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Beginning December, 2010, I have been to my primary care physician, a gastronologist, endocrinologist, ears, nose and throat doctor and a neurologist.
It was discovered I had polyps on the right side of my thyroid. I had an ultrasound and biopsy and they were not cancerous. However, the endocrinologist said the polyps should not be causing my strangling sensation. He referred me to a gastronologist. I had an endoscopic procedure performed and all was well. No acid reflex, GERD, tumor, etc. He referred me to an otolaryngologist. Through an additional ultrasound, it was discovered the nodules were growing. It was determined my thyroid should be removed and it was thought it would eliviate the strangling sensation. On June 22, 2011, I had half of my thyroid removed. During a follow up visit, I infomred the doctor I was still feeling like I am being strangled. He said there was some swelling and give it about a month (which I did). I then went back to him and he put me on Prilosec and sent me for a barium ?? procedure. All was normal. My new PCP examined me and took an x-ray of my nectk. He noticed something in the back of my neck that might possibly be causing the sensation in the front of my neck. He sent me for a neck MRI. He put me on Celebrex (to reduce inflammation - if any). I had the neck MRI and after review the PCP - sent me to a neurologist. I went to the neurologist earlier in the week. He said neurologically speaking, I was fine and he didn't feel the vertebras were causing my discomfort. I am at a lost as to where to go or what to do next. Some of my smyptoms are as follows: It originally felt like I as wearing a high turtle nectk sweater that was too tight or I had a scarf on and it was pulled too tight. I have difficulty swallowing saliva (golf ball in throat feeling), but have a lesser problem swallowing water or eating. At all times, it now feels like someone is strangling me - somethimes mild to extreme. I do not feel like I am choking. It has never felt like it is on the interior of my throat. It has always felt like it is on the exterior of my throat and the interior of my neck (if that makes any sense.) Some of my other symptoms are like Cricophanyngea Spasm, however two doctors say I do not have that. I had cosmetic surgery three and a half years ago (with no compliations) and went back to the plastic surgeon to inquire if he had ever seen this side effect before and could make a recommendation. No suggestion was made. Before this issue, I have been extremely healthy - with the exception of glaucoma. I have glaucoma in both eyes and have used drops for about ten years and have had surgery on my right eye. I am 59 years old, good health - no high blood pressure, heart disease, sugar diabetes, etc. I'm 5'7" / 150 lbs, non-smoker and an occasional cocktail. No medication except eye drops and minor vitamins (calcium, etc.) Should you have questions or require additional information, please contact me at [Personal Information removed for privacy]
Thank you for your possible assistance. I look forward to hearing from someone.
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Add a Comment56 Comments
I have the same x act symptoms and I have only assumed it from stress. Ear nose and throat doc checked and gave me meds for acid reflux due to my complaint that brought me to him that I felt something in my throat. No other symptoms.
November 18, 2014 - 11:58pmAs far as the strangling feeling....you have described it exactly. Sometimes I look in a mirror to see if my face is red. I am 44 and have no health issues. But i do have financial issues and I can just assume the stress is strangling me. Sounds like you have gone thru all the tests. I hope you can find peace with it. Thank you for sharing so I can know I am not alone.
This Comment
I too have the same thing aftet thyroid surgery
June 29, 2014 - 3:11pmThis Comment
Honestly it sounds like early symptoms of dysplasia which is were your throat muscles over contractand eventually stop working. Unfortunately if. This is it there is nothing you can do about it. Hope you figure it out. Good luck.
September 7, 2013 - 9:40pmThis Comment
I have the very same feeling in my/on my neck. Like someone has their hands around my throat and are squeezing. My thyroid was removed in 2001, it was cancer. I had a radioactive iodine pill. I've been fine since, except for this awful feeling. I, like the person above, have asked my endocronologist and had an ultrasound. Nothing was seen. I would greatly appreciate answers also.
May 23, 2013 - 1:23pmThis Comment
My overactive thyroid got so big that I had it removed with the ration pill also. I. Feel like someone is chocking me from the front . It feel like their hand are right underneath my jaws trying to cut off my airway. It's awful feeling like you are not getting enough air. Nothing helps. I've even had nightmares that I can't breathe and die!!!
January 27, 2017 - 7:17pmThis Comment
Dear Anonymous,
I am so sorry that you are going through this at the moment. It is very hard for us to give you a possibility of what you may have since you have been through so many doctors, with so many tests, and yet no answer as to why you are feeling this strangling sensation. When you experience this-- do you feel shortness of breath? If so, have your seen a Respiratory Therapist? I know you feel this tightness in your throat but anything that involves breathing should also be assessed by a Respiratory Therapist.
You may also find it beneficial to get your last MRI of the neck where your new PCP thought he saw something that may be the cause and take it to a second neurologist for another opinion.
I hope you get an answer soon & Best Wishes,
Rosa
October 22, 2011 - 12:30pmThis Comment