Yes, the throat issue is very normal. My issues were very intense for the first 9 weeks.
Once the surgeon actually explained how they do the surgery it helped me understand the throat issues. After they intubate you and open your neck up retractors are used to pull the trachea to the side and out of the way. They put major stress on those areas.

2 1/2 years later I am still having swallowing problems but I think now it is mainly related to the placement of the plate and screws.

Give it some time and it will probably get better. But right now your feeling what you should...