion.
So my question would be...I'm 42 years old, I'm without 1 thryoid already and have the same issues with my right one that caused the removal of my left thyroid. What are the ramifications of having to have the other one removed?
I think that you can safely have both thyroids removed since they do have medication to help compensate for the loss, although I'm not entirely sure. Anyone else have an answer?
I undergo thyroidectomy last Dec 22, 2009... i am also experiencing tightness and feels like there's something in my neck area. I did ask my surgeon about it and he told me that it is normal since the muscles in my neck area is recovering from the surgery. But still i am worried because i'm not comfortable.
Believe it or not. It has been almost 5 years Post TT and my conditon of the tightness and fullness has not lessened, it has just gotten progressively worst. I have been to every medical/surgical specialist without any answer. I just had an MRI which showed shotty noedes which has nothing to do with what I am experiencing. Can you believe 26 doctors cannot give me an answer or even suggest what and why this has happened. I am praying to God to help me. Some days it is so difficult and the tightness become almost unbearable. Any thought from anyone out there. Thanks.
I was sent here from the medhelp forums. I have these symptoms however I have NOT had surgery on my thyroid.
I've had this problem since October 2001. I've seen THREE endocrinologists (going on 4), an Immunologist, my regular doctor and an ENT.
It started with a choking feeling in my neck. I kept pulling at the turtleneck all day at work.
I came home from work ripping off my turtle neck and having dry choking heaves.
After that I couldn't wear anything around my neck including necklaces, turtlenecks, or my hair touching it.
About two months later, I was diagnosed with mono and was in bed from Jan 2002 to March 2002.
During this time I gained 40lbs in those months going from 140 to 190lbs.
I saw an endocrinologist in April in Rochester NY who said I had "Fibromyalgia of the thyroid" and that there was nothing wrong with me.
I went to another endo. in Buffalo NY. She looked at my blood work and said "There is nothing wrong with you."
I said: Why do I have this feeling in my neck?
She said: I Don't know.
Took my copay and sent me on my way
I had an ultrasound in 2002 that showed some nodules on the thyroid. No doctor addressed it.
I continued to have this feeling in my neck. My shirts are all pulled out, I wear V necks, I put my hair up, I can't wear necklaces and I also cannot touch the front of my neck. It's hard to find a comfortable spot when sleeping because pressure below my jaw radiates. I can't wear a scarf or a winter coat with a high collar because it rubs on the sides of my neck and irritates it.
There is also this pulling right below the thyroid and sometimes I notice that area will become red like I was out in the sun a bit.
I began to live with this as annoying as it was.
Last year (2009), I went to another endocrinologist regarding some other problem and stressed that I had this issue since Oct 2001. She did another thyroid test and found my levels were off. Gave me synthroid.
She did an ultrasound and took a biopsy of the nodules. No cancer. Thyroid was a little enlarged. I was told to live with the feeling in my neck.
I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE! Right now the neck is too tight, I have keep taking Advil which is not good to relieve this tightness.
I feel like no doctor cares to help and that I'm the only person in the area with this problem.
This all started around the time I was experiencing symptoms of mono before I was diagnosed.
I see another endo in November. What else can I ask for to see if this problem can be solved. It looks like even if I had the thyroid removed, I would still have these problems. So now I'm wondering what could cause this because I never had surgery.
If she doesn't give me a decent answer, I'm going to a doctor out of my area (and will pay out of pocket) if someone can help and diagnose me.
Thank you for any help!
Christine.
I've had this problem since October 2001. I've seen THREE endocrinologists (going on 4), an Immunologist, my regular doctor and an ENT.
It started with a choking feeling in my neck. I kept pulling at the turtleneck all day at work.
I came home from work ripping off my turtle neck and having dry choking heaves.
After that I couldn't wear anything around my neck including necklaces, turtlenecks, or my hair touching it.
About two months later, I was diagnosed with mono and was in bed from Jan 2002 to March 2002.
During this time I gained 40lbs in those months going from 140 to 190lbs.
I saw an endocrinologist in April in Rochester NY who said I had "Fibromyalgia of the thyroid" and that there was nothing wrong with me.
