hard lump after hemi thyroidectomy

[Reb84]

I had my op on 11th July I now have what I can only describe as a bowling ball in my neck.

its hard not fluid

its making swallowing difficult and can't lay flat.

I'm healing well other than this discomfort does it go?

[Charlie-Farley]

Hi Reb84

I’ve no idea and it may take a while for others to answer but when I scroll to the bottom of the screen after your post there are some related posts on topic that might be worth reading. I’m learning something new about this site almost every day.

Hope you feel better soon🤗

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I have no idea.

But I urge you to contact whoever did the operation and discuss it with them. Don't allow them to fob you off - you need to talk with someone who understands.

[Hedgeree]

Hi Reb84,

As helvella says you need to contact the clinic/surgeon that did your operation. They would have given you a contact/office number or the ward number.

I was reading a patient information leaflet today about having a thyroidectomy and what can happen afterwards. Seroma - swelling was mentioned and you may need to go back to clinic to get fluid drained with a needle.

I realise you say it's hard and not fluid but it does sound that you need to get it checked.

It's described as rare but in the leaflet it describes excessive bleeding that may cause a swelling in your neck. Again you need to contact the ward for advice.

Best wishes.

[annnsandell]

You must contact your surgeon by whatever means. Presumably you also have follow-up appointments for Levothyroxine and calcium tests ect. Hope it goes well for you.

[Brightness14]

Sorry to hear about your problem. I had my whole thyroid removed, here in France they only do whole removal. Anyway, you should talk to your surgeon right away. Was he/she older and fully experienced.

[Poniesrfun]

A hard lump is not a normal post-surgical event and needs to be addressed. It could be a seranoma (as already mentioned) or could be a chyle leak (lymph fluid) which could require surgery. Agree you should contact the surgeon a.s.a.p. and not let them put you off as "normal" swelling.

Patti in AZ