Hello guys,
I just registered because I was hoping someone would be able to tell me what to do now. I had a total thyroidectomy in Oct 2004 and RAI in Jan 05. Everything was as good as can be expected (no major complications, felt generally ok). Then, randomly, around the end of 06 I started to develop strange problems with no explanation as of yet. I began to have swelling just under the adam's apple about 1in above my scar. This was initally painful and uncomfortable. The pain went away, but I still have trouble swallowing/breathing. Next, about 3 mths later, I had a swelling of salivary glands in my left side. They also hurt for a while but now do not (still swollen though). Then, I began to hear squirting sounds inside my neck - usually only when physically active. I also felt massive pains in the right side of my neck just above the chest (around the ligament connecting to it). Sometimes it was so bad I would simply double over and clutch myself for a few minutes. The pulse on area is really really strong. When I tried applying pressure to it two weeks ago, I felt the worst pain yet, and the squirting sound started again. I felt dizzy and called 911 as I didnt trust myself to drive to the hospital like that.
Once there, I waited 8 hrs to see a Dr (gotta love the ER). By this time I felt better (still bad) and was told I likely sprained my neck - while sitting on a couch mind you - and prescribed a damn motrin pill. I flew home to FL and had an MRI done and my blood work done as well. There are no longer any days that go by where I feel normal. I have to clear my throat constantly, and I frequently have trouble breathing. I burp from the sides of my neck (this is unnerving btw) instead of the stomach. When I eat spicy food now I hiccup uncontrollably for a few minutes. I cannot do any physical activity as even walking up my 3 flights of stairs to the apartment makes my heart go crazy (when I look in the mirror I can very easily see my heart beat in my neck just above the chest). I am seriously approaching the end of my rope as this has been going on for a while now.
The MRI said I had swollen lymph nodes and scar tissue, but no one has suggested a solution. My doctor wanted me to see a psychologist which did nothing but anger me - I did not just decide to make this up 2 years after surgery. I seriously do not know what to do anymore (have also had a laryngoscopy, CT scan, and ultrasound). My quality of life is severely diminished right now (no physical activity, discomfort much worse when laying down so sleep is tougher, pain, etc).
Anyone have any ideas?
-Ryan