Lump in throat?

[joycea]

Hi, I was diagnosed with post-partum thyroiditis 2 months ago.  At the time, my levels were "hyper."  I had no symptoms, and my doctor only suspected it because of my heart rate.  The thyroid scan showed no uptake.  I have been checked twice since then, and both times my levels have been back in the normal range, although now they seem to possibly be slipping towards "hypo," so they still will be monitoring me for months to come.

For the past week and a half, I have felt a lump in my throat.  At first, I only felt it when swallowing, and then as the week progressed, it seemed as though my throat was feeling tighter and dryer, and the lump still won't go away.  It is as if there is a cotton ball stuck in my throat that I can't swallow.  Also, for the past 3 or 4 days, my throat feels a little swollen, but does not look it, and I haven't felt any pain.

I told my doctor about this, and he said he thinks it is all caused by my thyroid.  I just want to be sure that this is possible for postpartum thyroiditis, and that it couldn't be anything else.  I am 7 months postpartum, and I have been feeling this for a week and a half.  Can my thyroid be swelling without it being visible?   Also, if it is caused by the thyroiditis, then how long can it last?  It is very uncomfortable.  Thank you.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Thyroid enlargement can occur during recovery from post partum thyroiditis -- that does not completely exclude other causes, but would be the most likely.  It may last a few months, but will usually resolve if (usually when) the thyroid levels go back to normal.

[joycea]

Thanks again for all your help!  It's great to have a forum like this.  I greatly appreciate what you're doing.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

doubt still in transition from hyper to hypo

May take a few months to calm the symptoms down if due to thyroid (even with normal levels). If persists, ENT eval for other causes.

[joycea]

Well, my thyroid levels ARE back to normal, and have been for a month now, but the throat feeling just began a week ago.  Does that mean the thyroiditis is still not over, even with normal levels, or does it mean that maybe that something else is causing it?  Again, I am 7 months postpartum, and wonder if is possible I am only in transition from the "hyper" to "hypo" stage.  And if not, what else could cause throat symptoms such as mine?  Thanks again for all your time and help.