Question:
What is causing post op throat pain?

I am having a post-op throat pain that I know is not from the tubes. It feels as though my throat is being constricted and squeezed, and then a shooting pain goes from my head into my stomach, and gives a flash of nausea. I notice that I can control it a bit if I take deep breaths, but this pain sometimes is accompanied by burps and burbles. Has anybody had this? What is it? It's not so much a surface pain, but rather a deep pain that appears mainly when I am standing up. WEIRD!!!!    — Becky H. (posted on March 18, 2001)

March 18, 2001
I've experienced this too!! You're the only person I've ever read about who had the exact same symptoms I had. When I experience this it's usually a sure sign that I'm full. You sometimes when you eat you can't immediately tell that you're full. Anyway - if I experience the burning, throat constricting pain I know that I'm full and probably have eaten too fast and deep breathing is the only thing that seems to aid in it's passing. I get the burbling and gurgling too. The best encouragement I can give you is that it occurs more and more seldom as time passes. I used to experience it almost daily but now maybe only once a week or even less. Whatever the case, it's a side effect worth enduring to reap the great benefits of this surgery. Best of luck to you!! I'm 4 months post op and down 61 pounds.
   — ronascott

March 19, 2001
I had sever throat pain that would hurt all down in my chest. It started at 2 weeks post op. (I am now 3 1/2 weeks post op). I would vomit with the pain. I had several tests ran and found that my esophagus was spasming. It has stopped now -- thank the Lord! I hope you feel better soon.
   — Bridgette C.

March 19, 2001
It sound like your esophagus is spasming. The spasms are caused by irritation to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a central nervous system nerve that controls your gastrointestinal tract from your mouth to your rectum and is irritated by the surgery and the anesthesia. It should pass as you heal. Things you can do to help are to not use a straw to drink, don't try to drink things that are very cold or very hot (this irritates the nerve). Hope this helps. :-)
   — MaryAnn W.

March 19, 2001
Thank you all SO MUCH for your answers. Some insight into this from others has helped me not worry so much. It seems to be happening less and less, but WOW, does it HURT!!! Thanks for all the well wishes and encouragement, you guys are the BEST! ~Becky
   — Becky H.

March 19, 2001
The pain in your throat is probably being caused by the fact that you were intubated while you were in surgery and the tube that is in your throat will cause irritation also, if you had an NG tube, this will also cause irritation. This too shall pass, it lasted a little while with me. Good luck!!!
   — Dannielle K.

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