Anyone have thyroid swelling but undiagnosed problem?

BagAngel · Jul 5th, 2008, 08:27 PM

Ok! I have had a swelling on my thyroid since I had my firstborn 23 years ago (thank God it is barely noticeable but there none the less) I have had 8 blood tests since then all showing normal thyroid activity!
Just recently I heard that a girl had 24 tests before she got a correct diagnosis of an underactive thyroid & yes I find it much harder to control my weight despite diet & exercise

My question is does anyone think that it is normal to have a swollen thyroid & all tests be normal???????

grayxie · Jul 6th, 2008, 02:58 AM

Speaking from a hypothyroidism point of view, my thyroid was slightly enlarged before I started taking medication to regulate it. Now the swelling has gone down, and haven't experienced any swelling since. My sister who has a different thyroid issue (hereditary, isn't it great

), had to have one of them removed because it basically shut down and became very enlarged.

Being hypo, its easy to put on the weight but hard to take it off

Also being fatiqued its a symptom too, even after a good nights rest.

So no, I don't think its normal for your thyroid to be swollen or any other part of you body to be swollen. Did you ever see an Endocrinologist? This is what they do, and would be better suited to help you rather than your primary care.

BagAngel · Jul 6th, 2008, 09:11 AM

^^^^^^

Thanks for reply Grayxie,
No I haven't seen an endocrinologist, I tend to steer away from hospitals as long as it is not life threatening I can live with it LOL!

It is like yours just slightly enlarged but the tests are showing function as normal, this is very common!

I know someone who was losing weight daily had loads of tests in hospital & they didn't diagnose overactive thyroid for a long long time, like mine all tests were normal!

grayxie · Jul 6th, 2008, 09:31 AM

If you feel something is wrong, it really wouldn't hurt to see an Endocrinologist at least for peace of mind. Thyroids can be fickle to say the least. What may be going on one month, can be different the next. It took me at least a year to find out which medication dosage worked for me, now it looks like I may need to change it again.

Also when I first approached my primary care physician about it (then referred to an Endocrinologist) he felt a nodule on my thyroid. I had an ultrasound, followed by a biopsy and everything is fine. The medication has reduced the nodule, but it's still there. So every year I get an ultrasound, and see my Endocrinologist about 2-3 times a year.

BagAngel · Jul 6th, 2008, 09:47 AM

Glad everything is fine for you. My doctor is veryy thorough & would pack me off to a specialilst if she thought it was neccessary. I am a coward so will leave well enough alone for now lol!

Mrs. MC · Jul 6th, 2008, 01:22 PM

I am so glad you posted this, I always have the enlarged thyroid and my tests TSH levels always come back WNL (within normal limits) It is so frustrating because I have a hard time losing weight and a really easy time gaining it ! Please let me know what happens !

BagAngel · Jul 6th, 2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs. MC

I am so glad you posted this, I always have the enlarged thyroid and my tests TSH levels always come back WNL (within normal limits) It is so frustrating because I have a hard time losing weight and a really easy time gaining it ! Please let me know what happens !

Sorry you have this problem also it would be great to just get a pill & be wafer thin lol no wieght problem!

Mrs. MC · Jul 6th, 2008, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BagAngel

Sorry you have this problem also it would be great to just get a pill & be wafer thin lol no wieght problem!

I agree ! I know I used to work much harder at losing weight in my 20's way before kids but it still seemed much easier to lose weight and I can't beleive I actually thought I was fat back then, that kills me lol ! It is so frustrating now esp after 2 kids . I feel like I have everything working against me and my motivation is on the lower side so that doesn't help because I just end up getting frustrated and not trying as hard as I should then it is a vicious cycle because then I have low energy and feel like excercising even less

grayxie · Jul 7th, 2008, 07:23 AM

I know the feeling, in my early 20's I dropped weight like last weeks trash. Now I'm excited just to lose 1 lb. I gained about 20lbs. within the last 2 years, at first my Endocrinologist figured my medication wasn't the right dosage. She has now concluded its not the medication it's my bad eating habits.

nauticalstar · Jul 7th, 2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grayxie

If you feel something is wrong, it really wouldn't hurt to see an Endocrinologist at least for peace of mind. Thyroids can be fickle to say the least. What may be going on one month, can be different the next. It took me at least a year to find out which medication dosage worked for me, now it looks like I may need to change it again.

