Just been diagnosed

[lookingforgem]

So I've only recently been diagnosed with having an underactive thyroid, which is really uncommon in someone of my age (I'm only 19) but they've found a lump on my neck thats not sore and I've had a sore throat for a while that I can't seem to shift, now I'm a bit of a hypercondriac and I'm so worried its thyroid cancer, I'm still waiting for an ultrasound that could take up to 4-6 weeks even when it's been marked as urgent and I just kind of could do with some peace of mind really. I'm worried because ive heard thyroid problems are life long and I'm struggling with coping with all this information at once, any advice?

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum,

Try not to worry as hypothyroidism is a very common condition. It is good that they are doing an ultrasound to assess things better.

If hypothyroid you will be given a replacement hormone to replace your thyroid hormones and when you get to an optimum you will have a yearly check-up.

Blood tests for your thyroid gland should always be taken at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and when on hormones allow a 24 hour gap between last dose and test and take afterwards.

Always take levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) first thing on an empty stomach and don't eat for about an hour as food interferes with the uptake.

Levothyroxine should be taken with a full glass of water so it goes directly into your stomach.

Ask GP to also test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate as we can be deficient.

Always get a print-out of your results from the surgery, with the ranges, for your own records. You can post if you have a query.

[Clutter]

Lookingforgem,

Hypothyroidism is a life long condition so you will need to take Levothyroxine daily for the rest of your life.

The lump is likely to be either a thyroid cyst or thyroid nodule. Cysts are almost always benign and 95% of thyroid nodules are benign too. Thyroid cancer is still very rare so please don't worry.