Post Surgery swelling

[Higginsm]

Hi there, I had my Thyroid and Lymph nodes removed just over a week ago due to MTC. Where the incision is has become hard and swollen and it feels like I am being strangled. Is this normal or should I call the hospital?

Thanks

[radd]

Higginsm,

Welcome to our forum and sorry to hear about your cancer.

Obviously a small amount of swelling occurs in the natural course of healing but if it is feeling uncomfortable around your throat, you should ring the hospital immediately.

You should have a direct number to call in your hospital discharge papers. I hope you feel better soon.

[Higginsm in reply to radd]

Thank you Radd, I tried calling the ward I was on, couldn’t speak to ENT consultant but nurse said it sounded normal. The whole length of the scar from ear to chin is swollen and hard making me feel like o am being strangled

[serenfach]

Hard swelling can last up to six weeks after surgery. The scar can become raised and hard as large amounts of collagen are being laid down within the scar, which is how the body protects the scar. Some people lay down a lot and some not so much, but there is no way of knowing. As long as there is no heat in the scar, it is just your body protecting the cut. If there is any heat, dont wait, go to the hospital.

You can try and soften the scar with ordinary hand cream, rubbed gently along the scar, as long as it has healed over. Do this a couple of times a day, gently massaging it for a few minutes at a time.

I know it is difficult right now, but the feeling will lessen with time. A week after an op is not a lot of time, you will still have a trace of the anaesthetic in your system.

I hope the hospital have started you on a replacement thyroid system, if not go back and make sure they do. Our bodies cannot function without it!

Sending a hug, take it gentle and give yourself lots of treats and give yourself time to get over the whole thing.

[Batty1]

Yes, I did have that feeling after my thyroidectomy is it normal to me it wasn’t but Endo and surgeon didn’t bat and eye.

Call your surgeon