Graves' Disease Support Group

Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...

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scorpiogirl76 09/06/2009

Hi, I was just recently diagnosed with severe Graves disease after a thyroid storm. Prior to that, I had a choking incident 2 weeks before where I choked on steak. Then the day before my storm, I choked again. Upon a visit to the ER, I had an ultrasound due to a lump in my neck and it showed a goiter with nodules. I am wondering if this could be why I was choking? and how do I reduce the size? I have been on a liquid only diet since the first incident that I choked and I would like to start on solids again but am nervous. Any advice is appreciated.

deleted_user 09/06/2009

Is your goiter not visible from the outside, and growing inwards? Then it's possible that it can restrict your food pipe.... I am not sure if it's possible to shrink the goiter other than take it out through surgery or RAI. There is a Graves' diet (a low-iodine, goitrogen diet) , but will it reduce the size of a goiter?

I had mine visible, and felt fullness at the base of my neck, but not to the point of choking....

Are you seeing an Endo? This would be an excellent question to ask him/her.

mmztcass 09/06/2009

Goiters will reduce once thyroid levels are in the 'right' place for you. It can take awhile. Does it feel like it's getting any smaller for you? Eating the 'right' diet and avoiding all known triggers will help too.

{{{hugs}}}

scorpiogirl76 09/06/2009

It is visible. my endo said that I can eat solids and my choking espisodes are due my anxiety being so high. I'm just terrified to even try anything with texture. it has shrunk a little in the last two weeks since starting my meds. I don't feel like theres this big "lump" every time I swallow now.

bransnana 09/07/2009

Yes it definitely has to do with the choking sensation, I've read it many times. Yes the meds will help shrink it.

deleted_user 09/07/2009

before I was diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis, I had trouble swallowing and had recurrent nightmares that I was being hung.
My endo asked me if I was having trouble swallowing the first time I saw her.

scorpiogirl76 09/07/2009

Wow.... mooneymouse... I was having nightmares prior to the storm that I was choking all the time so with that, I had even more anxiety to eat. Did you ever stop eating solids for a while? Or what did you do?

deleted_user 09/08/2009

Yes the goiter can def make u choke. I also have a goiter w/ nodules and found bread and steak very hard to eat. When ur on ur meds the does help shrink it a little. Mine is visable if i tilt my head back. i have had the nodules asperated. Eat slowly chew ur food well and make sure u have a drink next to u until the swelling subides somewhat w/ meds

deleted_user 09/08/2009

I stopped eating when I was hypo thyroid i had no appetite tho and would drink ensures to try and get some nutrients but not eating def will take a toll on ur Graves Disease

scorpiogirl76 09/09/2009

I was looking at pictures and realized that I had this goiter since January of this year but never noticed and was eating fine! The swelling has gone done alot since being on prednisone for a week. I was drinking milkshakes with ensure to gain weight, however, with some advice, cut dairy out as dairy is no good for us Graves people and looking at the ingredients on Ensure, it has iodine in it. I am on a low iodine diet.

mmztcass 09/09/2009

You will do fine. Your story is own example of healing.

Hey I have share my story with you. I will put on the journal page soon. I have so much going on and still no computers working as well in this house. Grrr...!!! :-(

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