Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Oct 4th 2009 | 3:03 pm
#211
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,668
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
This week had bloods done (no results yet) and ultrasound on thyroid. Today picked up the results of ultrasound which shows one large lesion which is complex (cystic/solid) and several similar smaller ones as well as colloid ones.
I know I need to wait for dr to see what comes next but feeling pretty alone right now and don't know what to expect next.
I know I need to wait for dr to see what comes next but feeling pretty alone right now and don't know what to expect next.
TSH results can be supressed when there are nodules or other issues with the thyroid and as a result, it's important to press for a full thyroid panel instead of just a TSH. It's not a wholly reliable test.
It is very stressful, but the really good thing is that you are now in a diagnosis situation and this can only be a positive thing. Better now than years later, right?
Lesions and lumps on the thyroid can be malignant, they can be benign... but treatment is very effective for this sort of thing. Once removed they can give you a whole new lease of life with some treatment. Mrs Jackaroo had her entire thyroid removed and she would be a good person to talk to if you find that this is being recommended to you in your case.
Ill drop her a note to see if she's around. She's been in the UK this past couple of weeks for a family situation, so if you don't hear from her immediately this is why.
Most of all, don't worry. Your doc sound competent and has got you an ultrasound and this is great. Nothing invasive so far.
Options can be a 'fine needle aspiration' which is done under a local or general... depending...
Or surgery is an option but this really depends on what the situation is and only your doc can tell you that.
Feel free to blah on here. We're here to support you.
Let us know what your results are and good luck with it.
x
Been reading the threads with interest and can't believe how many people suffer from thyroid problems.
I went to the doctors a few weeks ago with my son, he had a virus, the doctor asked me how long had I had an enlarged thyroid and nodule? Didn't have a clue I had anything wrong with me but he could clearly see it.
Had blood tests, scans, radioactive iodine scans and then finally a biopsy of the large nodule all within weeks. It has been a very worrying time for myself and my family and unfortunatley all the results have come back abnormal, apart from the blood tests which showed my thyroid leves as normal!
Met with a thyroid specialist and he has decided to remove half of my thyroid next month and they will check for cancer, if fine then no more treatment but if not they will then remove the other half and I will have to have the replacement tablets for life.
My surgeon did put my mind at ease a little after weeks of worrying, he said it is very common to have thyroid problems and nodules and lots of people live with it and don't even know, he said if it is cancer is it the least aggresive form you could have. He also said because I was young and healthy it is very probably benign and not to worry, although I am.
Strange thing is my mum has just had a radioactive tablet and been in isolation for a few days to reduce her hyperthyroidism and goiters, think is was a done deal that they would operate with there being family history as well.
Just so glad I went to the doctors that day and had a doctor that was alert, don't think it would have been the same at the doctors I went to in the UK - would have still been waiting for an appointment!
Just typical, never had nothing wrong with me when I had support in the UK then move to the other side of the world away from family and friends and this happens.
I went to the doctors a few weeks ago with my son, he had a virus, the doctor asked me how long had I had an enlarged thyroid and nodule? Didn't have a clue I had anything wrong with me but he could clearly see it.
Had blood tests, scans, radioactive iodine scans and then finally a biopsy of the large nodule all within weeks. It has been a very worrying time for myself and my family and unfortunatley all the results have come back abnormal, apart from the blood tests which showed my thyroid leves as normal!
Met with a thyroid specialist and he has decided to remove half of my thyroid next month and they will check for cancer, if fine then no more treatment but if not they will then remove the other half and I will have to have the replacement tablets for life.
My surgeon did put my mind at ease a little after weeks of worrying, he said it is very common to have thyroid problems and nodules and lots of people live with it and don't even know, he said if it is cancer is it the least aggresive form you could have. He also said because I was young and healthy it is very probably benign and not to worry, although I am.
Strange thing is my mum has just had a radioactive tablet and been in isolation for a few days to reduce her hyperthyroidism and goiters, think is was a done deal that they would operate with there being family history as well.
Just so glad I went to the doctors that day and had a doctor that was alert, don't think it would have been the same at the doctors I went to in the UK - would have still been waiting for an appointment!
Just typical, never had nothing wrong with me when I had support in the UK then move to the other side of the world away from family and friends and this happens.
A friend of mine had half her thyroid out and no further issues since then. It might be good to find out exactly WHY this is happening... is it hashi's, is it due to adrenal issues, is it something else? It is hereditary.. but ask your doc.
I'm glad you're on to it and hope you feel better soon.
Oct 4th 2009 | 3:14 pm
#212
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,942
From: Back in Blighty
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Thanks TiddlyPom.
