Comments on: Cricoarytenoid Arthritis in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Part 1

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:09:31 +0000

It’s not unusual so it could be. They can examine inside the throat with a fiberoptic lens while it is inflamed or the nodule is present etc, but I also read that it can be missed. I’m sure this is part of the reason that patients say it’s common & autopsies say it’s common, but doctors say they doubt it.

By: Deann

Deann — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:44:15 +0000

Wow, I never knew this. I am a fitness instructor and use my voice all the time. I have been really horse and thought it was because of using my voice so much. I also sometimes stop breathing when I start to fall asleep. I have had ra for 4 years. HMMMM.

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:54:59 +0000

Dear Melody, I hope the appt goes well. You can have a choking feeling from CJ RA, especially if your vocal cords are obviously inflammed so you have lost your voice. But another thing comes to mind as well – if you have secondary sjogrens syndrome, then you may not have enough saliva at times. This can make swallowing hard since the food does not break down as well in the mouth. Just something you might want to discuss with the doc. Voice changes are typical – and they can continue – sometimes deeper or weaker and smaller – or sometimes no voice at all. – Most people find it to be periodic – fortunately. Good luck.

By: Melody

Melody — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:41:47 +0000

I was diagnosed just recently – I see a Rheumatologist for the first time next week. I’m so glad to see this post. For about 2-3 years I’ve had problems with soft food – especially breads, cheese/bread, etc. I’ve actually given alot up since I didn’t like the choking feeling. Now that I’ve read most of the comments here, I see that it is probably all related. I too also keep water with me at all times to drink. I just re-recorded my out of office on my phone (last one I had for 3 years), when I played it back on the phone, I noticed a change in my voice – deeper than it had been in the past. I will make sure to bring this up to the doctor next week. Thanks for all the sharing – makes it easier to deal with the diagnosis with all of you out there.

By: jen

jen — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:01:41 +0000

well was just catching up and noticed it’s been a year since my throat has been under attack…wow a year already time flies when you’re not having fun too!! haha
my rheumy did send me to ent and i have had several scopes showing nodules and swelling
and have been receiving therapy from an amazing larynx therapist. she has done all types of massage and even MOVED my larynx a couple of days ago…VERY SORE but still relief from how it was. a little easier breathing but very hoarse.
she also focuses on different levels of massage and you’re right kelly there are a ton of little joints etc all through your throat/jaw etc as well as all the muscles/tendons etc which get so tense from the strain.
she is always trying to have me focus on the goal of my speaking feeling “easy” ……not there yet but improved somewhat… on some days
oh…BE CAREFUL massaging your throat area there are arteries and you CAN make yourself passout…she’s always warning me about that too…
I have learned the habit of having water on hand at all times to keep everything as hydrated as possible. and there are even breathing exercises and posture that will help. yawning helps put things into a natural state of relaxation. I also have been using ice/heat like the others commenting here. somehow God landed me with a therapist that understands what’s going on (along with the vocal chords i have also had trigiminal neuralgia, bells palsy blah blah) and I’m traveling to Seattle for treatments (an all day trip for me and whoever gets sacked with me for the day haha) anyway just wanted to share that therapy can help if you can get it……xo

ra has also decided to attack my eye sockets…heard of that one? it’s extremely unpleasant ..swelling/bruising huge doses of steroids…still just trying to get it under control about 2 weeks into this one…
take care all ♥

By: Lorna

Lorna — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:21:37 +0000

I have had RA for 31 years and have gradually begun to have problems with my voice. My throat also feels fullness and my voice will become hoarse and I feel the need to constantly clear my throat which becomes annoying to others. The scarriest part is I sometimes feel shortness of breath like my throat is to narrow to get enough air. I am so happy to find this site and people that are experiencing the same problems. I will be seeing my rheumy again in December and will talk to her about this. Also will ask for a referral to an ENT doc.

By: bambi

bambi — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:42:53 +0000

I wish I could go to my rh doctor for everything. Seems like doctors do not know much about what rh affects. I have spent too much time and money trying to find out what my symptoms are……they always lead to rh
Voice, fybromyalgia, raynaud, jaw pain, migraines and the rh all miss diginosed,,,,,than everything is severe.

By: Kelly Young

Kelly Young — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 03:47:33 +0000

I agree. And I’ve also used an on call dr in such a case. Is anyone on call Judi?

By: WarmSocks

WarmSocks — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:56:54 +0000

You should be able to ask the receptionist at your rheumy’s office who is covering while she is gone. Whoever is covering should be able to refill the prescriptions for you.

Option two: Your pharmacist might be willing to front you one week’s worth of meds to last you until your doctor returns from vacation and can approve the refills.

Good luck!

By: JudithBarry

JudithBarry — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:23:33 +0000

Yes i have had this problem alot! Its really embarrasing becasue people think i smoke alot of cigarettes! I tell them about the joint in our throats but they look at me like im crazy..oh well…I have a problem i hope somebody can help me with!!! Does your doctors go on vacation and you dont know about it! My Rheumy is on vacation for a week and i cant get my refills!! She doesnt tell anyone she isgoing! Now i cant get my meds so that has ruined a vacation i was gonna take! I cant go without my meds so my friends and i are gonna be out of alot of money! Any advise from anyone Please!! Thanks Judi