Hello Joy, 

I hope that the recovery from the hemithyroidectomy has not been too hard. There is information on our website to help you recognise problems after thyroid surgery.  The swelling is mentioned in there and it looks like the swelling can last several weeks after the operation - it is important, as mentioned on the page, to  "tell your doctor if you continue to have swelling in your neck after a few weeks as you may need some more exercises to help the swelling go down". 

I think it would be worth contacting your doctor or medical team about this and mentioning this sharp pain you have been getting in the right side as well as the swelling you mentioned. I hope that they can tell you more soon about what might be causing it and also that they will offer solutions to these issues. If you would like to talk to one of our cancer nurses about this, they have a free helpline you can ring Monday to Friday form 9am to 5pm - the number to call is 0808 800 4040 so don't hesitate if you would like to get their insight and advice on this. 

Other members of our community may have experienced similar pain and swelling after a hemithyroidectomy and I hope that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Lucy,

Thank you so much for your lovely and helpful reply! I have a GP appointment on Thursday so will mention my symptoms. My surgery was in Feb 24 so its a little odd that the swelling and stabbing pain has started. I had post surgery swelling but that seemed to lessen after a while. This is new. 

Thanks so much for responding.

Best wishes,

Wendy