THIS TIME - I am asking for help again!

[stella5349]

I was trying to find the words on how to ask this of all of you. I didn't want to sound weak or anything like that - but .....

I need some help from our community,

I went to the UW hospitol Monday morning and got some answers I have been longing for - for about 6 yrs since this whole thyroid thing took hold of me.

As some know - I have had chronic swelling under my right jaw - whicjh I keep chalking up to a lymph node enlargement. I was on every antibiotic in the world I think and of course I had no infection.

I believe what was said yesterday has finally unlocked the swelling - yet it is permanent damage now.

After my RAI ablation for Graves - no one told me about the excessive flushing we are to do after that procedure. What happened (through the ultra sound I had yesterday) The iodine concentrated very heavily on my right side of the thyroid bed - it is no bigger than a piece of yarn on the scan and since I took in so much on that side my saliva gland on the right side was also scarred. Due to that scarring and now after 6 years later I know have something called Thyroid; radiation sialadenitis.

If you can - please read this link http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/138/12/1582.

What I am looking to ask from all of you - is I need to see if I can at least find out how I can suppress the pain of this swelling gland/node.

I am begging for suggestions here and hope some can offer me suggestions on how I can stop this swelling.

Two years now - I have had this discomfort in my neck and it is starting to show on the outside with my appearance. See me photo and there is visuable evidence that I have this swelling on the right side of my neck.

The gland was measured to be about the size of a jumbo egg - maybe a tad longer - and that was on a "good" day. Sometime it is twice the size and it becomes most uncomfortable as it is today.

Again - any suggestions on how to keep this at bay for me would be great. Yet if anyone has a "solution" to RID it entirely - I'm up for that too :)

Thanks

[stella5349]

Sjorgen's symptoms i think - are opposite of what I have. I think the big symptoms of that is dry mouth.

That is not an issue for me. At least not any longer. Just a swelling of that saliva gland.

[4helen]

Oh so hope it can help.  The web is over stuffed with technical info - it's just hit or miss finding the right needle or indeed being the right sized camel!! My fingers crossed you can get quick relief---but this complication is not at all discussed for the most part; wonder what is the percentage that it happens?   Before I saw this link -- was thinking about the lymphadema experience my sis (stage 3 breast w lots lymph nodes removed) has to manage her life around.....it involves compression bandages.  One other item I found in my quick and dirty to send you something ---'Sjorgen's' (an auto immune disorder) did come up within the seach. Not sure if any real connection to your symptoms, but might be worth a looksie.  : )

[stella5349]

I read both links and they are identical information.

Thanks

[stella5349]

4 helen

I just emailed the endo you information you gave me -

I will see what comes back

Thanks!

[stella5349]

I looked up your first link and that sounds pretty promising.

You know.......... I am now a bit concerned..

It read it is done for the use of thyroid cancer patients and this endo surgereon I saw has rave reviews on work.

Now why didn't she mention this is she is an expert on thyroid cancer. She had to of heard about it.. right?

[Barb135]

I've tried the ARNICA that CC9 mentioned and it works fairly well for some aches and pains, so might help.  I've also used capsaicin, but that's pepper and it makes me feel like I'm on fire so not sure how it would feel in that area.  I might suggest lavender oil since it is supposed to be calming or peppermint oil which is cooling, but they wouldn't do anything for inflammation - maybe just soothe it for a bit.