The THYROID Thread

[hellokitty86]

Hey guys! I hope you don't mind newcomers to your thread! (I just wrote a super long message and I wasn't logged in so I lost the whole thing! )

I'm Ashley. I was diagnosed with hypothyrodism in August of last year. My Dr. put me on 150mg synthroid, but that was too high for me so right now I'm taking 100mg synthroid. I just took a blood test last week and I'm waiting to hear the results to see if I need to change my dosage.

Last year in August I had a thyroid ultrasound which showed that I had 1 nodule on the right side of my thyroid. The Dr. wanted me to have a follow-up ultrasound in 6 months but unfortuantely I waited 10 months. I just got the results back from the Dr. and he says that the ultrasound (which is completely painless btw) shows that I have multiple "masses" (hope that means "nodules") on both sides of my thyroid! My Dr. is referring me to an endo, and now I'm a little worried.

I'm only 23, I'm not sure if that factor helps determine if the nodules could be cancerous. My Mom has Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and was diagnosed with a multi-nodule goiter so I'm hoping that's what I have. Her Dr. (who I will be seeing) isn't concerned that they are cancerous and didn't order a biopsy. I don't show signs of having a goiter however.

Since October I've had blood results that show a slightly high white blood cell count which my Dr. attributed to another condition, but of course now that's worrying me too. I'm worried about needing a biopsy (which is kind of premature since I haven't even seen the endo yet), and the results of the biopsy if I need one.

I suffer from anxiety so that isn't helping the situation. Anyway- if you read this far- thank you! It's nice to have a place to talk to others who suffer from thyroid issues.

 

[WDWBarb]

Hey guys! I hope you don't mind newcomers to your thread! (I just wrote a super long message and I wasn't logged in so I lost the whole thing! )

I'm Ashley. I was diagnosed with hypothyrodism in August of last year. My Dr. put me on 150mg synthroid, but that was too high for me so right now I'm taking 100mg synthroid. I just took a blood test last week and I'm waiting to hear the results to see if I need to change my dosage.

Last year in August I had a thyroid ultrasound which showed that I had 1 nodule on the right side of my thyroid. The Dr. wanted me to have a follow-up ultrasound in 6 months but unfortuantely I waited 10 months. I just got the results back from the Dr. and he says that the ultrasound (which is completely painless btw) shows that I have multiple "masses" (hope that means "nodules") on both sides of my thyroid! My Dr. is referring me to an endo, and now I'm a little worried.

I'm only 23, I'm not sure if that factor helps determine if the nodules could be cancerous. My Mom has Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and was diagnosed with a multi-nodule goiter so I'm hoping that's what I have. Her Dr. (who I will be seeing) isn't concerned that they are cancerous and didn't order a biopsy. I don't show signs of having a goiter however.

Since October I've had blood results that show a slightly high white blood cell count which my Dr. attributed to another condition, but of course now that's worrying me too. I'm worried about needing a biopsy (which is kind of premature since I haven't even seen the endo yet), and the results of the biopsy if I need one.

I suffer from anxiety so that isn't helping the situation. Anyway- if you read this far- thank you! It's nice to have a place to talk to others who suffer from thyroid issues.

You may have read my previous post about my 16 year old DD just being diagnosed with Hashimoto's. I had never heard of it and didn't know anyone (or didn't think I did - turns out I do) with thyroid problems. Her symptoms were so wide and varied and we went to doctor after doctor with no answer. She's just finishing her first 6 weeks on Levothyroxine (75 mcg) and has experienced *some* improvement. A return trip to the Endo Friday will hopefully tell us what we need to do next.

I'd say that since you're hypothyroid, seeing an Endo is just a good idea. They are specialiists who can give you more insight into the condition.

I'm a worrier myself, and going through this has been very difficult. But I keep telling myself that no amount of worry changes the outcome of anything. I also remember all the times I worried (which was about 99% of them until recently) where everything ended up being ok. Stay positive! It could very well end up being nothing to worry about.

And you can always come here to talk to friends.

 

[hellokitty86]

You may have read my previous post about my 16 year old DD just being diagnosed with Hashimoto's. I had never heard of it and didn't know anyone (or didn't think I did - turns out I do) with thyroid problems. Her symptoms were so wide and varied and we went to doctor after doctor with no answer. She's just finishing her first 6 weeks on Levothyroxine (75 mcg) and has experienced *some* improvement. A return trip to the Endo Friday will hopefully tell us what we need to do next.

I'd say that since you're hypothyroid, seeing an Endo is just a good idea. They are specialiists who can give you more insight into the condition.

I'm a worrier myself, and going through this has been very difficult. But I keep telling myself that no amount of worry changes the outcome of anything. I also remember all the times I worried (which was about 99% of them until recently) where everything ended up being ok. Stay positive! It could very well end up being nothing to worry about.

