Another Thyroid Thread.... (Redux)

[Brandi]

Ok I learned that a biopsy is not my favorite thing! But worth it. They found no cancer And at this point want me to come back in 9 months to recheck my thyroid with another ultrasound. Or if I notice a change prior to that. I guess I am ok with this. Can you have this and it never turns into anything? Can it go away? So many questions. Thank you all for your support by the way.

[indysteel]

Brandi, I'm extremely relieved that it is not cancer.

But, I do have to otherwise wonder about the decision to wait 9 months for a recheck. Thyroids don't just get enlarged for no reason, and the fact that they haven't determined a reason is somewhat bothersome, at least to me, especially since you have some symptoms seemingly consistent with abnormal thyroid function. In the very least, I'd suggest talking to your doc (I forget; are you seeing an endo?) about having bloodwork redone in a few months. Does your thyroid still feel enlarged at all to you? Is it impairing your breathing or swallowing?

[Brandi]

The nodule is what has made my thyroid enlarged according to the ENT I am seeing. The endo is like a 3 month wait to get in and the ENT came highly recommended from a few different people and my husband. I will ask about the blood work though. Thank for your opinion.

[indysteel]

The nodule is what has made my thyroid enlarged according to the ENT I am seeing. The endo is like a 3 month wait to get in and the ENT came highly recommended from a few different people and my husband. I will ask about the blood work though. Thank for your opinion.

Some nodules can produce extra thyroid hormone, distinct from the thyroid hormone that your pituitary gland produces. Hashimoto's can cause nodules, too (I think). I'm not sure if your blood work conclusively ruled out either of those options, but again, I'm concerned because if memory serves, you weren't feeling all that great even before you realized that your thyroid was enlarged. If I were in your shoes, I might at least make an appointment with the endo. If in three months time, you feel good, then skip it, but if you still feel off (trouble sleeping, hot or cold, anxiety, heart palpitations or a racing heart, hair loss, fatigue, depression, dry or oily skin), then go through with the appointment and see what an endo says.

In any event, I'm really glad it's not cancer. I hope you already feel tons better. Just keep us posted if anything else develops or changes.

[Crankin]

I went to an ENT in 2007, for other reasons and he discovered I had nodules on my thyroid. He sent me to an endo, who did ultrasounds 6 months apart for 2 years. After nothing had changed, she said she'll just keep feeling them and eventually, maybe do a biopsy. She also said that 50% of the people over age 50 have thyroid nodules!This same doctor treats me for my osteoporosis, and I think next time I go for my Prolia shot, I will discuss doing a more in depth thyroid blood work panel. I also have had many of the symptoms of thyroid disease, and no one has suggested this. I had a basic panel done years ago, and of course, my PCP said nothing was amiss. I still wonder if my "fibromyalgia" symptoms are really thyroid diseasehysical manifestations of anxiety, heart palps, sweats, weird muscle aches. I never had any of the tiredness and "brain fog" of fibromyalgia and I think this was just a convenient way to rid of me.

[Brandi]

I can't tell you how many times I have asked if there was a connection between my symptoms and my thyroid. They say my levels are perfect though. That I could not ask for better levels. And that my symptoms are due to aging or genetics etc.... I swear I have shoved these questions down their throats. Not sure I want to see the Endo that is here. I hear terrible things about him. One he is wishy washy and too layed back. We only have one here that takes my insurance soooo unless I can find someone else not sure.