I had a lobectomy and then a completion thyroidectomy. I complained about pulling, tightness etc. right after the first surgery. I always thought something had felt stitched too tight or caught on something. It was very uncomfortable. The feeling of something pressing on my trachea did get better but never went away. One day while stretching I felt a sharp pain like something tore. Eventually I felt like there was something in my throat and a small ball type thing started to show on my scar. I had developed a suture granuloma, even though they were dissolvable stitches. I convinced my surgeon to remove whatever it was, no one could be sure apparently until they went in. I am two and a half weeks post op and it feels full and like there is pressure all over again. I am hoping with this thing taken out eventually it will heal and feel normal again. I have lost all patience though and the discomfort has driven me crazy for 14 months now. I sympathize with all of you. I too was sent around to different doctors and had many tests like I was the only one who had ever complained about this.
Sorry Folks, I am 5 years post total thyroidectomy and still having issues. Choking when eating and coughing as well. Always feeling like food gets stuck in the throat or that I aspirate and it goes down wrong when I swallow. Over the past year I have sought medical care. First the omeprazole for possible acid reflux, then I had a swallow test(esophagram) which was normal. A chest CAT scan which was normal. The only thing I can think of now is possible "scar tissue" build up in the throat. It is such a small area. I am ready to call my surgeon to see if this is an issue in other patients and to see if any thing can be done. Have lost a lot of weight because eating in no longer enjoyable because everything gets stuck. Please let me know if anyone has answers
I had mine removed in 2010 and have a tightness over the throat area. Slowly going away so maybe just time will take care of it . I do have neck and shoulder pain but that just started a little over a year ago. One thing I am concerned about now is the sinus dripping (Infection) and if ur md doesn't put it down u will have to mention it again. Don't go to an endocrinologist because they are only concerned if u r a diabetic. I went to 3 over 30 years and found out they are useless (my point of view)
Hi Marsha, I had 4 tumors removed and thyroid as well in Sept. 2005. Yes, cancer but the good kind:0) I have tightening as well. Esp when I sing, it's a strain on the vocal cords and muscles which seem to feel like I'm being squeezed. Had Cervical surgery as well in 2012 with incision down back of neck. So I am uncomfortable. I have something growing, Doc says its scar tissue pushing on throat but I am thinking could be cancer returning. We are looking into it. When I feel the choking sensation, I have recognized it's diet. iodine shows your thyroid area is needing it or getting to much.
I only use no iodine salt so when i do indulge on food with Iodine that are too salted like Chinese food, canned soups, The choking is too much and too many meals will give you headache. But now I have stopped the Motrin to relax the muscles cuz of stomach issues, and realizing its diet. My 1 a day vitamin was a huge problem cause it contains iodine. Play with the menu and get a feel after you have eaten something with iodine. Don't take your vitamin for a couple of days. You will see the difference. Just take vitamins separately...just calcium- vegetable kind only and separate others as well.
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It's been 10 years since my surgery and the tightness never went away. I know iodine plays a huge roll of when I feel choking sensations. You have to remember that when they put us on the low iodine diet before the screening, how good did you feel. Yes things get stuck but I've been told by a friend who has a bone spur causing food to get stuck that maybe its arthritis. All I know is I wish I could feel the same again but once we have surgery, there is no miricle to feel brand new again.
When one has pelvic surgery, adhesions (organs sticking to each other instead of sliding) sometimes develop inside causing pain. I wonder if a similar thing happens in our type of surgery. Like something is sticking inside and certain movements or positions cause pain or discomfort. I wonder if an ENT or head and neck surgeon would be willing to revise the surgery, or at least the incision.
I am having the same problem 6 months after removal of my perfectly healthy thyroid. Has your problem been resolved?
Thank you for your help, hope your problem is gone
emphatizing with you. I had a total thyroidectomy in '07 by one of the best docs in the country (I'm told)...he accidently removed my parathyroids too but reimplanteed them & they began working a year later. My voice was completely gone for 6 weeks post-op and my vocal cords remain weak. About twelve months after the thyroidectomy I went to ER in ambulance thinking I was having a heart attack because of escalating pressure in my neck...like having a hand around my neck. I was sent back to the throat surgeon who told me it was a "Phantom Nerve - Phantom Gland" so it feels like "something" but it's "nothing." This phantom has continued randomly since 2008. About 2 weeks ago it reappeared & is now 24/7. I have no idea what to do. It is exhausting to feel like a hand is around your neck just squeezing away. Yeah just telling myself, "it's nothing."
Marsha,
I am almost two years post op and I have chronic neck pain. I have seen Ear Nose and Throat doctor as well as my primary physician, no one can tell me anything. Wish someone could diagnose this instead of just treating the symptoms.