Throat tightness : Hi everyone. Latest results... - Thyroid UK

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Throat tightness

LMor profile image
LMor
12 Replies

Hi everyone.

Latest results June 2018 - Tsh - 5.22 (0.3-4.5)

T4 - 14.9 (10-22)

I then had an increase of Levothyroxine from 50mcg to 75.

I feel a little better now but for the last two weeks or so my throat constantly feels like it’s closing and tight. It’s also clicking when I swallow. I haven’t had a retest of bloods as we all know unless we request it then doctors are often oblivious to procedures. Has or does anyone have the same sensations. It’s really not nice when your throat feels like it’s closing. There’s no noticeable swelling etc, just sort of feels like I’m being strangled!!

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LMor profile image
LMor
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12 Replies
shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Make sure you are well-hydrated and drink water throughout the day. Sometimes our throat becomes very dry and it is a very unpleasant sensation.

verywellhealth.com/drought-...

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Blood should be retested 6-8 weeks after last dose increase.

Sounds like your body is ready for further 25mcg dose increase

Presumably you have a blood test form from GP to get bloods redone

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

NHS guidelines saying standard starter dose is 50mcgs. Most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine

beta.nhs.uk/medicines/levot...

LMor profile image
LMor in reply toSlowDragon

Hi. I do have Hashimoto’s and I’ve been gluten free for a year and a half. Bloods were done by Gp this time. I’ve had all vitamins tested which are all high in range with b12, iron and folate over range. Ferritin is bottom of range being 54 (range 10-320). Vitamin d is optimal at near the top of range. I’ve never had this feeling before in my throat. Could it be thyroid?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toLMor

Now you are gluten free and vitamins optimal you probably need dose increase in Levothyroxine. After all 75mcg is a low dose

See what your thyroid levels are like when you retest, presumably very soon.

Come back with new post once you have results and ranges

LMor profile image
LMor in reply toSlowDragon

Ok thank you. Do you know if this a common symptom of thyroid disease?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toLMor

It's a very common symptom in untreated hypos, yes. So, it could just mean that you are still under-medicated. After all, your TSH was very high in June. Or, it could be that the thyroid is inflammed at the back, where it can't be seen, and pressing on your oesophagus. :)

LMor profile image
LMor in reply togreygoose

Thank you greygoose. Should I mention it to my Gp? I’m sorry if I keep asking lots of questions, I’m just not sure if it’s something I should be concerned about or it’ll just get better in time with an increase in meds

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toLMor

It might, and it might not. It would be a good idea to mention it - certainly won't hurt.

Please don't apologise about asking questions. That's the only way we learn. And that's what we're here for, to answer questions and support. Ask as many as you like! :)

LMor profile image
LMor in reply togreygoose

Thank you 😊

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toLMor

You're welcome. :)

MrsBoilie profile image
MrsBoilie

I have that very same “strangled” feeling which gets worse the more I eat. End of the day when I lay down it’s an awfully scary feeling when I lie on my back. Gets better when I’m on my side. Nobody from the medical community takes it seriously. They just say it’s anxiety and that REALLY makes me mad.

Hope you get some help.

LMor profile image
LMor in reply toMrsBoilie

I’m sorry you have it too. It’s definitely not anxiety. It’s very real......I hope you feel better soon and thank you for your reply x

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