Swollen throat with GERD???

Hi Everyone....

It's been a while since I last wrote a note in this forum, but I thought I would ask a question to the veterans out there of this awful thing called GERD.

Quick summary. I'm a 27yrs old male, had thyroid cancer and then had my thyroid removed. Then had targeted radiation treatment for the cancer and all is good so far from that perspective. After my Radiation treatment (Radioactive Iodine Pill) I started to have the worst year of reflux ever. I was on this forum daily, last year, thinking that I may need the Nissen as I don't want this to turn into something worse in the future.

I have since had tests done while on nexium ( minimum 40 mgs once a day at night, and 40 mgs X2 daily when I'm having a bad week or month) and I also supplemented with Zantac, up to 150 X 2 daily when I'm having a severe episode. For the most part I think I have the GERD under control now with this treatment.

My question is, although I seem to be living a somewhat normal life now with GERD, which basically consists of constant mild reflux symptoms (tight chest, sore throat,raspy voice, heartburn), the one thing that I constantly have is a swollen throat. Is this something that other have had or have currently while they manage their GERD? I go to an ENT every 6 months and she says the same thing.... 'your throat is really swollen and the vocal chords often span from lightly irritated to really irritated". The last time I saw her she said the redness subsided from my previous visit, but the throat area continues to be swollen. "we'll just keep an eye out for any issues" she said.

Is this normal??? My Uncle had Esophagile cancer in his mid 50's and that didn;t turn out so well. I don;t want to get this either based on my medical history, but every time I visit a specialist, they act as though nothing is wrong.

I had an early barium swallow when my GERD was severe and it showed that I have spontaneous reflux, but it really showed most when I was lying on my left side. The most recent test I had was the PH and the swallow test, with the 24 hr monitor (while on Nexium) and it came back low normal. Like most of us here I was having a good week when I went in for the test. Since then I have an appt with a 'supposedly' very good surgeon who has done the most of these surgeries in Ontario (Canada), based out of Hamilton. He review my chart and said that he will do another battery of test in November, but this time off Nexium... This I dread...

Ultimately, my question is the throat swelling.. It feels as thought it;s constantly enlarged. This is not an anxiety issue, but really... it's swollen! I manage through each day with it, but this cannot be normal. From what I know, swelling (inflammation) can turn to displasia, which I don't want to get.

Any feed back is much appreciated, as always.

Thanks,

Chris.

Thanks Ian, Since Thyroid Cancer is now considered as a disease that is the most curable and least aggressive type of cancer, most of us have end up living a normal life. All we need are hormone replacements. I never had this issue, even for a year after my surgery to remove my thyroid. It's only since I stated having GERD that this has happened, that is why I am asking about who else has this constant swelling. It's not to the point where it's closing or hinders my swallowing or speech, but it's swollen enough to notice it as a 'feeling'

I find that the irritation from the acid is what is causing this. My thyroid Dr's all feel this has nothing to do with my thyroid cancer, so that's why I'm reaching out here?

Any updates from the member would be great.

Thanks,

Chris, can you provide the name of the surgeon in Hamilton, Ontario that you mentioned. My NF 18 months ago is unsuccessful; I need a redo and I am looking for a good Dr.

Thanks