Tightness below incision, esoph swelling, choke easily & wheezy

Brooklyn777
Brooklyn777 Member Posts: 9
edited November 2011 in Thyroid Cancer #1
Hi. Back in March 2011, I experienced esophageal swelling while eating some frozen yogurt. Within 30 minutes I had a bad productive cough (aspirated into my lungs)and was expelling clear frothy phlegm (sputum). The next day I felt like I had the flu. Overtime, I did seem to get better but not completely and therefore, scheduled an appt w my primary care doctor. As I explained my experience, he looked at me like I was crazy and stated "You have allergies right?...This is from your allergies, I can give you Albuteral (respiratory inhaler) and if that doesn't help you, you will have to take steroids." I did not feel my allergies were the cause and therefore, did not begin the medication.

Since March, I have had ~ six bouts of severe wheeziness (feels like 50% lung capacity)that comes and goes.....a persistent cough (the nasty tasting colorful phlegm has gotten better and is now a pale yellow-probably had/have aspirated/walking pneumonia) and tightness below my incision area that just started about 3 wks ago. I clear my throat alot too...but I guess I have been doing it for so long, didn't think much about it until now. Also, since having total thyroidectomy, I choke easily and at times, it feels like it's hard to get food down.
I am going to schedule and appt with a specialist, either an ENT or my GI doctor.

Anyone out there with the same symptoms/experience?...any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated!


Thank you.

Brooklyn

Comments

  • alapah
    alapah Member Posts: 287
    #2
    maybe an ENT
    I can't say I've had the same experience but I did end up with a paralyzed vocal cord from my TT and some of the things you describe sound like they may be attributable to vocal cord problems (not necessarily paralysis) - reduced air capacity and swallowing issues being the main ones that I can relate to.
  • alapah
    alapah Member Posts: 287
    #3
    oops
    dupe
  • amorriso
    amorriso Member Posts: 185
    #4
    a few
    I do have a bit of tightness around my incision from time to time - mainly when I get tired. I also clear my throat alot - I can feel the mucus in the back of my throat. But I've never had the severe choking etc that you have experienced.

    Hope you can get some answers
  • sunnyaz
    sunnyaz Member Posts: 582
    #5
    Bad Tasting Colored Phlegm
    This is typically a symptom of sinus or upper respiratory infections. Pneumonia is also possible. I have had a lot more infections since my Thyroidectomy and Lymphectomy. I am currently battling one, taking Z-Pack and using a Pro-Air inhaler. I am on day three of a five day regimen and I feel a lot better. Seems like I get viruses much faster than I used to probably because I had so many Lymph nodes removed. When I am sick I feel more tightness in my throat than usual as well. Feeling tired or stressed out also makes my throat tight. I work in the Medical field and I am exposed to lots of yucky stuff including high stress situations.

    Hope you feel better soon.
    Blessings,
    Julie-SunnyAZ
  • Brooklyn777
    Brooklyn777 Member Posts: 9
    #6
    alapah said:

    maybe an ENT
    I can't say I've had the same experience but I did end up with a paralyzed vocal cord from my TT and some of the things you describe sound like they may be attributable to vocal cord problems (not necessarily paralysis) - reduced air capacity and swallowing issues being the main ones that I can relate to.

    maybe an ENT
    Thank you! I did have some vocal cord irritation and was supposed to see an ENT within the first year. But I got better and my voice strengthened, so I didn't think it was nec. Now, I am realizing that may have been a mistake! My fault for not f/u BUT sure wish my surgeon had elaborated on the importance of seeing an ENT and shared the possible long-term effects with me.
  • Brooklyn777
    Brooklyn777 Member Posts: 9
    #7
    amorriso said:

    a few
    I do have a bit of tightness around my incision from time to time - mainly when I get tired. I also clear my throat alot - I can feel the mucus in the back of my throat. But I've never had the severe choking etc that you have experienced.

    Hope you can get some answers

    a few
    Thanks! I have been under a lot of stress lately. I think it "might" be a build-up of scar tissue.
  • Brooklyn777
    Brooklyn777 Member Posts: 9
    #8
    sunnyaz said:

    Bad Tasting Colored Phlegm
    This is typically a symptom of sinus or upper respiratory infections. Pneumonia is also possible. I have had a lot more infections since my Thyroidectomy and Lymphectomy. I am currently battling one, taking Z-Pack and using a Pro-Air inhaler. I am on day three of a five day regimen and I feel a lot better. Seems like I get viruses much faster than I used to probably because I had so many Lymph nodes removed. When I am sick I feel more tightness in my throat than usual as well. Feeling tired or stressed out also makes my throat tight. I work in the Medical field and I am exposed to lots of yucky stuff including high stress situations.

