choking feeling explained

[Mimmie]

I've been having some problems when I start to fall asleep. It's been happening for about 6 months or so and was getting worse. I couldn't figure it out because I haven't had any problems with my mask and machine. It was like I would gasp when I was first falling asleep. Kind of like my machine was sputtering and that would cause my throat to close up. I found out that if I would tilt my head back as far as it would go that the choking feeling would stop. I had read through the messages trying to find anything that would be causing me to do that. Lately though, it started doing it during the day when I wasn't sleeping. I felt like I had on a turtle neck shirt that was too tight. I had an appointment with my endo for my diabetes on Monday and mentioned it to him. After an exam he ordered an ultrasound. My thyroid is enlarged. There are 3 nodules on the right side, one is fairly large and is hard. 2 nodules on the left side that are dense and 1 large lesion that appears to be extending to the voice box. I go on Tuesday to a different endo that handles mostly thyroid problems. My father had thyroid cancer. My grandfather had Laryngeal cancer. I am hoping it's just a goiter and yank that sucker out of there!

[Emilia]

Oh, Mimmie, I am so sorry to hear this. Sounds like you need to have that thyroid removed. I hope you have caught this very early and not much more treatment necessary. Thyroid cancer is on the rise, especially in young women. My niece had it diagnosed last year and had hers removed at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. She is fine now, that goodness. I will keep you in my thoughts for a good outcome of your exam and testing with the endo. Best of luck!

[jamiswolf]

Hi Mimmie,
Best wishes and prayers that your thyroid issue is not serious...
Jamis

[apneawho]

Mimmie,
Glad you found the cause and can get on with the treatment, but I know it is something you didn't want to have to deal with. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Let us know how you are doing.

[Mimmie]

Thanks for the well wishes and it seems that they worked. No cancer or precancer. Taking Synthroid now. Hypothyroid. That explains that 30 pounds I've packed on. Good news is I've already lost 12 pounds since starting the meds. We're gonna try it for 3 months and if it doesn't work then out it comes.

[apneawho]

That is wonderful news Mimmie. Will keep you on my prayer list.

[nanwilson]

Mimmie
I was diagnosed with a nodule on mine too, about the size of a quarter and was put on synthroid. That was when I was about 30 and I'm 69 now...still doing fine and my thyroid was never removed. Here's hoping you get the same result that I have.
Cheers and the best of luck
Nan