Post Neck Dissection Surgery Advice

Hi all,

I hope you are all well today.

To cut a long story short, this is my story so far;

• Partial thyroidectomy 2012 (Papillary Thyca diagnosed)
• Total thyroidectomy 2012 (left side vocal paralysis complications from this surgery)
• RAI 2013
• Recurrence surgery 2023 (following a very long watch and wait)
• Left neck dissection & removal of nodual to right front trachea (5 days ago)

Having had four surgeries so far, I find I am struggling more this time round with much more swelling and pain. I know it is early days yet, but I was given exercise instructions before leaving hospital and I am  finding it impossible to do any of them due to the swelling and stiffness in my neck. Sleeping upright propped up each night is also uncomfortable, I am just shattered. 

The swelling is right over my collarbone that I can no longer see the bone structure. I am having lots of throbbing pain and find in certain positions I get pain that radiates from my neck to my ear, and to the side of my head, which is agony until I alter my position. I have never experienced any of this with the previous surgeries and was wondering if anyone else has had this? 

Also, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long after neck dissection they was able to return to work? 

Any useful tips to a fast recovery would be much appreciated.

Thank you