[55F] Experiencing palpitations, joint pain, and difficulty swallowing

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Thyroid Disease: Given your history of Hashimoto's disease and your symptoms of palpitations, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing, it's possible that your thyroid hormone levels may be imbalanced. Hashimoto's disease can cause hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels), but in some cases, it can also cause periods of hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels), which could explain your palpitations.

  • Treatment typically involves medication to balance thyroid hormone levels.

• Fibromyalgia: Your joint pain and fatigue could be related to your fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, exercise, stress management, and healthy lifestyle habits.

• Osteoarthritis: This is a common form of arthritis that can cause joint pain and stiffness. Your knee, hip, and wrist pain could be related to this condition.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

• Dysphagia: This is a term for difficulty swallowing, which can be caused by various conditions, including neurological disorders, muscular disorders, or issues with the esophagus. Given your history of cervical syringomyelia, this could be a contributing factor.

  • Treatment depends on the underlying cause and can range from dietary changes to medication, to swallowing therapy, to surgery in some cases.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. They may want to adjust your Synthroid dosage or check your thyroid hormone levels.
2. Continue to take your Synthroid as prescribed.
3. Try gentle exercises, like walking or swimming, to help manage your joint pain. Rest when you need to.
4. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to help manage your fatigue.
5. If you're having difficulty swallowing, try eating softer foods and take smaller bites. If you're choking on liquids, try thicker liquids or purees.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
• Your difficulty swallowing worsens or you're unable to swallow at all.
• Your joint pain becomes severe or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth.
• You develop new or worsening symptoms.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.