I went to another endo. in Buffalo NY. She looked at my blood work and said "There is nothing wrong with you."
I said: Why do I have this feeling in my neck?
She said: I Don't know.
Took my copay and sent me on my way
I had an ultrasound in 2002 that showed some nodules on the thyroid. No doctor addressed it.
I continued to have this feeling in my neck. My shirts are all pulled out, I wear V necks, I put my hair up, I can't wear necklaces and I also cannot touch the front of my neck. It's hard to find a comfortable spot when sleeping because pressure below my jaw radiates. I can't wear a scarf or a winter coat with a high collar because it rubs on the sides of my neck and irritates it.
There is also this pulling right below the thyroid and sometimes I notice that area will become red like I was out in the sun a bit.
I began to live with this as annoying as it was.
Last year (2009), I went to another endocrinologist regarding some other problem and stressed that I had this issue since Oct 2001. She did another thyroid test and found my levels were off. Gave me synthroid.
She did an ultrasound and took a biopsy of the nodules. No cancer. Thyroid was a little enlarged. I was told to live with the feeling in my neck.
I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE! Right now the neck is too tight, I have keep taking Advil which is not good to relieve this tightness.
I feel like no doctor cares to help and that I'm the only person in the area with this problem.
This all started around the time I was experiencing symptoms of mono before I was diagnosed.
I see another endo in November. What else can I ask for to see if this problem can be solved. It looks like even if I had the thyroid removed, I would still have these problems. So now I'm wondering what could cause this because I never had surgery.
If she doesn't give me a decent answer, I'm going to a doctor out of my area (and will pay out of pocket) if someone can help and diagnose me.
Thank you for any help!
Christine.
I had a thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer almost 15 months ago. After the surgery my neck was tight and itchy, both inside and outside. I am now experiencing a lot of tightness inside my throat and have had a couple of episodes of choking while eating. These were very scary. I also always have a feeling of something in my throat, like a lump and I always have a dry mouth and throat. I called my surgeon and he suggested a barium swallow test. I am having this next week. We will see what, if anything, they find that is obstructing my swallowing. It is really a bothering feeling.
I wish I had some answers to add...I had a total thyroidectomy along w/some lymph nodes and surrounding tissue in February of 2008. Had the RAI treatment a few months later and had several I-131 scans since. Since January of 2011 I've noticed a worsening choking sensation right above my scar. The scar itself was always tight and pulled very high when I swallow but then began the feeling of tightness to go along with it. Turning my head, wearing a seatbelt, anything touching my neck makes it much worse. I can feel a clicking sensation at times when I swallow - like it is catching on something. I avoid eating anything dry or thick like meats or bread.
The whole thing is driving me out of my mind - I've seen several doctors and specialists and had CT's, another uptake scan, a swallow study (normal) and now an ultrasound scheduled. I don't think this is going to change after reading all of your stories and I am shocked that my ENT surgeon acts like he has never heard of this and has no idea what it could be. I remember him acting surprised when I had trouble swallowing & breathing for weeks after the surgery as well (I had hemorrhaged & had to be re-opened) & he gave me steroids. The CT scan showed enlarged nodules (around 1.5 cm) but the ENT claims that that has no relevance and that they are normal sized. The ultrasound is to look into whether the nodules are cancerous or not and no mention in the order of the swallowing problems.
The choking sensation I currently have is exactly the same sensation that drove me to go to the doctor in the first place when the cancer was ultimately discovered. This is the most frustrating situation & no one can help.
I am 3 years post TT due to thyroid cancer with lymph node involvement and I have intervals of that choking feeling and the strap across my neck feeling. My ultrasounds have all been fine. My surgeon who is wonderful says it is scar tissue and to massage it. I worry all the time that there is some recurrence. My scar is fine and slowly becoming less noticeable and most importantly doesn't hurt.
So, so far no real solutions just living with it. Some days I don't feel it at all and others it is very uncomfortable. I cannot associate it with anything- weather, food, etc.
I am one of those people who had to have their thyroid out in two stages, with about a month in between, because of a cancer diagnosis. Maybe because I was phychologically prepared for the experience it seemed much easier the second time around. Same scar, and I bounced back quite quickly. No need to worry at all.