While the worst of the initial post-operative discomfort, difficulty swallowing and irritable cough will have settled by 6 weeks, your neck will still feel unnatural, stiff and tender and there may still be numbness to varying degree for many more months. Eventually you will likely have no residual abnormal feeling, although a minority of patients will have permanent minor changes in swallowing and a sensation.
Usually, yes it will completely settle. After bigger operations, some local, usually minor, sensory changes may be permanent.
Yes, with time all movement of the neck will become unrestricted and normal.
We recommend five- six weeks break from vigorous physical activities of all kinds. For 2-3 weeks limit yourself to usual daily activities, avoiding straining. From 3-6 weeks you can be a little more active, eg more brisk and lengthy walking. You may then begin graduating to light cardiovascular exercise such as jogging or stationary cycling.
Yes, We recommend you avoid a hilly, or strenuous ride if you get started before 6 weeks.
There is no specific reason for tiredness in the first weeks after surgery. Put it down to change in sleep pattern and results of anxiety and stress leading into and after surgery as much as to effects of surgery and anaesthetic. Some exercise and fresh air will likely be beneficial.
We recommend you do not plan a holiday, which involves flying, for at least 6 weeks. By then you will be able to enjoy it more freely and without physical restriction.
Generally, we prefer you not to fly at all within 2 weeks of surgery. Lifting bags, rushing and other activity associated with the increased stress of traveling in the first 2 weeks could uncommonly cause bleeding inside the neck. Once you are in an aeroplane, you cannot get medical help until you land……
There is no absolute guideline regarding flying sooner, please discuss with your surgeon- especially if you are a distant country or interstate patient.
There is no restriction on diet post-operatively
In most cases you can carry out desk jobs (not physical work) as soon as you wish to after surgery. However, we generally would recommend taking 1-2 weeks off to recover. If your work involves major physical activity and straining, you will need to be restricted to light duties until 4-6 weeks after surgery, depending on your work.
Generally you can drive a few days after surgery, as long as you feel you can turn your head freely and you are not taking any strong painkillers.
