Clavicle pain - should I be worried?

[Blossom234]

Hi there

I've been getting pain and swelling in my right clavicle. When I feel around that area it's a little more bulky than on the left. It's not red, just painful and a little swollen. Partner has had a look and said it looks fine but I'm aware of this constant dull pain. Right now it's almost as if it feels heavy. Sounds weird I know but that's what it feels like.

I've been taking T4 replacement (Levothyroxine) coming up to 5 weeks and so far I've done ok with them. Initial dose was 25mcg for two weeks and now I'm on 50mcg until this Saturday but I'm worried that the hypothyroidism has been found a little too late.

Previous doctor in Nov 2011 said my TSH was high but they didn't act on the blood test result and so it was just left. The doctors I'm now with have found this out much quicker, within three months, whereas the previous one took more than a year.

I've read that Hashimoto's can cause Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma but I don't want to go to my doctor in case they can't find anything and the bulky clavicle is simply the way I've been made and I've only just become aware of it! One other thing it could be is edema?

Anyone else with similar symptoms?

Thanks!! xx

[ejh1]

I think you need to see your GP with any concerns like this. In general, you will feel specific 'lumps' when lymph glands are swollen (I get them all the time). Also, again in general, hard immovable ones are of more concern than soft ones that move around when you push them. There are some around the clavicle, and are often cited as being important ones for serious disease - but I've had swellings here with just a cold too. If they've been there a few weeks (3-4) and don't resolve, you should definitely get it checked.

You will only get peace of mind by getting it checked out!!

[Blossom234]

Hi ejh1 thanks for your answer.

Yes, the lump itself is circular and hard which could be a lymph gland. I have an appointment with my GP today tonight - I simply said to the receptionist "I'm currently taking Levothyroxine and I don't know if my symptoms are due to that or something else but I feel I should see a doctor." So there you go. Hopefully I should know and I can post on here what they've said. My concern is that it could be NHL (as Hashi's is connected with it from what I've learnt) and the previous GP has left it so so late that the Hashi's has progressed like wildfire and done this.

Wish me luck! xx

[ejh1 in reply to Blossom234]

Good luck indeed!

[Blossom234 in reply to ejh1]

Hi there, GP had a good feel - after both of us trying to find it She says it feels very much like a cyst associated with changes in the cycle. It worried me but at least I got it checked out! Also she asked me how I've been getting on with the Levothyroxine so it's good that they're taking the time even if very short time to ask how things are going. I told her my eyes look a little bit better and she's very pleased.

[jjlily]

Hi blossom Good luck with your gp. May I ask where you read about the connection between hashimotos and Non Hodgkins Lymphoma please?Jill

[Blossom234 in reply to jjlily]

Hi Jill I found the connection between Hashimotos and Non Hodgkins Lymphoma on Wikipedia. (Article under Hashimoto's Thyroiditis I believe.) That was sparked me to go to my GP. She says it feels very much like a cyst associated with changes in the cycle. It worried me but at least I got it checked out! Also she asked me how I've been getting on with the Levothyroxine so it's good that they're taking the time even if very short time to ask how things are going. I told her my eyes look a little bit better and she's very pleased. x

[jjlily in reply to Blossom234]

Hi Blossom Thanks for your answer and so glad that Gp thinks it is a cyst.The trouble is you keep touching the swelling to see if they're changing and that makes the soreness worse,but do keep an eye on it and return to Gp if you're worried at any time.

The reason I asked about NHL- my mother had it and as far as I know there is no family history of thyroid problems.I am now beginning to wonder if there is a connection.I often get scared about lumps around my lymph node areas.

Hope you continue to improve on levo.

Jill