Pain to the left of trachea... - General Health Message Board

hilery79 · 08-15-2005, 11:23 AM

I started getting a strange pain yesterday...just to the left of my trachea...about half way down my neck. I woke up at around 3 am and the pain had gotten much worse. I started to panic a little and my entire face went numb(pins and needles) along with both hands. So, I had my husband take me to the ER. The Dr. there decided that my numbness was due to hyperventilation and thought the pain was likely due to muscle inflamation?? He had mentioned a carotid artery dissection, but he didn't hear a bruit and I didn't have any neurological symptoms. He suggested I take Ibuprofen and sent me home. Well, today the pain is still there and pretty strong. I have a hard time believing it's muscular because I really haven't done anything to strain that area. My face is "tingling" again today, as well. It's not one sided...it's my entire face(really strange). The pain also seems to be radiating back to my left ear. I'm going to try to get into a Dr. when my husband gets home from work, but I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas as to what might be causing this pain. I would really appreciate any input! Thanks, Hilery

smithn · 08-16-2005, 03:03 AM

Gotta love the E/R doctors..... take an Ibuprofen and some chicken soup and "good luck".

You should have an MRA of your neck to make sure your arteries are functioning normally and to rule out any other problems. I agree with you - I'm having a hard time believing it's muscular also. See a doctor ASAP and ask for this study!

hilery79 · 08-18-2005, 12:24 PM

Thanks for your reply. The numbness has subsided, but the pain is still there and has gotten a little worse. I also have a severe headache and feel very lightheaded. I saw a Dr. on Mon. and I'm scheduled to have a sonogram of my neck done later today. Hopefully, they'll be able to tell what's causing all of this.

NodiGoiterGirl · 08-19-2005, 03:06 PM

Your thyroid could be swollen. I had that type of pain and headaches before I got diagnosed with hashimoto's thyroiditis. My thyroid had grown nodules that were pressing on my trachea.
Let us know what you find out.
Have I seen you on they thyroid boards before? If not you may want to check it out.
Nodi

hilery79 · 08-19-2005, 08:59 PM

Thanks Nodi. Yep, you've probably seen me over on the thyroid board before. I had my thyroid removed in 2003 due to cancer. I just had my first clean scan a few weeks ago.

Well, the sonogram didn't show anything...but the pain in my neck is still there. I guess for now I'll just wait a little longer and see if it goes away. My headache has gotten really severe...I called my Dr's office and the nurse just told me to take some Ibuprofen.