Diagnosed with Thyroid Cysts.

[Rubberduck]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to this forum, and I wonder if anyone can possibly help me with my concerns?

Twelve months ago, I underwent a n Ultrasound investigation; following the discovery of a lump on the right hand side of my neck.

The Ultrasound investigation found that I had a three and a half centimetre, sized cyst in the right hand side of my neck and Multiple cysts in the left hand side of my neck.

I naively thought that these cysts could be drained of fluid!

I was referred to see a Consultant, who informed me that there was no point in draining the cysts as they would just fill up again. The Consultant did offer a surgical removal of my Thyroid gland and did inform me of the risks associated with surgery, I declined the offer of surgery and it was agreed that monitoring was an option.

I have not had any follow up appointments since this initial consultation, but I do have concerns regarding my situation, and I would welcome any comments.

I have gained a considerable amount of weight since developing these cysts, for example I used to weigh 45kg now I am weighing 62.8kg, I am tired all of the time but not having quality sleep, my skin looks like a lizards, very dry, I am having increasing difficulty remembering things and I am feeling depressed. I am also feeling cold all of the time.

I was diagnosed in 1997 of having COPD - Emphysema but I was able to continue working with this condition, in 2009, I contacted N1H1 -Swine Flu and unfortunately this exacerbated my Emphysema as a consequence I was unable to continue working.

I am 68 years old and Female, I am concerned about the weight gain and I have purchased an exercise bike to help control my weight ( no difference in weight yet ).

I also started taking KELP Exract 150 pgs daily.

Can anyone advise me on actions that I can take to help myself feel better?

Thank you.

[greygoose]

Hi Rubberduck, welcome to the forum.

When they found the cysts, did they not do any blood work? Have you had your thyroid tested at all? If not, you should go to your doctor and ask for TSH, FT4, FT3 and TPO antibodies to be tested. He might not do them all, but get what you can. It sounds as if your thyroid is beginning to flag.

However, if this is the case, and your thyroid is failing, then you are doing absolutely the wrong things. You should not be doing strenuous exercise, and you should not be taking kelp. Actually, nobody should take kelp, anyway, without getting their iodine tested, because if you don't have a thyroid problem, it could cause one.

So, if I were you, I would give up the exercise bicycle and the kelp until you know more about your thyroid status.

[Rubberduck in reply to greygoose]

Wow, thank you for your reply, I will stop the exercise bike and kelp.

No I haven't had blood tests for the thyroid cyst diagnosis, I was referred for an Ultrasound investigation then onto see a Consultant.

I will make an appointment and request the blood tests you have suggested.

Thank you so much.

[humanbean11]

Hi Rubberduck

Sorry you are feeling so rotten. I am no expert but my daughter had cysts, like you. She did have blood works and had elevated antibodies indicating Hashimotos and was started on levothyroxine to help her thyroid out. She subsequently had surgery because the cysts caused her problems in swallowing and she lost weight she could ill afford to lose, she also struggled to climb stairs without becoming short of breath. If she had no other symptoms she would not have needed the op but they did say to us that the cysts would just fill back up so no point in draining them. Good news is she can now eat and breath normally but we are struggling to get her medication at the right level to control tiredness etc.

As greygoose says, sounds like you need a blood test.

Good luck

[Rubberduck in reply to humanbean11]

Thank you greygoose, I think I will make an appointment with the Doctor. X

[Rubberduck in reply to Rubberduck]

Sorry, humanbean11, I mistakenly thought your message was from greenhouse.