    Hope you feel better soon.
    Blessings,
    Julie-SunnyAZ

    bad tasting colored phlegm
    Hi Julie! Yeah, I have a long history of respiratory infections. I was sick from July-Sept with thyroid imbalance, so my system was weak and I'm amazed this has not turned in to something more serious. I looked up walking pneumonia and I had 7 out of 10 symptoms listed. I'm waiting on chest xray results.

    What's a Pro-Air inhaler, never heard of it? I'm glad your meds are working well for you and you're feeling better. Resp infections can be miserable.

    Thank you for responding!

    Brooklyn:)
  • sunnyaz
    sunnyaz Member Posts: 582
    #9
    Brooklyn777 said:

    bad tasting colored phlegm
    Hi Julie! Yeah, I have a long history of respiratory infections. I was sick from July-Sept with thyroid imbalance, so my system was weak and I'm amazed this has not turned in to something more serious. I looked up walking pneumonia and I had 7 out of 10 symptoms listed. I'm waiting on chest xray results.

    What's a Pro-Air inhaler, never heard of it? I'm glad your meds are working well for you and you're feeling better. Resp infections can be miserable.

    Thank you for responding!

    Brooklyn:)

    Hi Brooklyn
    Pro-Air is the replacement for Albuterol. They no longer make actual Albuterol because of it's affects on the Ozone. So, now they have replaced it with a more "environmentally friendly" version. I think it's the best rescue inhaler on the market. Next best is Ventolin. To get the best effects from an inhaler take a deep first puff mid breath. First exhale all of your air and then start to inhale with your mouth on the mouth piece. Press the inhaler mid-breath. Hold your breath as long as you can comfortably. Wait at least one minute before taking a second puff the same way. The first puff opens the bronchi and the second gets deep into the bronchi to really open up the air sacs. A lot of people haven't been taught how to use their inhalers properly to get the best effect. This also helps with making your cough more productive. Opening the bronchi gives them a chance to eliminate the mucous. Really hope this helps and you are on the mend soon.
    Blessings,
    Julie-SunnyAZ
  • Brooklyn777
    Brooklyn777 Member Posts: 9
    #10
    sunnyaz said:

    Hi Brooklyn
    Pro-Air is the replacement for Albuterol. They no longer make actual Albuterol because of it's affects on the Ozone. So, now they have replaced it with a more "environmentally friendly" version. I think it's the best rescue inhaler on the market. Next best is Ventolin. To get the best effects from an inhaler take a deep first puff mid breath. First exhale all of your air and then start to inhale with your mouth on the mouth piece. Press the inhaler mid-breath. Hold your breath as long as you can comfortably. Wait at least one minute before taking a second puff the same way. The first puff opens the bronchi and the second gets deep into the bronchi to really open up the air sacs. A lot of people haven't been taught how to use their inhalers properly to get the best effect. This also helps with making your cough more productive. Opening the bronchi gives them a chance to eliminate the mucous. Really hope this helps and you are on the mend soon.
    Blessings,
    Julie-SunnyAZ

    Inhalers
    Good info...I may end-up with an inhaler yet. I have an upcoming appt with a Holistic dr, but can't get in as new pt until March (hopefully sooner)...maybe he can shed some light on what's going on. Thanks Julie!

    Brooklyn
  • daktt2000
    daktt2000 Member Posts: 1
    #11
    breathing
    Hi I have had significant airway issues since my tt in 2000. I had a trachestomy 3 months post surgery, so i have definite laryngeal stenosis. My airway will swell and actually close if irritated. Coughing irritates it, allergies, too much talking, spicy foods. I usually try to manage with placing my head in the freezer to decrease swelling, and drink water to maintain airway. It is very difficult and very stressful. I have to to take steroids occasionally to help. I hope you get some answers. an inhaler will not work for me, because what is happening to me is a muscle spasm. I have learned a new way of eating and really have to watch the texture of my food.
    Good Luck! Diane

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