Minerva Mouse
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2012
- Messages
- 1,711
Do you have a goiter (enlarged gland) or a nodule? Goiters, themselves, aren't usually a big deal; however, nodules represent a different issue. So I was wondering exactly what you do have (nodule(s) or goiter).
I would say that your next step with be a biopsy of the suspicious area. The fact that your grandmother had thyroid cancer would have me doing that. Not that *most* thyroid cancers are considered hereditary--they are not; however, there is something to it if others in the family have had it.
Hopefully being on meds, at least, is going to make you feel better over time. Did they tell you what your TSH levels were?
My lab paperwork said Goiter. When we did the original blood work, in May, my levels were around 6.5 and honestly I'm not sure I even know what that means. I had new blood work done today (before I got the phone call that it was still growing) so I should know in a week or so, where I stand today.
I believe your right thought, my next course of action will probably be a biopsy.
I feel like information on the internet is confusing, like I'm not even sure what my symptoms are. Whats normal? Whats not normal? I don't know how long my thyroid has been an issue. What I do know is;
1. Yes, I'm overweight, but I LOVE FOOD. So I can't just say "it's my thyroid" because I defiantly over eat, and I don't make healthy meal decisions. I have high cholesterol and high triglycerides (so I'm not sure if this from my weight or my thyroid). I've been over weight since I was a child.
2. I've had issues with depression and I've felt "tired" for years. I'm always tired and or lethargic. (again, weight or thyroid) When I lay down at night, I'm usually out cold in less than 5 minutes.
3. I also have issues with anxiety, they began about 3 years ago. My throat often felt like it was swelling shut, like I couldn't breath, but really, I could breath just fine. For months, I thought it was heartburn. I later realized it was, or is, from stress and anxiety.
4. Muscle Aches and stiffness, always. I've had had carpel tunnel and planter fasciitis for about 10 years.
5. Thinning hair? I don't know, my hair dresser says I have thin hair, but that I have a lot of it. I honestly don't remember how long my hair has been like this.
6. I'm always hot, I keep the house at like 68 degrees, and I turn into a puddle of sloppy wet stickyness when the temperature is over 71. (but again, weight or thyroid)