Salivary Glands Swollen 6 Months Post RAI

[PurpleButterfly7]

Hi everyone and thanks for reading!

I had RAI treatment in October of 2021. My dose was 100 mci. I immediately had swollen and painful salivary glands which subsided in a day or two. I have had no issues with them until the beginning of June. Now, they constantly swell when eating. Some days are worse than other days.

My endo sent me to my ENT who didn't offer any help except it should get better.

I drink lots of water and massage them throughout the day.

Will this get better? What is your experience with swollen salivary glands 8+ months post RAI treatment? I've also ate/used sour food for relief which my ENT says does not help.

Kim

[Batty1]

Eat sour candies thats what others did in my thyroid cancer group who had RAI … is it possible that you actually have an infection?

[PurpleButterfly7 in reply to Batty1]

I did the sour candies immediately after RAI but now it is about eight months post RAI. I have done straight lemon juice but nothing completely eliminates the swollen glands. My ENT wasn't concerned about an infection so I don't think so.

[Batty1 in reply to PurpleButterfly7]

Sorry that sounds just awful. Does your gland hurt when it swells?

[SmartGreekGirl]

Ask your Head and Neck Surgeon for a Siliandoscopy. This is where they flush your salivary glands and then shoot steroids into your glands.

[PurpleButterfly7 in reply to SmartGreekGirl]

I will reach out to my surgeon and see what he recommends. As far as I am aware, my endo and ENT do all my follow-up care.