And you can always come here to talk to friends.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I know worrying doesn't help anything (it actually makes things worse!) so I'm going to keep telling myself that things will be ok! I hope your daughter starts feeling 100% soon!

 

[mrsklamc]

Ashley- welcome! It is very common for women in their 20s to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Of course, that doesn't mean that will be your diagnosis, but if it is, we are fortunate that it's very treatable.



Been on cytomel just over a week; napped in the afternoons over the weekend and last night I was OUT from 9:30 to 6:30 this morning! (Unusual for me!) I had hoped the cytomel would keep me from being tired, but hopefully it was a one-time fluke!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I just happen to come across this and I am glad I did. I go tomorrow for a thyroid ultrasound. They fear I may have thryoid cancer I have battled cancer four times before and now this just blows.

Does the ultrasound hurt? Is it a lot of pressure on your throat/neck?

Hope the test was as painless as possible for you and that the test results were good. Wishing you all the best.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Ashley - Welcome. The biopsy is not really bad at all. Dont stress out. I know that is easy to say. I survived the regular biopsys and then had to have a core one on top of that. Heah, it wasnt too bad. I got a dinner at Outback from my dh for being a good patient.

Hoping your endo visit goes well and wishing you all the best. Its good you are on top of this and following through.

Micayla - So sorry to hear the meds are making you so tired. I feel bad that you have to do the withdrawl scan versus the thyrogen scan. Next year is the dr. planning on doing the thyrogen only blood test. Mine already told me she was and no diet, thank you rad. onc!!

I guess I think it would be hard to cook all the LID food for the diet for the 2 weks when you will feel so tired etc. Maybe you can cook and freeze some stuff now? I made myself some soup, but I must admit in the hot weather it wouldnt be too good. Guess salad would be good and your sorbet machine!!
Hang in there!! When do you start the lid?

Christine - hope your neighbor issues get resolved and you can have a relaxing summer.

 

[mrsklamc]

I start the LID on the 27th of this month and will be on it through my scan date of August 13.

I am planning some things to eat but I am fortunate that my DH is very up for cooking things out of the the cookbook. He hates seeing me so miserable and he feels like it gives him a way to help.

They haven't told me yet what next time will be like.

 

[casndan]

I had my 6 week follow-up ultrasound today and now I have to go back for another biopsy on Tuesday I thought I was done with that when I had my thyroid removed! I had some lymph nodes that didn't look great or were inflamed or something. Bleh.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I had my 6 week follow-up ultrasound today and now I have to go back for another biopsy on Tuesday I thought I was done with that when I had my thyroid removed! I had some lymph nodes that didn't look great or were inflamed or something. Bleh.

Cassie, sorry that you have to have another biopsy. Not quite sure why either, but glad they are on top of things with you. Did you have the RAI yet?

 

[mrsklamc]

I think that Tuesday I may have just taken my cytomel too close to eating. I am still pretty much feeling well...although I did find myself in the wrong lane this morning on a route I drive daily.

 

[WDWBarb]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I know worrying doesn't help anything (it actually makes things worse!) so I'm going to keep telling myself that things will be ok! I hope your daughter starts feeling 100% soon!

Hey Ashley - have you seen your Endo yet? Just checking in...

 

[hellokitty86]

Hey Ashley - have you seen your Endo yet? Just checking in...

I couldn't get an appointment until July 23 so I will be anxiously waiting until then!! This is a Dr. that my Mom has seen that she is really impressed with, and apparently is very popular so I guess (hope?) it's worth the wait!

Thanks so much for checking on me.

 

[hellokitty86]

Ashley - Welcome. The biopsy is not really bad at all. Dont stress out. I know that is easy to say. I survived the regular biopsys and then had to have a core one on top of that. Heah, it wasnt too bad. I got a dinner at Outback from my dh for being a good patient.

Hoping your endo visit goes well and wishing you all the best. Its good you are on top of this and following through.

I just saw this! Thank you so much for your reassurance and kind words. We will see what the endo recommends at my appointment (2 weeks from today!)

 

[kimbo0569]

I just happen to come across this and I am glad I did. I go tomorrow for a thyroid ultrasound. They fear I may have thryoid cancer I have battled cancer four times before and now this just blows.

Does the ultrasound hurt? Is it a lot of pressure on your throat/neck?

Just found this thread and wanted to post...my mom had a biopsy on her thyroid a couple years ago and she was fine. She said it was a bit uncomfortable but it didn't hurt. She did not have to have any surgery, all her endo did (after talking to another friend of mine who told of her experience) was put her on synthroid (or the generic brand of it). Because the surgeon basically said, if they found anything, they would just remove the thyroid or part of it and then put her on the medication. My mom went to her endo (which is also mine as I have hypothyroidism), obviously concerned about the surgery and he said not necessary, they'd eliminate that part altogether and just put her right on the medication.

Talk to your endo when you go in...hope all goes well for you.

