Expert: Karen Brawner - 1/12/2006

Question
I have recently developed a problem with my throat. It feels as if it is closing in on me, making it hard to swallow. I have been hoarse along with this. I have had other symptoms such as frequent headaches, fluid retention, fatigue, heart palpitations, numbness in my hands, jaw and ear pain (worse when swallowing), intolerance to cold, etc, etc!!!! I saw a doctor about the difficulty swallowing and explained some of my symptoms, but he seemed to think my difficulty swallowing is related to GERD (acid reflux) problems that I've had. The medications I've been taking are not helping with my throat. My mother has thyroid disease, so I've started to wonder if some of my symptoms might be a sign of this. Is diffuculty swallowing or feeling like your throat is swelling shut a common problem with thyroid disease/problems? Please help me understand this all a little bit better, I am going to see a new doctor in the next couple of days and would like to be prepared with the right questions.

Answer
Dear Jennifer,   The doctor you saw sounds like an IDIOT and should have never diagnosed you with GERD unless he tested you for this problem and also did an ultrasound on your thyroid to rule out thyroid problems....  

You have the symptoms that I had when an Ultrasound of my thyroid found a complex cyst, which when removed surgically turned out to be the size of a tennis ball..  I even got choaked on liquids and my own salava while asleep..

You need to get this doctor to do an ultrasound of your thyroid gland or refer you to an Endocrinologist who WILL do the necessary thyroid exam....

thank you,   karen