post thyroidectomy complication

[Tulip455]

I had a total thyroidectomy due to non-malignant tumor in December of 2005.  Surgery went well but several days later apparently laryngeal nerve damage as I lost my voice for approx 6-8 weeks following.  Was assured that everything would be fine, the numbless and tightness would disappear eventually.  My voice did return and I currently have no issues with my voice or voicebox.  My issue is prolonged and continued numbess and tightness beneath my chin and entire upper frontal area of neck.  To best describe it I would say its feels like someone has their hands around my neck and is choking me..........It has NOT gotten any better, in fact it seems to be worsening, spreading now toward the sides of my neck.  I have been to the original surgeon, my family physician, neurosurgeon,  Obviously there is permanent nerve damage although no one will really say anything.  My last visit to the surgeon he recommended trying physical therapy; he didnt think it would do anything but worth a try................So I will be beginnning a course of PT.  I am fairly healthy and this has become increasingly frustrating as it is limiting my activity to some extent - unable to get comfortable sleeping on pillows, turning while driving, yard work, etc.  Any feedback of story sharing would be helpful!!

[Kokiche]

I have absolutely the same symptoms immediately after my total thyroidectomy. 2 years later I still suffer of numbness, occipital and glosopharyngeal neuralgia, the feeling of an " alien" body in my throat, skin lesions, sand like particles, black specks and hair twisted as ribbons shedding from body flexures. No doctor ever found anything after multiple CT scans,  MRI, X-rays etc
I wonder what you have taken or done in order to relieve the pain or discomfort?

[Totie]

Could it be a ligament problem? I had a TT(15yrs ago), but did not have any problems.

I was having issues a yr ago with the neck area. During surgery to remove the submandibular gland they discovered a calcified ligament (Eagle Syndrome), I believe that is what was causing head/neck pain because I no longer have any pain or discomfort, not even when I sleep. The jaw line was a different issue.