Also when I first approached my primary care physician about it (then referred to an Endocrinologist) he felt a nodule on my thyroid. I had an ultrasound, followed by a biopsy and everything is fine. The medication has reduced the nodule, but it's still there. So every year I get an ultrasound, and see my Endocrinologist about 2-3 times a year.

This is similar to my experience. Anyone I've met with thyroid problems went through many tests before they were able to find out what was wrong!

BagAngel · Jul 7th, 2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nauticalstar

This is similar to my experience. Anyone I've met with thyroid problems went through many tests before they were able to find out what was wrong!

Yes the lady that I refer to above had been through so many tests that eventually when she was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid she said to the doctor "Thank you so much, I am so happy" he replied "First time someone has thanked me & been happy that something is wrong" LOL! She said "Doctor, I am just so relieved that I am not going mad" LOL!
I know of another girl who had huge weight issue & it took 24 tests to diagnose underactive! I have had 8, all normal, 16 to go :(

I just have such an enormous fear of doctors - they will find something awful - that I prefer not to go anymore!

Riddle:
Why do I not buy Ostrich bags?
I am one! LOL!

DiorDeVille · Jul 9th, 2008, 04:53 PM

I've read somewhere - and this happened with my sister - that a brief period of hypothyroidism among women who've recently given birth is common. You might try googling it?

Tests for hypo that show within normal limits aren't 100% helpful. You might try another endo and see if he can run tests on your T3 hormones as well. I had to go to several endos to find one that would work with me. I was shocked at how rigid and close-minded some of the endos were - as if sudden weight gain, and mind-blowing exhaustion were things that (a) could just be in my head, or (b) I would wish on myself. Seriously, you know your body better than anyone - don't let a doc tell you what you are feeling.

Best of luck in finding a diagnosis!!!

ETA: Just FYI - and hopefully this won't be your experience at all - but a lot of the doctors I talked to were over-eager to operate and take the thyroid out with minimal diagnostic testing. They neglect to mention that this sentences you to a lifetime of DEFINITE hypothyroidism, daily meds, and a lot of other issues. You can't do too much research on this!

fabgrabs · Jul 9th, 2008, 07:29 PM

^ Yes, besides TSH, you need to have T4 and T3 tested.

BagAngel · Jul 9th, 2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiorDeVille

I've read somewhere - and this happened with my sister - that a brief period of hypothyroidism among women who've recently given birth is common. You might try googling it?

Tests for hypo that show within normal limits aren't 100% helpful. You might try another endo and see if he can run tests on your T3 hormones as well. I had to go to several endos to find one that would work with me. I was shocked at how rigid and close-minded some of the endos were - as if sudden weight gain, and mind-blowing exhaustion were things that (a) could just be in my head, or (b) I would wish on myself. Seriously, you know your body better than anyone - don't let a doc tell you what you are feeling.

Best of luck in finding a diagnosis!!!

ETA: Just FYI - and hopefully this won't be your experience at all - but a lot of the doctors I talked to were over-eager to operate and take the thyroid out with minimal diagnostic testing. They neglect to mention that this sentences you to a lifetime of DEFINITE hypothyroidism, daily meds, and a lot of other issues. You can't do too much research on this!

Thanks & is a tricky area.
Don't worry noone is going to cut my throat

DiorDeVille · Jul 9th, 2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BagAngel

Don't worry noone is going to cut my throat

That's the spirit!!!

Jul 5th, 2008, 08:27 PM	#1
BagAngel LV Moderator Location: UK	Anyone have thyroid swelling but undiagnosed problem? Ok! I have had a swelling on my thyroid since I had my firstborn 23 years ago (thank God it is barely noticeable but there none the less) I have had 8 blood tests since then all showing normal thyroid activity! Just recently I heard that a girl had 24 tests before she got a correct diagnosis of an underactive thyroid & yes I find it much harder to control my weight despite diet & exercise My question is does anyone think that it is normal to have a swollen thyroid & all tests be normal??????? Last edited by BagAngel; Jul 5th, 2008 at 08:40 PM.

