Post op left thyroid lobectomy, left with hematoma, looking for advice as to how to resolve (quickly!!!).

[JaneHo]

4 weeks post op, I had removed left side thyroid as a result of a benign 56g(6cm) tumour, 10 days after op I had a lump (hematoma identified) behind scar and a lot of discomfort, this has improved marginally and doctors/consultant have advised it will take time to heal. Unfortunately not sleeping very well, eating /drinking is slow I want to go back to work and wondered if anybody had any advice for me or personal experience of this.

[Chrissiep]

This happened to me and I feel for you, as I was very uncomfortable . My GP told me that the hardness was caused by a haematoma and that the blood would slowly be re absorbed and the swelling decrease. This did happen, but I found using a heat pack around my neck helped. Not too hot though. I wish you well. Take care.

[JaneHo in reply to Chrissiep]

Hi Chrissiep thanks for your reply, I have been massaging it and using a heated neck wrap and still not going quickly enough for me, it has hardly changed in 3 weeks, it is about gob stopper size, I had another doctor appointment today they signed me off for another 2 weeks and he had no idea how long it would take to go. Can you remember how long before it went, I am getting desperate as I need to return to work, thank you.

[Chrissiep in reply to JaneHo]

Jane, I am sorry you are having such a tough time. It is over 20 years since I had my op, but if I remember correctly, I was off work for about a month, and went back to work, before being quite back to normal. My haematoma was the width of my neck and about 2" deep. Fortunately, no lasting damage. Good luck and stay positive. X

[JaneHo in reply to Chrissiep]

Thanks Chrissiep, that sounds positive I will return to work in 2 weeks and hope for the best.

[Chrissiep]

Hello Janeho. I had a huge haematoma after a thyroidectomy many years ago. I found putting a heat pack around the front of my neck , helped the blood be re absorbed back into the tissues. it did take a little while, but it did help. Good luck.