[Anonymous]

#1039520

Hi Jake,
Thanks for your help. I have been checked for GERD. I am taking medication now for this but the doctors don’t really think that is the problem. Luckily, I routinely see a cardiologist because I’ve had tachycardia in the past and 2 catheter ablations. I don’t have any chest pain, it’s just the swallowing. Was able to eat a little cream of wheat and a LOT of ice cream today. Get the cat scan on Tuesday. Could use some prayers. Thanks again for everyone’s input.
Gina

[Anonymous]

#1127880

I am also interested in finding out whether RAI can cause the esophagus to narrow. I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in 1993 and treated with RAI. This past January, I began having constant heartburn, problems swallowing (feels like vitamins or pills are lodged in my throat), and a dull pain in my chest. The doctor ordered several heart tests, an upper GI, and I was also seen by an ENT. All tests were negative. I just saw my doctor (again!) last week and he prescribed Prevacid 2x a day for the next two weeks, since I still have all the symptoms. I asked him if he thought all this could be caused by RAI, but he didn’t know (he’s not an endo.). I have also struggled with weight gain, especially during the past year, and my cholostrol and blood pressure are high. After reading other posts on the bulletin board with similiar stories as mine, I am wondering whether we are experiencing “fallout” from treatment? I hope someone can come with answers. Thank your for having this Support Group.

[Anonymous]

#1127881

MiChelle, I had the problems you’re describing when my TSH was in the upper part of the normal range. Even mild hypothyroidism can cause many of those symptoms in some people. In my case they resolved when my TSH was brought down to around 1, with both T3 and T4. This may not be relevant in your case at all, but if your TSH is on the high side, I suggest you ask your doctor about lowering it to see if it helps.

Best wishes,
Dianne W
NGDF Asst. Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1127882

Dianne, thank you for the suggestion that perhaps my TSH levels are in the upper part of normal and that I may be experiencing hypothryroidism. I will get this checked out.

I have been a member of the NGDF for a number of years and I appreciate all the work they do. It is comforting to know that there are many others like me who are trying to live a normal life with a chronic illness. (I thought that once I had RAI was on thyroid meds, I would feel 100% all the time.) Even after six plus years, I am still learning that living with GD is a process. There are good times and not-so-good times.

I still want to find out whatever I can about the long-term effects of RAI and how it may be related to difficulting in swallowing and constant “heartburn”, since this what I have been experiencing for the past serveral months. (I hope to find relief soon!)

Keep the faith!
Mi-Chelle

[Anonymous]

#1127883

Hi Gina,

I just wrote a post about how a goiter caused me to have difficulty in swallowing. Besides GERD, has the Dr. considered goiter or cardiospasm, which is really spasm of the muscles in the lower esophagus, not heart problems? Just an idea for you!
Good luck, Carole

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