physical throat swelling

[trixie567]

Is it possible to not have any thyroid issues but feel the effects of throat swelling ? I am hypothyroid with Hashi's for many many years (25+) but last 3 yrs. it swings from extremely low t4 to extremely high t4 constantly. I don't know why my body or that stupid gland is doing this to me! My meds keep getting adjusted then things will be normal for a few months then it starts again, my lab results should be in in a few days from my last draw so we will see what they say.

But my main symptom which has been going on last 2 weeks is I feel like I swallowed a plum and it's stuck with labored swallowing now and then, anyone else with same symptoms ???
Can diet or estrogen have a controlling factor ?

[trixie567]

10/8/2010 results

TSH 0.169  - 0.450-4.500 uIU/mL
Triiodothyronine,Free,Serum  3.9   - 2.0-4.4 pg/mL
T4,Free(Direct) 1.23 - 0.82-1.77 ng/dL

Meds decreased

12/9/2010 results

TSH 0.119  - 0.450-4.500 uIU/mL
Triiodothyronine,Free,Serum  3.0   - 2.0-4.4 pg/mL
T4,Free(Direct) 1.72 - 0.82-1.77 ng/dL

Endo suggests to remain at dosage unless I am having heart palps or insomnia. Not sure what to do as not having any hyper symptoms but some hypo...I am afraid to decrease meds again, Oh so tired of this...have to repeat labs in 3 months.

[trixie567]

Tyblossom- are we related ? haha. I would be interested to hear how your CT results are when you get them in. I have had this feeling before back in the early Spring when my T4 skyrocketed, I have petite features so it could be that my gland does push on the esophagus when it enlarges.

still waiting on my labs.

[tyblossom]

I have the same exact problem. I've had hashi's for the same amount of time as you and just started having swelling like you. I just went for a CT with contrast yesterday, but don't know the results yet. I too had a nodule that was benign and I too needed cytomel, but due to cost stopped taking. Amazing how similar we are. My doctor wanted the CT, because she said she has seen the thyroid gland grow in towards the esophagus on one patient and an ultrasound wouldn't show that, but the CT would.

[stella5349]

stress  is big also with these issues coming on.

[redheadaussie]

If you felt better on the Cytomel I would be encouraging you to cut back on other things cost wise, so you can afford it so you can feel better on it. Synthroid on its own for many thryoid patients is not the answer.  I hate to be horrible, but here in Australia we just can't get any T3 supplementation (which is what Cytomel is) without almost going to a Judge and Jury! I would cheerfully live even more frugally than I do now, to get some T3 into my system. I know then I could feel better enough to go to work for the first time in near 20 years!

  

[trixie567]

Thanks for the info. I figured I would wait for lab results before I make another appt. seems like I have been to endo way too many times this yr. I do have a nodule that was biopsied and came back benign, then had it scanned again a few months ago with no change so all good there.
Last time around, they added cytomel to my synthroid for a few months and it made me feel better, but have since gone back off of that due to costs.

I don't take estrogen (hysterectomy) but wasn't sure if the lack of would interfere. I hope it goes back to normal soon, such a pain that thyroid gland is!

[redheadaussie]

You have Hashimoto's, this makes the thyroid swing from hyper to hypo. It can stay in one phase for many years or can suddenly go from one to the other, as you are experiencing. It means the thyroid is dying off and it is trying hard to stay level and happy.

You might be having a nodule in your thyroid pressing into your oesophugus. It may also be the thyroid has enlarged which often happens in Hashimoto's.

If you are taking oestrogen for hormonal reasons or the birth control pill this can interfere with the medication, but would not be causing the 'plum' feeling.

You would do well to go to the doctor and mention these things to them.