If anyone has the time, I would be so grateful to hear from you. I'm 61 F and for 20 odd years have had bouts of a feeling of constriction in my throat coupled with sensations of hunger. I have two thyroid nodules that are monitored by U/S every year. I asked my Dr if she would order a test for thyroid antibodies several years ago and when it came back showing a level of 1600 (from memory) she disregarded it as something that was irrelevant at the time.
I wonder if this 'constriction' is thyroiditis and if it is, what's the association with the phantom pangs of hunger?
Can anyone relate to my experience?
Thank you in advance for any advice.
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VandJ
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I’ve not had that, but then again my condtion is autoimmune, shrinking thyroid. Only thing I can relate to is that when I’m hypo, I’m not hungry at all. Do you have any blood tests results with ranges?
Suggest you get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done
High thyroid antibodies confirms autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Low vitamin levels common as we get older too
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease). Ord’s is autoimmune without goitre.
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s.
Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s.
Hi! I have Hashimotos and I get that weird sensation too…and I’ve had it since I was diagnosed and before I was obviously as well. I have tried to explain it to doctors before, it seems that I get the constriction in my windpipe, which I assume is from a nodule or my gland itself swelling, when my blood sugar drops…it is bizarre. It usually happens a couple hours after lunch, and before dinner(if I wait to long to eat).
I know that some Hashimotos patients have trouble with hypoglycemia snd I seem to be one who does. It’s worse when my thyroid levels are out of wack but it has never truly gone away EXCEPT when I was pregnant with my daughter.
I try to eat low glycemic meals with good carbs and I’m gluten free…but nothing I do takes it away. I carry non perishable apple juice boxes and protein bars with me anywhere I go, The feeling seems to go away when I get my blood sugar is back up. And it happens as my blood sugar just drops, it’s not even dangerously low, but for me the small drop kicks off the symptoms. Like I said it’s gotta be something to do with inflammation of the gland or nodule and blood sugar levels.
It’s a terrible feeling, feeling like you’re being choked from the inside…very bizarre. It makes me yawn over and over like I can’t get enough air…then goes away once I eat.
I hope this helps!
I’m 42 and have had Hashimotos since I was 25…not diagnosed until 29.
Thank you Carmela99, I really appreciate your time and perspective. I think it must be some kind of swelling putting pressure on my windpipe because my voice goes hoarse.
I don't have any problems with my sugar levels and I've been tested for coeliac disease. In fact, I'm relatively healthy according to my yearly blood tests.
Its a sensation that will lay low for months and then rear it's ugly head for weeks and weeks and the feeling is just so frustrating and uncomfortable. It sometimes hangs around for a week then goes for a few days then back again....no rhyme or reason.
Although I have antibodies, nodules and this sensation my Dr has never diagnosed the symptoms so it's about time I got a referral to an endocrinologist and find out what I can.
Again, thank you....your reply is much appreciated 🙂
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