Lump in my throat

[nickd]

Hi all,

I'm 6 weeks post op and feel great other then I get what feels like a lump in my throat. I made an appointment with an ENT, I think it's because of the breathing tube, but want to be sure. Anybody else have that feeling post op?

 

[WayneGM]

I can't say I felt a lump in my throat, although I do recall my throat feeling a bit sore (tender) for a couple of days, but not after 6 weeks. I hope it's nothing.

 

[Bina]

My throat felt kind of enlarged and a bit numb for a very long time.

 

[JeffM]

Hey Nick. I'm not sure if this is the same thing, but I've got something that I'd say feels like my throat is tighter than it used to be. In fact, when I where mock turtleneck sweaters, that slight bit of pressure feels like it's mildly restricting my airway. I thought I noticed it when cycling at a very high intensity and breathing really hard as well. It's been almost 6 months for me. I have wondered if it had anything to do with the breathing tube.

 

[tobagotwo]

After surgery, I had a raspy voice that gave out quickly. It has improved some with time, but still isn't anything like my former dulcet tones.

My ENT confirmed that they clipped one side of my larynx with the tube, and I have some permanent voice damage from it. As I understand it, the surgeon doesn't usualy do the tube.

Things can happen, but you'd think they'd be cleared up by six weeks. If you remain concerned, I would visit an ENT for an opinion.

Best wishes,

 

[nickd]

Jeff, it does feel that way a little, but I noticed that it comes and goes. Normally if I lay down or after waking up it feels fine. During the day, especially after getting off the treadmill, it feels tighter. Bob, I'm definetly seeing my ENT on monday, I did have a tough time with the breathing tube, tried to pull it out when I woke up and started to fight with nurses until I really came around. My voice is back to normal though, I just get the feeling like when you get choked up. I hope I didn't do anything to damage my throat and its just still swollen a little like Bina said.

 

[Maryka]

I am 9 weeks post-op and, after my throat got better from the tube (a few days) I have gotten what seems to be laryngitis for about a month. I need to see and ENT. I know that sometimes the voice is not the same after OHS. May we both recover!

Maryka

 

[Nancy]

Joe also had damage to his vocal cords. He had many thoracic surgeries with intubations (3 heart and 2 lung). Actually, his vocal folds didn't close and he choked easily, plus his voice was damaged. In later years, it had a higher pitch and was very soft. Hard for him to speak on the phone.

You are doing the right thing to get it checked out.

You probably don't have the same issues. I would bet it is post surgical swelling. But I hope they will scope your throat and have a look. Joe had that done, right in the office. It is a non-issue as far as being uncomfortable. You can see on a screen, just what is going on in there.

There are all kinds of things they can to do help with just about all of this stuff. Unfortunately, Joe needed surgery, but couldn't have it due to his frail health.

Good luck.