Pain in Thyroid/Throat area

[Coulby]

Hi again everyone.I had the Radioactive Iodine treatment on the 1st of October.

I was told I would have a sore throat /neck for a couple of days ! It's now the 18th October and I'm still in pain in those areas.It hurts to talk,swallow,yawn,cough etc.Is this the norm after this treatment. If someone could advise me on this I'd be most grateful 😊

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I would contact your doctor. Your pain has lasted more than 2 days, Drs need to find out why & offer something to help manage it.

Does over the counter pain killers help at all?

Did you have blood test before RAI? Your last blood test posted several months ago showed very low thyroid levels & normal TSH. The TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is a pituitary signal to the thyroid.

Usually Low TSH is the signal that thyroid levels are high & the thyroid can lower production & high TSH is a signal the thyroid must work harder because levels are low. The problem is the signal stop responding correctly, so it’s important to go by FT4 & FT3 not TSH.

Prior to RAI your FT4 & FT3 were quite low, Your carbimazole dose at that stage was likely too high, was it stopped completely prior to RAI?

Are you currently taking any antithyroid thyroid medication or replacement?

You had nodules & swelling causing swallowing issues which is likely why dr treated with RAI to reduce thyroid size, but doesn’t look like you had the correct antibodies testing to confirm Graves & you weren’t at hyper levels.

Are you due a blood test soon? You might need an earlier thyroid funtion test to see if you have quickly become hypothyroid & need to start replacement.

[Coulby in reply to PurpleNails]

Thankyou for replying ...Yes bloods were done before the RAI.RAI.Painkllers are not helping.helping.The Specialist gave me a form for a blood test for the 1111th November.

I have problems understanding some things due to my Lewy Body..I don't understand what you mean regarding Pituitary..Sorry I🙃

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Coulby]

Staggering paracetamol then Ibroprofen eg every 4 hours can be helpful as ibroprofen is anti inflammatory. Can you take both? You must not exceed the maximum within 24 hours.

Using a pill organiser & setting timers or alarm eg on phone or a pill reminder app can help with this. Especially if you any take other medication or supplements you want to time right.

Check with your doctor may be able to prescribe something stronger or a more effective anti inflammatory.

Do you have someone to help you manage appointments & treatment?

Ask if your dr is testing TSH, FT4 & FT3. TSH isn’t a reliable measure but it what’s dr tend to focus on, but looking at FT4 & FT3 is important.

[Coulby in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks..Unfortunately I can't take anti inflammatory meds, I take 2x Paracetamol 3hrly during the day ..Think I had better make an appt with my doctor..X