Had the ultrasound and it showed a large complex (cystic/solid) nodule and several similar small ones. Waiting to hear back re bloods and what he wants to do as a result of the scan. Think i'd rather the needle first before surgery! They took about half my bodily blood in about a thousand vials so i think they are running a fair few tests not just TSH!
Logistically a problem may be that Dr is on sunshine coast and I am 2.5 hrs away and he is a rhumatologist (being checked out for rhumatoid arthritis again too!) not an endocrinologist. He is the first doc in years to make me feel like there may be a solution to the way i feel though.
Had the ultrasound and it showed a large complex (cystic/solid) nodule and several similar small ones. Waiting to hear back re bloods and what he wants to do as a result of the scan. Think i'd rather the needle first before surgery! They took about half my bodily blood in about a thousand vials so i think they are running a fair few tests not just TSH!
Logistically a problem may be that Dr is on sunshine coast and I am 2.5 hrs away and he is a rhumatologist (being checked out for rhumatoid arthritis again too!) not an endocrinologist. He is the first doc in years to make me feel like there may be a solution to the way i feel though.
Oct 4th 2009 | 10:26 pm
#213
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 157
From: Western Australia
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Thanks TiddlyPom, I will ask the doctor why this is happening. Problem is he is Polish and I can bearly understand him, think I will ask the endocrinologist as I have to go back 10 days after the surgery for a check up.
He is English and seems very good, he actually said if I'd have been referred to him straight away and he'd have seen the size of the nodule's (1 is 4.5cm) he would have said removal and not bothered with any of the scans or biopsy - he said the only way you can actually check for cancer is removing the lump nothing else is conclusive.
Debbie
He is English and seems very good, he actually said if I'd have been referred to him straight away and he'd have seen the size of the nodule's (1 is 4.5cm) he would have said removal and not bothered with any of the scans or biopsy - he said the only way you can actually check for cancer is removing the lump nothing else is conclusive.
Debbie
Oct 4th 2009 | 10:38 pm
#214
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 157
From: Western Australia
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Thanks TiddlyPom.
Had the ultrasound and it showed a large complex (cystic/solid) nodule and several similar small ones. Waiting to hear back re bloods and what he wants to do as a result of the scan. Think i'd rather the needle first before surgery! They took about half my bodily blood in about a thousand vials so i think they are running a fair few tests not just TSH!
Logistically a problem may be that Dr is on sunshine coast and I am 2.5 hrs away and he is a rhumatologist (being checked out for rhumatoid arthritis again too!) not an endocrinologist. He is the first doc in years to make me feel like there may be a solution to the way i feel though.
Had the ultrasound and it showed a large complex (cystic/solid) nodule and several similar small ones. Waiting to hear back re bloods and what he wants to do as a result of the scan. Think i'd rather the needle first before surgery! They took about half my bodily blood in about a thousand vials so i think they are running a fair few tests not just TSH!
Logistically a problem may be that Dr is on sunshine coast and I am 2.5 hrs away and he is a rhumatologist (being checked out for rhumatoid arthritis again too!) not an endocrinologist. He is the first doc in years to make me feel like there may be a solution to the way i feel though.
I am going through the same thing, had the blood tests, scans and fine needle biopsy and am having the nodules and half the thyroid removed next month.
Try not to worry, the biopsy if you need it is really not that bad - doesn't hurt at all as they numb your neck first, all over and done with within 10/15 minutes and your on your way.
To be honest once you meet the surgeon you get a sense of relief as you know there are no more tests and agonising waiting for results and they are very straight with you and put your mind at ease.
Feel free to PM me if you need a chat, I know what your going through.
Debbie x
Oct 6th 2009 | 3:31 pm
#215
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,942
From: Back in Blighty
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Well TSH (.48) and free T4 (19.6) normal; antibodies neg; no inflammation in blood and calcium normal. T3 not tested at this stage. Thyroid uptake scan next week to see if its hot or cold! Apparently the fact that there are multiple nodules is good (cancer normally singular)
Dr was surpirsed that bloods not showing underactive thyroid though due to huge list of symptoms that match. Oh and rhumatoid arthritis not indicated as bone scan normal.
So news so far is good but still no bloody idea what is wrong with me! OH compares me to an intermittant electrical fault that the garage can never find!
Dr was surpirsed that bloods not showing underactive thyroid though due to huge list of symptoms that match. Oh and rhumatoid arthritis not indicated as bone scan normal.
So news so far is good but still no bloody idea what is wrong with me! OH compares me to an intermittant electrical fault that the garage can never find!
