It constantly feels like the right side of my throat is closed up while the left side remains open. another way to describe it is it feels like i can only swallow on the left side of my throat. any ideas on what might be happening or what i can do?

I doubt it. To confirm you can either visualize your throat in a mirror with a flashlight (open your mouth wide and say ah...), your pharynx (throat) will be asymmetric if the right side does not move or you put the thumb and index finger to the jaw angles then swallow, you should feel the movement in both fingers. If you confirm the asymmetry or no motion on the R you need to see a doctor then.

I would recommend you see a doctor to confirm what you are feeling. Without seeing it, it would be difficult to say. It is possible that you have a very enlarged tonsil on 1 side. It would likely be painful if it is an infected tonsil, but there are other possible causes, so please see your doctor.