Jul 6th, 2008, 02:58 AM	#2
grayxie Member Location: PA	Speaking from a hypothyroidism point of view, my thyroid was slightly enlarged before I started taking medication to regulate it. Now the swelling has gone down, and haven't experienced any swelling since. My sister who has a different thyroid issue (hereditary, isn't it great), had to have one of them removed because it basically shut down and became very enlarged. Being hypo, its easy to put on the weight but hard to take it off Also being fatiqued its a symptom too, even after a good nights rest. So no, I don't think its normal for your thyroid to be swollen or any other part of you body to be swollen. Did you ever see an Endocrinologist? This is what they do, and would be better suited to help you rather than your primary care. __________________ Wishlist COACH Peony Black Sunnies COACH Denim Tie Dye wallet Dooney Black Cabriolet Satchel L.A.M.B. Cheetah Mandeville- GOT IT! L.A.M.B. Lipstick or Black Saddle Devon

Jul 6th, 2008, 09:31 AM	#4
grayxie Member Location: PA	If you feel something is wrong, it really wouldn't hurt to see an Endocrinologist at least for peace of mind. Thyroids can be fickle to say the least. What may be going on one month, can be different the next. It took me at least a year to find out which medication dosage worked for me, now it looks like I may need to change it again. Also when I first approached my primary care physician about it (then referred to an Endocrinologist) he felt a nodule on my thyroid. I had an ultrasound, followed by a biopsy and everything is fine. The medication has reduced the nodule, but it's still there. So every year I get an ultrasound, and see my Endocrinologist about 2-3 times a year. __________________ Wishlist COACH Peony Black Sunnies COACH Denim Tie Dye wallet Dooney Black Cabriolet Satchel L.A.M.B. Cheetah Mandeville- GOT IT! L.A.M.B. Lipstick or Black Saddle Devon Last edited by grayxie; Jul 6th, 2008 at 09:34 AM.

Jul 6th, 2008, 01:22 PM	#6
Mrs. MC Member	I am so glad you posted this, I always have the enlarged thyroid and my tests TSH levels always come back WNL (within normal limits) It is so frustrating because I have a hard time losing weight and a really easy time gaining it ! Please let me know what happens ! __________________

Jul 7th, 2008, 07:23 AM	#9
grayxie Member Location: PA	I know the feeling, in my early 20's I dropped weight like last weeks trash. Now I'm excited just to lose 1 lb. I gained about 20lbs. within the last 2 years, at first my Endocrinologist figured my medication wasn't the right dosage. She has now concluded its not the medication it's my bad eating habits. __________________ Wishlist COACH Peony Black Sunnies COACH Denim Tie Dye wallet Dooney Black Cabriolet Satchel L.A.M.B. Cheetah Mandeville- GOT IT! L.A.M.B. Lipstick or Black Saddle Devon

Jul 6th, 2008, 09:11 AM	#3
BagAngel LV Moderator Location: UK	^^^^^^ Thanks for reply Grayxie, No I haven't seen an endocrinologist, I tend to steer away from hospitals as long as it is not life threatening I can live with it LOL! It is like yours just slightly enlarged but the tests are showing function as normal, this is very common! I know someone who was losing weight daily had loads of tests in hospital & they didn't diagnose overactive thyroid for a long long time, like mine all tests were normal!

Jul 6th, 2008, 09:47 AM	#5
BagAngel LV Moderator Location: UK	Glad everything is fine for you. My doctor is veryy thorough & would pack me off to a specialilst if she thought it was neccessary. I am a coward so will leave well enough alone for now lol!

Jul 9th, 2008, 04:53 PM	#12
DiorDeVille Member	I've read somewhere - and this happened with my sister - that a brief period of hypothyroidism among women who've recently given birth is common. You might try googling it? Tests for hypo that show within normal limits aren't 100% helpful. You might try another endo and see if he can run tests on your T3 hormones as well. I had to go to several endos to find one that would work with me. I was shocked at how rigid and close-minded some of the endos were - as if sudden weight gain, and mind-blowing exhaustion were things that (a) could just be in my head, or (b) I would wish on myself. Seriously, you know your body better than anyone - don't let a doc tell you what you are feeling. Best of luck in finding a diagnosis!!! ETA: Just FYI - and hopefully this won't be your experience at all - but a lot of the doctors I talked to were over-eager to operate and take the thyroid out with minimal diagnostic testing. They neglect to mention that this sentences you to a lifetime of DEFINITE hypothyroidism, daily meds, and a lot of other issues. You can't do too much research on this!

Jul 9th, 2008, 07:29 PM	#13
fabgrabs ... Location: California	^ Yes, besides TSH, you need to have T4 and T3 tested. __________________ How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone. - Coco Chanel