Labb, I too, have have the tight and swollen feeling throat. I had what my doctor called a 'thyroid virus'? I don't think my doctor really knew what it was...low grade fever and swollen thyroid for about six weeks following a cruise I had been on about five years ago. But I think, too, it's just all part of the healing process. Mine is uncomfortable but not unbearable.
You're not alone. Thanks for posting because you help some of us that don't post much know others are going through the same ;)