Choking, a thyroid sympton?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2004
Choking, a thyroid sympton?
3
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 9:39am
I've been diagnosed with a hypothyroid since 12/03. Now that I've researched some of the symptons I've realized I've probably had a problem with my thyroid for the last 10 years. Lately I have not been taking my medicine because I didn't have health insurance. I noticed since I've stopped taking my medication one of many symptons have reappeared. When I lay on my back I feel a great pressure at the base of my throat. It feels like I'm choking. I felt this way before I started taking medication and since I've stopped I feel it even more. Not only when I'm lying down but doing daily activities I feel as though I'm choking. Has anybody ever felt this?

I now have health insurance and I'm going to see my doctor on Friday to start my treatment.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 11:45am
Hi and welcome - I'm so glad that you're back on your health insurance so that you can get your medication again. I don't know how expensive it is where you are but for me, it's only about 17.00 without my co-pay so if you end up without insurance again, maybe you can forego something else. Your medication is really critical to your overall health so it's just something to think about.

The choking feeling that you're experiencing is either a general swelling, nodule or goiter on your thyroid. It may have had the chance to grow since your medication wasn't there to keep it under control. When you go back to the doctor, he or she will check on it to see what it is for certain. You may have to have an ultrasound to get a good picture of it.

It's good that you have the appointment on Friday and are back on health insurance so that you can take care of this!! Let us know how you do and if you have any other questions. Cathy :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2004
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 2:24pm
Thanks Cathy! I originally went to a doctor at a Wellness Clinic because I didn't have insurance now I'm going to see my doctor for the first time in a long time this Friday. I can see swelling in my neck and my face is really puffy, not to mention that I've gained 15lbs in a matter of a few months despite the fact that I workout a minimum of 4 days a week and sometimes twice a day. I was on 6 grams of thyroid medication before I stopped. Do you know the maximum amount that can be taken?
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 3:51pm
Were you taking Armour Thyroid? I know that's measured in grains or grams. I don't know of any maximum - I've never heard of one.

The puffiness in your face is also another symptom. I had that, too, before I was diagnosed. My whole face had changed but I hadn't realized it until I saw a picture of myself. After being on medication for about 3 months, it changed back!! Thank goodness. I'm sort of fond of my face. LOL! So that should go away for you, too, as soon as your body has enough thyroid hormone in it. I worked out very hard, too and hardly ate anything "bad" for me and never could lose an inch or a pound. That changed too, when I was finally diagnosed. Let us know how it goes on Friday! Cathy :)