it feels like there are hands wringing my neck at all times, and its hard to move my head. It feels scary. A radiomics nomogram for the ultrasound-based evaluation of central cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma. It makes swallowing and turning my head difficult. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. endobj It should take about two to three weeks for you to fully recover. In thyroid cancers over all prognosis is excellent.. How big did it get? 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. Most of these will be temporary, but some may persist. FOIA Deep, noticeable lines on your palms and soles When I looked up lymphodema, it says that its a permanent condition, so I dont know if he diagnosed me with lyphodema, or if he just thought the treatment would be beneficial. I had the procedure done again the next morning -- (which surprisingly hurt much less than the first one?) And I read the same about TT being easy. If yours does not, talk to your surgeon about seeing a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation (a physiatrist) or a physical therapist who can work with you to improve the flexibility of your neck and design an exercise program to restore your neck mobility. 2. A retrospective analysis was performed on 246 patients with PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection from 2004 to 2010. I am trying to do neck exercises to increase my range of motion. 2022 Apr 26;10(12):3709-3719. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i12.3709. MeSH The content on this site is for informational purposes only. I never thought of that before. I will see the endocrinologist for the first time on 5/31. -FT3 = 3.72 pg/mL (2.30- 4.20) I was shocked that she uttered those words and I excitedly told her I had been obsessively researching this treatment - but wasn't sure re: RAI. Bae JM, Lee JH, et al. It looks as if I had tracheostomy done. Hi All, The four parathyroid glands lie on the back of the thyroid gland and are sometimes injured or removed during surgery. ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. Did you also have lymph nodes removed? The tape pulls the skin away, supports the tissues and helps things to feel better instantly for me. Light housekeeping and walking are usually fine once you arrive home. It is good she has ' no metastasis ' need more information , histological type , when surger Hi. prognosis of it? #oBTVLyno-JpG=_[k&\&.h8N/9 Please let me know how to keep my sanity after all of this. Hypoparathyroidism is when you have too little parathyroid hormone, which can lead to low calcium levels. Here's a photo of the worst swelling day (4 days post TT) compared to the next day (5 days post TT). I have had two pretty severe choking episodes, one of which I thought I was going to have to call 911 because I could barely get any air in. Pn9/@RHw\F7F).z^t6qmk\[Ry)&:r6{[;12+W;5Rl@|CFzB^ if;Qeh;a]e]O[r w{>) K}Rx((- +pKP-1X"LkJ o American Thyroid Association statement on outpatient thyroidectomy. I'm considering surgery to treat my overactive thyroid as the medication is not improving it, are there any dangerous side effects of thyroidectomy? For example, more experienced surgeons may agree to take on more challenging cases that are likely to have a higher complication rate, and less experienced surgeons may limit themselves to low-risk cases. If it is longer than a week I would call the doctors and see if they want you to come in earlier or such. Before my TT operation I had had a CT scan and a nuclear iodine full body scan which both came back as clear. Dermatologists team up to improve patient care, JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication, Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness, Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use. I am scheduled for RAI end of next week and have been on the low iodine diet for 1 week. It's either from the thyroid meds, or from surgery, but I never feel strong hunger pangs and I never feel "full". I did some imaging and positive lymph nodes were seen in my mediastinum. I did send my pathology slides and U/S film ahead of time, and they were reviewed and Mayo concurred with the findings. Ok you are totally giving me hope! All I could think about all day was my neck. I have gained about 15 pounds on top of it all. In addition the papillary thyroid cancer had invaded the wall of my esophagus and trachea. I had a Total Thyroidectomy with Central Compartment Neck Dissection on August 10. 1 Complications occur in only about 3%-5% of patients after thyroidectomy, with tracheal perforation occurring in approximately 0.06% of cases. Sometimes when we tell doctors there is swelling they think we are just one of those whiney women who over react. This can lead to neck pain and stiffness. But the words were always in fine print, seemed only as a last resort. If your endocrinologist recommends thyroidectomy, it may be helpful to ask your endocrinologist and/or surgeon the following questions: Your endocrinologist and surgeon will give you specific instructions to prepare for your thyroidectomy. I am hoping a giant syringe is not in my future today. What Is a Parathyroid Hormone Blood Test? I tried heat, ice, gentle massage. While there is no specific treatment for this hoarseness, it's helpful for your loved ones to be aware of the problem so that you don't feel the need to talk loudly or more often than is comfortable. Your surgeon will talk to you about whether you should continue to wear a dressing over your incision. After showering, you can lightly pat your neck dry or use a hair dryer set on the "cool" setting. Generally speaking, you will usually need to return to the surgeon for a follow-up visit around one to two weeks after surgery. Has anyone had this issue? But it definitely wouldn't hurt to contact your doc for piece of mind or ideas of what to do. After surgery, your voice may be hoarse or whispery, and it may feel tiring to talk. I will definitely ask about neck swelling. Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine diseases. In Wolff K et al. Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. I was told to try warm compresses which brought the swelling down but now it's coming back again :-( Types of partial thyroidectomies, which involve removal of part of your thyroid include: A total or near-total thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or most of your thyroid tissue. heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, etc.). I called my surgeon a couple times because I was sure it was lymphedema. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. John. However, that information will still be included in details such as numbers of replies. I was just wondering if anyone has experienced pain to the touch in their neck weeks following a neck dissection. Keep in mind, as well, that the likelihood of a complication occurring is much less with an experienced surgeon. Didn't find the answer you were looking for? I feel like I'm becoming depressed. It is most likely fluid that re-entered under the suture line and should go down in a few days. What? hashthy I had a TT a week ago and developed a large bump about 1/2" above incision site. Widening nose The surgeon says it is very rare, that they cannot source the primary tumor and that the cancer only showed up in a lump towards the left back of my neck. Through a smaller incision with the help of a video camera (minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy). Surgeons perform thyroidectomies to remove goiters and thyroid nodules and to treat thyroid cancer. My wife 42, after total thyroidectomy surgery , a month later she received i-133 therapy 120 units. It could be an infection. Growing more slowly (or quickly) I can't imagine dealing with all that at once! I don't go to the MD until next Friday. Achesbadly, is probably more accurate. 2014;38(10):2613-20. doi:10.1007/s00268-014-2622-z, Qiao N, Wu LF, Gao W, et al. The type of thyroidectomy you need depends on the reason for the surgery. I have been doing my physical therapy exercises daily in attempts to help with the swelling. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Quick background: Full TT performed in May 2013 at Hopkins for several nodules, only one with cancer - a 7mm nodule PTC - BRAF+, No lymph node involvement, margins "invasive carcinoma deep in to the margins". At what size is it re My mother has hyperparathyroidism. I don't have difficulty swallowing. Felt a 2.5cm swollen LN on my left neck, no pain, no other symptom, Jul 2012. I have lymphedema in my chin and neck, with swelling. Anyone suffer from facial swelling after TT and neck dissection? Thanks for listening, Factors predictive of the development of surgical site infection in thyroidectomy - An analysis of NSQIP database. Then no talking for a week. Elevate the head of your bed 30 to 45o for the first 3 to 4 days to decrease swelling. The primary reason for concern is that neck bleeding, which can be life-threatening, may occur after a person has returned home after outpatient surgery. I too got a Flexitouch lymphedema pump from Tactile, paid for by insurance and love it! Lumps on discolored skin that feel hard and waxy can be a sign of thyroid disease. Darker skin in the creases of your palms, on your gums, or elsewhere in your mouth Growing more slowly (or quickly) If youve had a hemi-thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, theres a 60% chance you wont need to take thyroid medication unless youre already on thyroid medication for low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) or blood tests reveal that your thyroid isnt making enough hormones. I had 36 lymph nodes removed so I still get swelling in my neck. Slow-healing wounds Try icing it down and taking it easy! 30 lymph nodes were removed and 7 with cancer. My Doctor seemed puzzled which didn't make me feel any better. Help, I don't want to be a lumpy neck (especially with my already short neck) forever! He said it was normal. Int J Surg. But I do have clearly defined swelling - mostly above the incision, but also below. While temporary in some cases, hypoparathyroidism caused by the injury or removal of parathyroid glands can be permanent. They asked if I could come back this week to see speech therapy for swallowing and to go to their lymphedema clinic. Predictive factors for lateral LN recurrence were evaluated using the chi-square test. Hi all, A seroma is a fluid-filled pocket that can develop after breast surgery. Soft and fine hair with lots of shedding Lee YC, Na SY, Park GC, Han JH, Kim SW, Eun YG. After this test, the doctor reduced my dose to 125 mg and I had the second follow up test on April 16, results below: So the surgeon now wants me to have an RAI full body scan in 3 weeks (ill be taking thyrogen injections 2 days before) then after the scan depending on what they find they will decide on the day whether or not to book me in for 3 days isolation for RAI ablation therapy. This is so disturbing. I'm sorry you are having the swelling and pain. If you had a subtotal thyroidectomy and are not immediately put on thyroid hormone medications, watch carefully for symptoms of hypothyroidism and contact your healthcare provider if they occur. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. I still have trouble swallowing at times. All of the cells in your body need energy to function. Im so tired of asking my PA questions and feeling stupid because whatever it is is no big deal, do I thought Id ask you guys. The site is secure. Your surgeon will remove the drain one or two days after the surgery. It definitely does, but 5 weeks out and I still have that tightening feeling in my throat and just overall discomfort and like my head/neck feel detached in a way. Eating soft foods for the first few days can be helpful. That would help me regain better voice volume and proper breathing. <> It was definitely scary and I wish I knew what to expect. I need to get educated on the different blood test readings, I'm very tired and my sleep pattern is totally destroyed. 2017;6(1):20-25. doi:10.1159/000450976, Padur AA, Kumar N, Guru A, et al. It took several days and occassional ice on it but, it went back down and looks great now. There are many symptoms of hypothyroidism, but some of the more common ones include: Side effects of thyroid surgery are common and often include neck pain, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. Center) First, I will say (and it's been said on this board here before) going to Mayo was the BEST decision and BEST medical experience of my entire life. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. If your throat is sore or if swallowing is painful, eating a diet of soft foods will be more comfortable. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. This is so disturbing. :(. I am the one who suggested doing it sooner rather than later, because we are already in quarantine as a society with the virus, so I thought~ lets just do this now while Im in the habit! I was diagnosed last Sept. 2011 with pap thyroid cancer. As of today I can only swallow the very smallest pill without it getting hung in my throat. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. I have lost 15 lbs because I am limited in what I can eat. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. Hoping someone here can reassure me. If Steri-Strips were applied, these will usually stay in place for around a week. I went to a very prestigious doctor in NYC Weill Cornell recommended by my endo at Sloan. I was told by my endo you have to heal internally also you mentioned that you have a post op appointment soon voice your concerns to him I hope you feel better soon hugs x. J Clin Med. 2021 Nov 2;10(21):5144. doi: 10.3390/jcm10215144. its making ankles, swollen fingers and swelling between knuckles. But MAJOR discomfort for awhile after that. It has been difficult but I am trying to be positive and hoping that things would get better. I'm concerned that there is something going on. Ice packs make me comfortable but once ice wears off, then it stings again. If you have any questions or concerns about your thyroidectomy, feel free to talk to your endocrinologist or surgeon. Of the 246 patients, 11 (4.5%) developed lateral LN recurrence with a median follow-up of 49months. Give the compression garment they told you to use a chance. Symptoms of thyroid storm include a fever (over 102 degrees F in most people), profuse sweating, a rapid heart rate, and sometimes delirium (severe confusion). 2018;40(1):192-202. doi:10.1002/hed.24934. Its a part of your endocrine system and controls many of your bodys important functions by producing and releasing certain hormones, which are often referred to as thyroid hormone. A lump under the chin is a bump, mass, or swollen area that appears under the chin, along the jawline, or on the front part of the neck. If you have a nodule, your provider may perform a fine needle aspiration (a type of. Are there other forms of treatment for my condition? Once your surgeon is done, theyll close the incision with stitches (sutures). Has anyone else experienced this? Most often, lifelong calcium supplementation is all that is needed. Im desperate for relief! He asked if I had a fever, which I don't (unless you count 99.4, which I don't think is a big deal), and whether I could breath normally, etc. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. While around 1% of people may have damage to the nerves supplying the vocal cords, around 5% to 10% of people will have temporary symptoms due to irritation of the nerves during surgery or inflammation around the nerves afterward. 2003;48(6):970-2. -FT3 = 5.63 pg/mL (2.30- 4.20) If not, you should call and get an appointment to have the area checked to make sure it's healing as expected. Hi Everyone- Symptoms usually improve in the first few weeks but may persist up to six months after surgery. I alos have pain and tightness in sternal area and towars my left shoulder. I had a therapist remind me that the fluid is not just outward, but the internal tissues hold fluid too. This did not happen in my prior surgeries. I have my post op on Friday but its worrying me so Id thought Id ask you all beforehand. When you have your follow-up appointment, your surgeon will check your blood calcium level. To help you find early (and some not-so-early) signs of thyroid disease on your skin, hair, and nails, heres a checklist. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Read our, Thyroidectomy: Everything You Need to Know. Of course, I just saw my endo this am and didn't ask her about it. Epub 2016 Dec 2. Then in December 2011, had another neck dissection on right side to remove more cancerous lymph nodes. For example, if you have a nodule on one side of your thyroid, you may need a hemithyroidectomy to remove the affected lobe. The ablation procedure is much like an FNA, though my tumor was deep and it was pretty painful. You may remain in the hospital overnightor be allowed to return home if you had outpatient surgery and are stable. In July 2015 I had a TT, then in November a neck dissection with the removal of dozens of lymph nodes in the deeper regions of my neck. I'm assuming it's normal, but will probably call my dr just to make sure. It's a 3 hour surgery awake! Just wondering if this seems normal. Thyroid surgery is often done under general anesthesia with a breathing tube placed in the windpipe, or trachea, to breathe for you. These signs dont necessarily mean that you have thyroid disease. 2018;163(1):68-72. doi:10.1016/j.surg.2017.03.030, Suzuki S, Yasunaga H, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Saito Y, Yamasoba T. Factors associated with neck hematoma after thyroidectomy: a retrospective analysis using a japanese inpatient database. Image 1: Getty Images I had to advocate just to get blood work. Thank you Katie! What will be my physical restrictions following surgery? I stayed one night in the hospital. Dermatologic manifestations in patients with systemic disease. In: Bolognia JL, et al. Slowly raise your arms overhead, and then slowly lower them back down against your body. All patients underwent either a subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy 0.5-6 yr after onset of pain . Dermatologists care for people of all ages. Side effects, such as neck pain and stiffness or sore throat, are common after surgery. Triad of exophthalmos, pretibial myxedema, and acropachy in a patient with Graves' disease. J Am Acad Dermatol. Autoimmune thyroid diseases: etiology, pathogenesis, and dermatologic manifestations. J Am Acad Dermatol. It may take less time if your surgeon removes only part of your thyroid. Anyone have swelling 9-10 days after surgery? You will probably be able to shower, but should try to keep your neck as dry as possible. With this in mind, it's a good idea to ask your surgeon how many thyroidectomies they have performed in the past. )L{`,;0|ZE&wn)*SEo{n>xl|ZG[LqXe9|F9"6X)<5*S #e'om. The surgery sounds involved. You may also have a small tube (catheter) in your incision to help drain blood and other fluids that build up. He contacted Dr. Hay immediately and they did an FNA -- within a half hour I was in Dr. Hays' office with the results of the new FNA - negative! Thyroidectomy is the main surgical treatment for thyroid cancer and is a treatment option for certain thyroid conditions, including: Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck under your skin. I stayed an extra few days after the neck dissection due to a small chyle leak. Before Some days it seems to improve and then it gets worse again. At Mayo, it really is "all about YOU" :) - Anyhoo - Dr. Hay reviewed all my previous medical records and explained that although my surgical record said "no lymph node dissection warranted because ultrasound showed no lymph node involvement" that NO ONE can see the lymph nodes by ultrasound that are BEHIND the Thyroid BEFORE it's taken out!. During surgery my doctor had to remove some outer muscle layers of my esophagus and outer layers of my trachea. Keep in mind that even when complications occur, which is not common, prompt treatment is often successful to restore your health. I questioned whether I would be a candidate w/out previous RAI -- no answers in the research. I was thinking it was lucky I didn't get sick closer to my TT. You, too, may also be able to spot thyroid disease, and thats important. I'm seeing my surgeon in two weeks, and can't wait to tell him what a lousy job he did on me. Recovering from TT/Neck Dis; Bullfrog neck! I feel VERY lucky that I feel pretty good; have had 2 days of some nausea and a few days of lack of concentration and short term memory. You should not drive as long as you continue to need pain medications, and some surgeons recommend abstaining from driving for the first week after surgery altogether. Treatment in the intensive care unit includes cooling, intravenous fluids, medications such as propylthiouracil (PTU), and management of arrhythmias. Fever with a temperature higher than 101.5. Heres a photo of myself this morning. I just had a TT on Monday, and have been soooooooo discouraged about neck swelling. I have been massaging it for 2 days, and it helps for about 3 seconds, and then i can just feel the fluid pool right back into the neck. Careers. My surgeon prescribed thyroid replacement meds and I had to have my blood pressure medicine changed due to a recall. Answer Question Read Responses (5+) Follow An official website of the United States government. Thank you! I didnt say much at the time as I knew all I needed to do was ask on this brilliant platform. 2013;23(10):1193-202. doi:10.1089/thy.2013.0049. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. Clinical thyroidology for the public. After these results, he has reduced the dose to 100 mg and 125 mg on alternate days and get these tests done again in 4 weeks. How will my life be different after surgery? He said that obviously if I have trouble breathing or swallowing I need to get in immediately. The hardening typically peaks about three weeks after surgery and then subsides over the next two to three months. I can't swallow liquids without choking and have most annoying cough all the time. Should I have imaging? Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked. Youll likely be able to go back to your normal, light activities the first day after your thyroidectomy. Good luck to you and keep us updated on your progress. Epub 2013 Jul 16. Thank you for your help and yes I will write a list for Friday. They initially coagulate then liquefy after 1-2 weeks. Let them know what is going on, and ask to be seen. July 2010 #5. Dr. Alan Feldman answered 43 years experience Dr said this is recommended 6 to 12 months after initial RAI. I had no idea it would be like this- the internet makes TT seem like a piece of cake. Thyroid storm, also called thyrotoxic crisis, is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by very high levels of circulating thyroid hormone. I constantly suffer from feeling alot of tightness in my throat. Joo JY, Jin J, Seo ST, Lim YC, Rha KS, Koo BS. So in May 2014, I got my first year U/S - and it showed a 5mm nodule in the left thyroid bed (same area as the cancer nodule taken out with the TT) - a subsequent FNA confirmed PTC recurrence. Some of these require prompt treatment, so it's important to be aware of them. STIs are the most common cause of genital sores. A nerve has been cut that must connect/control my left shoulder muscle. {Oh, and NO RAI before or after - or ever if its up to Mayo, contrary to what my Endo thought I would have to have done} It's almost in the same spot that the initial lymph nodes popped up when I was diagnosed. I was given a dose of Levothyroxine without knowledge of my labwork. I asked numerous GP's about it and they all said it wasn't attached to anything so should disappear by itself and is probably just a swollen lymph node. The procedure went well and I was surprised that I felt as good as I did shortly afterwards. 4 0 obj It is hard to describe like the area is swelling and like it is being squeezed at the same time. Your surgeon will likely recommend that you limit more intense physical activities for a week or two. Thanks!! I have so many necks now and its so uncomfortable. This lateral neck dissection I had one week ago seems worse than the TT I had last year! I am shceduled for a total thyroidectomy at 3:15pm today and used crystal meth last night. I was basically cut from ear-to-ear plus another cut on the left side neck almost perpendicular to the main cut. He said that was probably the cause? The exact causes of seromas are not clear, but they are common in the breast area of people who have undergone surgery to . 2~ey)E#V|~},>>=4x/E~[lR|g,T"1dJl$o~p}w~MEdHb-T\?M(-mL=?-dRY$-E|oz7ILfUe(Qs3n^/lhV)1 2..1*&|,0^Xkoqve cd?q YqwAwexdlc>a it seems to hurt so much more if my neck gets cold. Are you sure you want to block this member? Increased swelling, redness, or drainage from the incision. The next day it got better. The ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association Support Community connects patients, families, friends and caregivers for support and inspiration. It's not excrutiating pain, but I have to be very careful when I'm washing my neck and it's still tight when I turn my head to the right. This can lead to a sore throat and the sensation of a lumplike something is stuck in your throatwith swallowing. If not it does take some time for the body to absorb the fluid. 2 of 5 central LNs were infiltrated with papillary Ca. Im so discouraged. I had significant swelling in the neck post surgery with 3-4 drains, which extended my hospital stay a few days until they dried up. He didn't tell me that there was a possibility that I could form lymphedema if he made a incision in the same incision that was done four years ago when I had spinal neck fusion. myramarie. A 2018 study found that when a solution of potassium iodide was given prior to thyroid surgery for those with Grave's diseasea condition that can lead to an overactive thyroidit was associated with less temporary hypoparathyroidism and hoarseness. was removed. -TSH= 0.03 muIU/mL (0.550- 4.780) Sad. When I sneeze it's very painful and irritates my gag reflex. Most of your thyroid (near-total thyroidectomy). I haven't had my surgery yet but my sister has and that does not seem right to me. As with other side effects and complications, the timing of symptoms can vary from one person to the next. If hoarseness persists, especially if it is still present six months after surgery, it's likely that the recurrent laryngeal nerve was injured. I have also had numerous ultrasounds of my neck which showed the reactive lumph nodes he took out(they also came back clear) and a chest xray(also clear). I have some soft tissue swelling at my incision site which I figured was normal after TT and central neck dissection. is this normal? I have been looking online for photos of people after thyroidectomy, and I dont see anyone with swelling like this in the neck. doesnt take me seriously until low and behold another issue presents itself. 13 posterior LNs were free. Never ignore your gut feelings on how you feel and if you think you'll forget things to ask when you see your endo questions or just exactly how your feeling write it down that's what I should of done. I had a ton of stiffness and pulling feeling in my neck aside from the feeling of not being able to swallow. A lump under the chin may be due to swollen lymph nodes, cysts, allergies, and other health issues. If a specially trained and experienced surgeon performs a thyroidectomy, its generally very safe. Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues.