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Thyroid: burning feeling neck/ear
Hi,
It was 3 mo. ago I woke up with a swollen goiter, difficulty breathing, alot of pain when swallowing, dizzines, numbness mixed with pain, headaches. It continued a little over 1 mo. breathing being worse 3 times. I believe I may have had the goiter maybe for 1 yr as I noticed a difference in my swallowing and neck.
I was in a rollover car accident 4yrs ago that caused whiplash, stiff neck pain that I still have. When I move my neck I sometimes still feel/hear crackling.
I'm on generic synthroid 2 wks. My goiter has grown since the past 3 months and right side of my neck is thick, there is an area that seems to be attached to the goiter. I had ear pain in both ears for about 1 mo, my right ear hurt more. The pain was not that of an ear infection, it was different mixed with hot burning feeling. I was feeling good 1 week starting 2 days before I took my first pill.
My ear pain is back but it's more of the burning feeling I'm experiencing and seems to be changing from ear to ear (one more than the other or both at the same time). At the same time the side of my neck mostly right side and under my jawline is also feeling this way. For the last 2 yrs I have also been getting painful sharp pain in my right eye.
Something strange is growing behind my right ear one is almost like a blister more oval, the other a little bigger and hard they feel sore if I press it.
May Dr says I may be hypothyroid what really concerns me is cancer. Is there a chance I may have it or can these symptoms be normal? I appreciate your opinion.
Thank you for your time
It was 3 mo. ago I woke up with a swollen goiter, difficulty breathing, alot of pain when swallowing, dizzines, numbness mixed with pain, headaches. It continued a little over 1 mo. breathing being worse 3 times. I believe I may have had the goiter maybe for 1 yr as I noticed a difference in my swallowing and neck.
I was in a rollover car accident 4yrs ago that caused whiplash, stiff neck pain that I still have. When I move my neck I sometimes still feel/hear crackling.
I'm on generic synthroid 2 wks. My goiter has grown since the past 3 months and right side of my neck is thick, there is an area that seems to be attached to the goiter. I had ear pain in both ears for about 1 mo, my right ear hurt more. The pain was not that of an ear infection, it was different mixed with hot burning feeling. I was feeling good 1 week starting 2 days before I took my first pill.
My ear pain is back but it's more of the burning feeling I'm experiencing and seems to be changing from ear to ear (one more than the other or both at the same time). At the same time the side of my neck mostly right side and under my jawline is also feeling this way. For the last 2 yrs I have also been getting painful sharp pain in my right eye.
Something strange is growing behind my right ear one is almost like a blister more oval, the other a little bigger and hard they feel sore if I press it.
May Dr says I may be hypothyroid what really concerns me is cancer. Is there a chance I may have it or can these symptoms be normal? I appreciate your opinion.
Thank you for your time
I understand the insurance problem and hoe frightening it is. Been there for about a year and it was frightening. In fact, one of my sisters put off her diagnosis and treatment for a few months to get better insurance and apply for life insurance before her file got tagged with the big "C" word.
If your doctor thinks the bumps are an infection, what would it hurt to try you on antibiotics and see if it makes a difference. He is correct that it's rare to have thyroid cancer but, as you've seen on this forum, it's not unheard of. You still need to be checked for it. Many doctors have preconceived notions of what you could, and could not have. Don't let them do this to you!
One endocrinologist (the one I fired, in fact) stated that "you cannot have Hashimoto's and thyroid cancer" - my family proved that wrong. My mother has a huge goiter and we KNOW it's cancerous (4 / 5 of her daughters have thyroid cancer) but she won't get it treated because one of her friends said you can't have a goiter and thyroid cancer.
You will find that many doctors may write you off as a hypochondriac, "emotional", or looking for pain meds. Don't take it personal - just walk away and find a different doctor.
If you get in a pinch for a doctor, hit this forum up. I have connections in Spokane, Seattle, Portland, and Idaho. I'm not sure what part of Washington you are in but they may be an option (especially after you get on your husband's insurance). I'm not sure about your "pre-existing" condition if you don't have a diagnosis but it would be worth trying to get them to cover as much as possible.
The bumps (I'm betting they are lymph nodes) sound frightening - please don't put them off until the insurance kicks in, even if it is just getting on antibiotics to see if they will go down. (Don't forget to take acidophilus with the antibiotics)
Take care and keep us posted!!
