[Dysphagia] radiated thyroid

[rmcclana at kvmo.net (Ron McClanahan)]

I recently evaluated a patient for vocal hoarseness...she has vocal nodules and was cleared by the ENT for CA....she had swallowing problems early on but resolved...she took thyroid meds for ONE WEEK ... her pills ran out and was never given a script or advised to continue the synthroid...of course she gained wt and lost endurance...finally she went back and was put on synthroid...it is now 6 mos post and she has had this hoarse quality ever since....wondered if the edema from the radiation may have been exacerbated by vocal abuse...she raises dogs and yells at them, then baby talks to them...she doesnt drink enough water (dryness)...I gave her list of do's and don't for vocal hygiene tx....any thoughts...thanks!!!! MAY have sinus drainage so clears throat constantly (another abuse....)