Oct 6th 2009 | 4:26 pm
#216
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,668
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Well TSH (.48) and free T4 (19.6) normal; antibodies neg; no inflammation in blood and calcium normal. T3 not tested at this stage. Thyroid uptake scan next week to see if its hot or cold! Apparently the fact that there are multiple nodules is good (cancer normally singular)
Dr was surpirsed that bloods not showing underactive thyroid though due to huge list of symptoms that match. Oh and rhumatoid arthritis not indicated as bone scan normal.
So news so far is good but still no bloody idea what is wrong with me! OH compares me to an intermittant electrical fault that the garage can never find!
Dr was surpirsed that bloods not showing underactive thyroid though due to huge list of symptoms that match. Oh and rhumatoid arthritis not indicated as bone scan normal.
So news so far is good but still no bloody idea what is wrong with me! OH compares me to an intermittant electrical fault that the garage can never find!
Glad the bone scan was normal. That is a relief.
I think your hub's totally on the ball... sometimes it can be like that tracking down what's going on, but I think you'll get there.
Keep going Safin.
Oct 6th 2009 | 4:30 pm
#217
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,942
From: Back in Blighty
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
I'm certainly finding out whats not wrong with me
Nov 6th 2009 | 12:26 pm
#219
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 960
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Hi all! Just an update on things.
Went to a hospital appointment for something else other than the thyroid and the consultant pointed out that i had a large goiter on my neck and asked if i had a thyroid problem.
I stated that i had had hypothyroidism for many years and was referred straight away for an ultrasound scan on the neck, which i have now had and turned out to be fine so i was told.
But the thing is my neck is still quite swollen and feels very tight and hurts and swallowing food is quite difficult at times and my husband (as well as others) have mentioned how large the neck area has swollen.
So where do i go from here, just leave it and hope it settles down?
Went to a hospital appointment for something else other than the thyroid and the consultant pointed out that i had a large goiter on my neck and asked if i had a thyroid problem.
I stated that i had had hypothyroidism for many years and was referred straight away for an ultrasound scan on the neck, which i have now had and turned out to be fine so i was told.
But the thing is my neck is still quite swollen and feels very tight and hurts and swallowing food is quite difficult at times and my husband (as well as others) have mentioned how large the neck area has swollen.
So where do i go from here, just leave it and hope it settles down?
Nov 7th 2009 | 8:22 pm
#220
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,942
From: Back in Blighty
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
My update - I have a multi nodule goiter that doesn't look to be anything scary. I have now been referred to an endocrinologist in Brisbane. Trouble is the appointment isn't til march and I was referred last month!! Is that sort of wait normal? Is there any Dr north of brissie that anyone can recommend that I can get the referral switched to as I am 4 hrs north of there (Hervey Bay)?
Ausi dream - Sounds like you need to go back to your dr or specialist dealing with the your thyroid and get your meds etc checked - obviously something is a bit out of whack with the symptoms you describe.
Ausi dream - Sounds like you need to go back to your dr or specialist dealing with the your thyroid and get your meds etc checked - obviously something is a bit out of whack with the symptoms you describe.
Nov 8th 2009 | 9:40 am
#221
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 960
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
My update - I have a multi nodule goiter that doesn't look to be anything scary. I have now been referred to an endocrinologist in Brisbane. Trouble is the appointment isn't til march and I was referred last month!! Is that sort of wait normal? Is there any Dr north of brissie that anyone can recommend that I can get the referral switched to as I am 4 hrs north of there (Hervey Bay)?
Ausi dream - Sounds like you need to go back to your dr or specialist dealing with the your thyroid and get your meds etc checked - obviously something is a bit out of whack with the symptoms you describe.
Ausi dream - Sounds like you need to go back to your dr or specialist dealing with the your thyroid and get your meds etc checked - obviously something is a bit out of whack with the symptoms you describe.
I must admit some times i have had to wait quite a while for my appointments.
I have booked an appointment for next week with my doctor, so will see how i get on. Apart from the goiter i am feeling not too bad, the other thing that i have noticed is that my gland keeps swelling up and down so i am not sure if that has any thing to do with the goiter. Will ask the doctor when i go next week.
Nov 10th 2009 | 3:20 pm
#222
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,668
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Hi all! Just an update on things.
Went to a hospital appointment for something else other than the thyroid and the consultant pointed out that i had a large goiter on my neck and asked if i had a thyroid problem.
I stated that i had had hypothyroidism for many years and was referred straight away for an ultrasound scan on the neck, which i have now had and turned out to be fine so i was told.
But the thing is my neck is still quite swollen and feels very tight and hurts and swallowing food is quite difficult at times and my husband (as well as others) have mentioned how large the neck area has swollen.
So where do i go from here, just leave it and hope it settles down?
Went to a hospital appointment for something else other than the thyroid and the consultant pointed out that i had a large goiter on my neck and asked if i had a thyroid problem.