If your doctor thinks the bumps are an infection, what would it hurt to try you on antibiotics and see if it makes a difference. He is correct that it's rare to have thyroid cancer but, as you've seen on this forum, it's not unheard of. You still need to be checked for it. Many doctors have preconceived notions of what you could, and could not have. Don't let them do this to you!
One endocrinologist (the one I fired, in fact) stated that "you cannot have Hashimoto's and thyroid cancer" - my family proved that wrong. My mother has a huge goiter and we KNOW it's cancerous (4 / 5 of her daughters have thyroid cancer) but she won't get it treated because one of her friends said you can't have a goiter and thyroid cancer.
You will find that many doctors may write you off as a hypochondriac, "emotional", or looking for pain meds. Don't take it personal - just walk away and find a different doctor.
If you get in a pinch for a doctor, hit this forum up. I have connections in Spokane, Seattle, Portland, and Idaho. I'm not sure what part of Washington you are in but they may be an option (especially after you get on your husband's insurance). I'm not sure about your "pre-existing" condition if you don't have a diagnosis but it would be worth trying to get them to cover as much as possible.
The bumps (I'm betting they are lymph nodes) sound frightening - please don't put them off until the insurance kicks in, even if it is just getting on antibiotics to see if they will go down. (Don't forget to take acidophilus with the antibiotics)
Take care and keep us posted!!
Utahmomma I've read about lymph nodes aren't those the ones they do surgery on (take out)? Are they cancerous or is it like an infection? Because yesterday that I spoke to him he did mention lymph nodes but didn't seem worried.
We relocated to Moses Lake we are close to Spokane probably 1-2hrs? I also have my Dad & sister in Seattle. I probably sound like a broken record but I'm really grateful to you for helping me in this. My husband doesn't really mind the distance as long as I'm in good hands (me too), went to seattle alot before we moved.
You're right though I don't think I have a diagnoses. My Dr wrote a note for me 8/23 it says...
" Above patient has hx of Dysphagia and abnormal thyroid antibodies probably representing a Thyroiditis. She requires refferal to Endocrinologist for further evaluation and definitive treatment"
I know there is a pill they give some people, I think it's for a couple of days and you can't be close to people. My Endo mentioned a little bit but said he would explain later.
Can I be checked for cancer in my goiter during the same time I'm on treatment? I don't even know how big it is yet? I know my thyroid levels are important but I really would like to know more about my goiter. Do you know if an Endo is able to read the ultrasound X-rays? I will see him Monday he said in the morning didn't give me a time.
I'm so sorry about your mom, I can't believe her friend is telling her that. That's terrible I hope she can soon realize on how dangerous her condition really is and get treated as soon as possible. Then thyroid cancer can run down the family, that's scary.
Take care, I'll stay posted..
-angelicaofthewind
We relocated to Moses Lake we are close to Spokane probably 1-2hrs? I also have my Dad & sister in Seattle. I probably sound like a broken record but I'm really grateful to you for helping me in this. My husband doesn't really mind the distance as long as I'm in good hands (me too), went to seattle alot before we moved.
You're right though I don't think I have a diagnoses. My Dr wrote a note for me 8/23 it says...
" Above patient has hx of Dysphagia and abnormal thyroid antibodies probably representing a Thyroiditis. She requires refferal to Endocrinologist for further evaluation and definitive treatment"
I know there is a pill they give some people, I think it's for a couple of days and you can't be close to people. My Endo mentioned a little bit but said he would explain later.
Can I be checked for cancer in my goiter during the same time I'm on treatment? I don't even know how big it is yet? I know my thyroid levels are important but I really would like to know more about my goiter. Do you know if an Endo is able to read the ultrasound X-rays? I will see him Monday he said in the morning didn't give me a time.
I'm so sorry about your mom, I can't believe her friend is telling her that. That's terrible I hope she can soon realize on how dangerous her condition really is and get treated as soon as possible. Then thyroid cancer can run down the family, that's scary.
Take care, I'll stay posted..
-angelicaofthewind
>>>I know there is a pill they give some people, I think it's for a couple of days and you can't be close to people. My Endo mentioned a little bit but said he would explain later.
