post-surgery incision is "stuck?" - Thyroid Disorders Message Board

tjr55 · 03-07-2006, 01:20 PM

I had a partial thyroidectomy 5 weeks ago. Things seem to be healing fine except that my neck feels tight behind the incision. Not the incision itself, but it's as if the incision has gotten attached to tendons or something. When I swallow, there is a noticeable and not comfortable vertical pulling against the incision; if it continues I'm going to get a bunch of wrinkles forming above. I can't sing in church with my head all the way up and swallow, too.

I've searched these boards, saw several threads but nothing seems to address this. I haven't found anything thru searching google, either.

I'd like to hear from anyone who might have information or experience... is this normal? It doesn't seem as if it is, and I'd like a little confidence when I see my doctor next week for the 6 week check. I did call him 10 days after surgery (it's been like this all along) and wasn't able to talk with him directly; the desk girl relayed the message that "it will soften over time." This isn't an incision problem; it's what's going on behind it that bothers me.

Reece · 03-07-2006, 01:56 PM

It's good that you are seeing your surgeon next week. I hope he answers your question.

Keep in mind, inside, a lot of things were cut, and sewed. There are incisions beneath the cut to open your skin, and there was a lot of pulling, and internal stitches as well. And at 5 wks, you may also have internal swelling, which might be giving you the pulling feeling, as can healing.

I had some minor swallowing issues the first few weeks, and those got better with time.

MATYA · 03-07-2006, 05:12 PM

I am post sugery for a TT 3 months and I still have the pulling sensation, tightness and lumpyness at the incision site. I had a substernal thyroid and there was alot of trauma during this type of surgery . I have been also told that this is normal and the healing process will be long. I cannot sing yet because of the tightness and weakness of the vocal cords. My incision is still very tender. It is very frustrating. :angel: Hang in there and keep us posted.

tjr55 · 03-08-2006, 05:54 AM

Thank you for the replies; I will report back after next week.

tjr55 · 03-20-2006, 01:21 PM

I saw my surgeon last week. He says the pulling and tightness is due to my being thin (I'm a runner), and that as the scar tissue resolves it will lessen. I also had a checkup with my regular GP. He said that the scar was looking fine and echoed the above. He said 6 months to a year. I just don't want a lot of horizontal mini-wrinkles beneath my chin, which sounds whiny compared to what others around here have dealt with.

I wish the dr had provided more information before surgery about the recovery time and what was involved. I did not realize really what an impact it would be, and the healing time. He seemed pretty blase about the whole thing and I took my cue from him, before hand, I did read a lot online but didn't find these boards until afterwards.