I stated that i had had hypothyroidism for many years and was referred straight away for an ultrasound scan on the neck, which i have now had and turned out to be fine so i was told.
But the thing is my neck is still quite swollen and feels very tight and hurts and swallowing food is quite difficult at times and my husband (as well as others) have mentioned how large the neck area has swollen.
So where do i go from here, just leave it and hope it settles down?
Sounds quite advanced... no, you don't leave it and hope it settles down! Have I taught you nothing!!! 
Bad girl!
I can't quite believe the ultrasound showed up nothing - unless you've got a virus and all your glands are swollen. If I were you I'd go back to the consultant or your doctor and get an endo to look at you. Follow it up..
Goitre's don't really get better and go away on their own... usually. If you're being treated optimally (your medication is balanced and at the right amount for you) then you shouldn't really be having goitre issues such as this. As Safin says, get thee to a doctor, luv.
My update - I have a multi nodule goiter that doesn't look to be anything scary. I have now been referred to an endocrinologist in Brisbane. Trouble is the appointment isn't til march and I was referred last month!! Is that sort of wait normal? Is there any Dr north of brissie that anyone can recommend that I can get the referral switched to as I am 4 hrs north of there (Hervey Bay)?
I can give you the top docs list again for Australia and you can see if there's anything there that looks good...
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/australia.htm
Nov 10th 2009 | 4:31 pm
#223
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,942
From: Back in Blighty
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Not sure if i am going private (how dumb am i?) it says private practice suite on the address!?!? I'll check out the list and maybe ring a few. Thanks
Nov 12th 2009 | 9:44 am
#224
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 960
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
[QUOTE=TiddlyPom;8089085]Nice work by the doc there, picking up your goitre. Sounds quite advanced... no, you don't leave it and hope it settles down! Have I taught you nothing!!!
Bad girl!
I can't quite believe the ultrasound showed up nothing - unless you've got a virus and all your glands are swollen. If I were you I'd go back to the consultant or your doctor and get an endo to look at you. Follow it up..
Goitre's don't really get better and go away on their own... usually. If you're being treated optimally (your medication is balanced and at the right amount for you) then you shouldn't really be having goitre issues such as this. As Safin says, get thee to a doctor, luv.
Hi TiddlyPom, nice to hear from you again.
I spoke to my doctor about it this week when i went about my flu jabs.
You are quite right about my glands. The glands under my arms keep swelling and going back down again, not sure if it has been the entire time i have had my goitre though.
My doctor has asked me to mention it to my consultant at the hospital when i next go as it could be related to my other conditions, but that is not until next april.
My thyroid levels are fine. I am just a bit fed up with every one that meets me commenting on the lump in my throat..
Any way less about me. How are you? Hope all is OK.
Sounds quite advanced... no, you don't leave it and hope it settles down! Have I taught you nothing!!! Bad girl!
I can't quite believe the ultrasound showed up nothing - unless you've got a virus and all your glands are swollen. If I were you I'd go back to the consultant or your doctor and get an endo to look at you. Follow it up..
Goitre's don't really get better and go away on their own... usually. If you're being treated optimally (your medication is balanced and at the right amount for you) then you shouldn't really be having goitre issues such as this. As Safin says, get thee to a doctor, luv.
Hi TiddlyPom, nice to hear from you again.
I spoke to my doctor about it this week when i went about my flu jabs.
You are quite right about my glands. The glands under my arms keep swelling and going back down again, not sure if it has been the entire time i have had my goitre though.
My doctor has asked me to mention it to my consultant at the hospital when i next go as it could be related to my other conditions, but that is not until next april.
My thyroid levels are fine. I am just a bit fed up with every one that meets me commenting on the lump in my throat..
Any way less about me. How are you? Hope all is OK.
Nov 12th 2009 | 5:49 pm
#225
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,668
Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
Hi TiddlyPom, nice to hear from you again.
I spoke to my doctor about it this week when i went about my flu jabs.
You are quite right about my glands. The glands under my arms keep swelling and going back down again, not sure if it has been the entire time i have had my goitre though.
My doctor has asked me to mention it to my consultant at the hospital when i next go as it could be related to my other conditions, but that is not until next april.
My thyroid levels are fine. I am just a bit fed up with every one that meets me commenting on the lump in my throat..
Any way less about me. How are you? Hope all is OK.
Have you had your thyroid antibodies checked? If you have any, you have Hashi's and that can affect your immune system... hence glands. But there's a lot going round at the moment.
And thank you, I am really well. I'm getting back into running, doing lots of gardening, busy running round like a headless chicken working and best of all, the sun is shining, on and off.
I can honestly say I've never been happier.
Life is good.
Last edited by TiddlyPom; Nov 12th 2009 at 5:53 pm.