The pill you are talking about is I-131 and is radiation hooked (not a technical term, sorry) to iodine. You will see it referred to as RAI on this forum. It's given to thyroid cancer patients after surgery to eliminate any thyroid tissue remaining in the body. You CANNOT have it while you still have a thyroid - your existing thyroid will absorb it too quickly and, if there is any cancer, it won't be eliminated. I'm going to have this treatment in mid-November because my TSH levels are rising too high after having my entire thyroid removed.
>>>Can I be checked for cancer in my goiter during the same time I'm on treatment? I don't even know how big it is yet? I know my thyroid levels are important but I really would like to know more about my goiter. Do you know if an Endo is able to read the ultrasound X-rays? I will see him Monday he said in the morning didn't give me a time.
Thyroid levels won't tell you about thyroid cancer. Most of us who have had cancer had completely normal labs. The only way they can determine it's thyroid cancer is by examining the nodules on an ultrasound then, in most circumstances, by doing a fine needle biopsy (I just elected to have mine taken out without the biopsy). Your endo will know what to look for on the ultrasound.
As for my mother - I don't quite understand her. She says she is afraid of surgery but she's had two elective ones in the past (for carpal tunnel). She knows she probably has cancer but is a huge state of denial. My mother prefers to treat things with herbs and naturopathy. Nothing against holistic treatment but when you have an overwhelming chance of having a very treatable cancer it's best to treat it aggressively. She complains about her late-brother. He ignored prostrate symptoms for 5 years and when he finally went to a doctor his cancer had spread to his bones. She says how stupid he was not to get medical treatment yet here she is, 10 years later, in the same circumstances.
The type of thyroid cancer my sisters and I have is NOT supposed to be hereditary. In fact we are all in a university study out of Connecticut because we are such an anomaly.
Keep us posted on your Endo visit and I'll keep you posted on the RAI treatment. My best to you!
The pill you are talking about is I-131 and is radiation hooked (not a technical term, sorry) to iodine. You will see it referred to as RAI on this forum. It's given to thyroid cancer patients after surgery to eliminate any thyroid tissue remaining in the body. You CANNOT have it while you still have a thyroid - your existing thyroid will absorb it too quickly and, if there is any cancer, it won't be eliminated. I'm going to have this treatment in mid-November because my TSH levels are rising too high after having my entire thyroid removed.
>>>Can I be checked for cancer in my goiter during the same time I'm on treatment? I don't even know how big it is yet? I know my thyroid levels are important but I really would like to know more about my goiter. Do you know if an Endo is able to read the ultrasound X-rays? I will see him Monday he said in the morning didn't give me a time.
Thyroid levels won't tell you about thyroid cancer. Most of us who have had cancer had completely normal labs. The only way they can determine it's thyroid cancer is by examining the nodules on an ultrasound then, in most circumstances, by doing a fine needle biopsy (I just elected to have mine taken out without the biopsy). Your endo will know what to look for on the ultrasound.
As for my mother - I don't quite understand her. She says she is afraid of surgery but she's had two elective ones in the past (for carpal tunnel). She knows she probably has cancer but is a huge state of denial. My mother prefers to treat things with herbs and naturopathy. Nothing against holistic treatment but when you have an overwhelming chance of having a very treatable cancer it's best to treat it aggressively. She complains about her late-brother. He ignored prostrate symptoms for 5 years and when he finally went to a doctor his cancer had spread to his bones. She says how stupid he was not to get medical treatment yet here she is, 10 years later, in the same circumstances.
The type of thyroid cancer my sisters and I have is NOT supposed to be hereditary. In fact we are all in a university study out of Connecticut because we are such an anomaly.
Keep us posted on your Endo visit and I'll keep you posted on the RAI treatment. My best to you!
I understand the RAI is after surgery only. My gut feeling tells me I should get a 2nd opinion. Can you please stand by with a recommendation? I've been having the breathing and swallowing problem again. It doesn't seem to want to relax. The swallowing pain changes. It feels tight inside, I'm already use to swallowing hard. The other day was a bit strange the little pill got stuck and I couldn't make it go down. I kept drinking water, It may have just dissolved where it was.