 

[ElizK]

I posted this on the community board, but thought I might get a good answer here, too. Here's a copy/paste of my thread:

I have recently ventured from subclinical hypothyroid to hypothyroid. In six months my TSH count went from 4.6 to 10.3. In that same time period I had a hysterectomy (info is pertinent to my question, possibly). I have gained a LOT of weight in that 6 month time period.

I want to know if it is reasonable to expect my weight to drop back into a "normal" weight range. I started going to the gym 4 times a week, and I gained 4lbs. Very discouraging. It wasn't muscle... if it had been muscle my clothes would have fit better.

So, if you are hypothyroid, are you able to maintain a weight that falls into the normal range? Is your doctor happy with your TSH level to fall anywhere into the "normal" range, or is he/she trying to get you closer to what your TSH was in your pre-hypothyroid days?

I appreciate any encouragement (or reality check) that you can offer. I'm so disgusted with myself right now. I've always fought the battle of the bulge, but I weigh more now than I did when I was 9 months pregnant with my oldest child!

 

[mrsklamc]

Just found this thread and wanted to post...my mom had a biopsy on her thyroid a couple years ago and she was fine. She said it was a bit uncomfortable but it didn't hurt. She did not have to have any surgery, all her endo did (after talking to another friend of mine who told of her experience) was put her on synthroid (or the generic brand of it). Because the surgeon basically said, if they found anything, they would just remove the thyroid or part of it and then put her on the medication. My mom went to her endo (which is also mine as I have hypothyroidism), obviously concerned about the surgery and he said not necessary, they'd eliminate that part altogether and just put her right on the medication.

Talk to your endo when you go in...hope all goes well for you.

Ok I am very confused by this...if you have thyroid cancer, you still have to have surgery because it spreads.

 

[angwill]

I posted this on the community board, but thought I might get a good answer here, too. Here's a copy/paste of my thread:

I have recently ventured from subclinical hypothyroid to hypothyroid. In six months my TSH count went from 4.6 to 10.3. In that same time period I had a hysterectomy (info is pertinent to my question, possibly). I have gained a LOT of weight in that 6 month time period.

I want to know if it is reasonable to expect my weight to drop back into a "normal" weight range. I started going to the gym 4 times a week, and I gained 4lbs. Very discouraging. It wasn't muscle... if it had been muscle my clothes would have fit better.

So, if you are hypothyroid, are you able to maintain a weight that falls into the normal range? Is your doctor happy with your TSH level to fall anywhere into the "normal" range, or is he/she trying to get you closer to what your TSH was in your pre-hypothyroid days?

I appreciate any encouragement (or reality check) that you can offer. I'm so disgusted with myself right now. I've always fought the battle of the bulge, but I weigh more now than I did when I was 9 months pregnant with my oldest child!

I too have hypothyroidism and have been on meds for it for about 13 years or so. From what I have read here it seems everyone is different when it comes to weight and how it is effecting them. Speaking for myself I have a hell of a time loosing weight but I am also getting older which doesn't help. On weight watchers and riding my bike 45 minutes 5 days a week along with 30 minutes of weights I had to go down to between 1000-1200 calories or 20-22 points to even loose a couple lbs a month. That is just me and I pray you do not have the struggles I have since I have gained large amounts and lost small amounts over and over again over the years.

My doctor lets my TSH level be anywhere in the normal range but the closer the number to being hyper the faster the weight came off for me. The one time my numbers hit the hyperthyroid range I stopped loosing as well and just hit a bad plateau.

HTH Good luck to you it will be a lifetime struggle if you are like me.

 

[es45]

Ok I am very confused by this...if you have thyroid cancer, you still have to have surgery because it spreads.

Depending on size and type of cancer, some endos are choosing to control the growth with medication. Of course, it usually requires more monitoring with the patient require to have frequent ultrasounds and blood work performed.

 

[mrsklamc]

Depending on size and type of cancer, some endos are choosing to control the growth with medication. Of course, it usually requires more monitoring with the patient require to have frequent ultrasounds and blood work performed.

Wow. Learn something new every day. Course I probably didn't know that cause they probably don't give you that option when it's already in your lymph nodes.

I don't think I could do that though. I at least have the hope that my scan will come back clean and I can think of myself as cancer-free. Mentally, I don't think I could deal with just knowing I had cancer and it wasn't coming OUT right away. But everyone handles stuff differently.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Wow. Learn something new every day. Course I probably didn't know that cause they probably don't give you that option when it's already in your lymph nodes.

I don't think I could do that though. I at least have the hope that my scan will come back clean and I can think of myself as cancer-free. Mentally, I don't think I could deal with just knowing I had cancer and it wasn't coming OUT right away. But everyone handles stuff differently.

Wow, Micayla. I feel the same way as you. Once I found out it was cancer I wanted it out asap, of course as you all know that took a while with all the complications pre surgery no less.

Hmm, maybe christine can coment as to ... is this the new way of drs. thinking?