Thyroid cancer pulling feeling

I had my thyroid removed just over a week ago and got the dressing removed yesterday. It's still really tender to touch, a bit swollen (but I supose I have been cut open) but the feeling of my neck pulling is so annoying. When will this feeling ease. Got no support or info from hospital when I left so hoping this feeling is Normal.

  • Totally normal. It's been over five years since my thyroidectomy and I still get a bit of it occasionally, but it's much less now and only occasional. The physiotheraphy exercises do help.

  • Sorry, just realised this was the Ask the Nurses section. Not a nurse, but had thyroid cancer.

  • Thank you so much, it's been so scary for me only found out I had cancer a week before the operation and now I feel totally useless as I am constantly worried about one thing or another. What exercises do I need to do?? Is it just turning my head to the sides?? Sorry as I said I got no info. Xx

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry you feel you haven't had support since your thyroid removal.

    The tightness feeling may just be everything is healing and meshing together. It will take a few weeks to fully heal inside and out. We have more information on life after surgery which does mention the stiffness in the neck and that the physiotherapists may offer exercises that can help.

    I hope you will have a follow-up appointment soon, so you can ask any further questions you have.

    Take care and if you need more information on thyroid cancer the Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust is also a good resource.

    If you become concerned about any of your symptoms then do contact someone in your team at the hospital.

    If you want to talk anything through you can call the nurses on the helpline freephone 0808 800 4040, lines are open mon-fri 9-5.

    Sarah.