I don't remember if I mentioned what happened to me in June. I had just moved to Moses Lake. I had soreness in my right breast for maybe 2-3 yrs off and on, also some in the left (less). It was in the 1st or 2nd wk of June, the pain became worse by the day. I will never forget how terrible it was, it was in both sides the right being worse. It involved extreme burning soreness pain, itching on nipple. Couldn't go anywhere and couldn't stand the bra a difficult time sleeping. I had very bad pain in upper back/shoulder area and in my right arm. This lasted about 3 wks. I became very depressed and didn't know what to do for the pain. My husband thought it was some kind of development thing I was going through?. I called the hospital to see if I could get a mammogram or something. They gave me a # to call, I wasn't old enough for one. My Dr did an exam & gave me pills. The pain started decreasing on it's own (before I took the pill-took 1).
It started hurting again, it hasn't gotten as bad as the last time. Again the right side feels worse and is bugging me to sleep and throughout the day. I had noticed a small change for a while, the right side where the strap that attaches to the cup goes, that area is thicker than the left side and it feels sore (worse by wearing bra). This adds more pressure to my other problems. I doubt it's related to my thyroid. I'll tell my Dr next wk and see if she can oder some exam.
About your mom I somehow understand her. I feel in a state of denial sometimes with my health problems and wonder if natures way is the best way, like eat the way it says in the bible. I know God can do miracles but I think he can also do them through a surgeons hand for example. He is my only hope in getting better. I truly wish you and your family the best in health.
I'll stay in touch..Take Care of yourself!
-angelicaofthewind
I don't remember if I mentioned what happened to me in June. I had just moved to Moses Lake. I had soreness in my right breast for maybe 2-3 yrs off and on, also some in the left (less). It was in the 1st or 2nd wk of June, the pain became worse by the day. I will never forget how terrible it was, it was in both sides the right being worse. It involved extreme burning soreness pain, itching on nipple. Couldn't go anywhere and couldn't stand the bra a difficult time sleeping. I had very bad pain in upper back/shoulder area and in my right arm. This lasted about 3 wks. I became very depressed and didn't know what to do for the pain. My husband thought it was some kind of development thing I was going through?. I called the hospital to see if I could get a mammogram or something. They gave me a # to call, I wasn't old enough for one. My Dr did an exam & gave me pills. The pain started decreasing on it's own (before I took the pill-took 1).
It started hurting again, it hasn't gotten as bad as the last time. Again the right side feels worse and is bugging me to sleep and throughout the day. I had noticed a small change for a while, the right side where the strap that attaches to the cup goes, that area is thicker than the left side and it feels sore (worse by wearing bra). This adds more pressure to my other problems. I doubt it's related to my thyroid. I'll tell my Dr next wk and see if she can oder some exam.
About your mom I somehow understand her. I feel in a state of denial sometimes with my health problems and wonder if natures way is the best way, like eat the way it says in the bible. I know God can do miracles but I think he can also do them through a surgeons hand for example. He is my only hope in getting better. I truly wish you and your family the best in health.
I'll stay in touch..Take Care of yourself!
-angelicaofthewind
Question: Do you think it's still possible for me to get life insurance? Since I'm already seeing an Endo, I have to say I have a Thyroid problem?huh?
Since I'm not exactly diagnosed or "labeled" should I say I have a problem?
Since I'm not exactly diagnosed or "labeled" should I say I have a problem?
I'm not 100% sure on the insurance and I'm sure it varies by company but you haven't been officially diagnosed with anything right now.
About your breast pain - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER let them tell you you are too young for a test. I have known plenty of women in their 20s and 30s who have had breast cancer. Do you have a family history of any cancers?
Your breast pain doesn't sound like it is thyroid related but there is a rare form of breast cancer (sorry to keep throwing the "C" word at you) called Paget's disease that has symptoms similar to what you have experienced: http://www.center4research.org/pagets.html
I'm really not trying to frighten you - I just wish someone would treat your symptoms and not just tell you "you're too young" or "it's a normal goiter". Arrgghhh!!
We need to find you some competent medical help. I'll start on my Washington and Oregon network.
About your breast pain - NEVER, NEVER, NEVER let them tell you you are too young for a test. I have known plenty of women in their 20s and 30s who have had breast cancer. Do you have a family history of any cancers?
Your breast pain doesn't sound like it is thyroid related but there is a rare form of breast cancer (sorry to keep throwing the "C" word at you) called Paget's disease that has symptoms similar to what you have experienced: http://www.center4research.org/pagets.html
I'm really not trying to frighten you - I just wish someone would treat your symptoms and not just tell you "you're too young" or "it's a normal goiter". Arrgghhh!!
We need to find you some competent medical help. I'll start on my Washington and Oregon network.
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