Why ?

[Allmag]

After years with thyroid problems why has the glands swollen on or around thyroid? It's causing a cough and difficulty swallowing plus body sweating but no temperature. Weight gain again.

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum and I am sorry you've been suffering for years.

I cannot explain why the glands have swollen so I'd get your GP to look and your throat and to refer you to an endocrinologist. You could have an infection of some sort.

I think you also need a new blood test and this is the procedure to follow to get the best possible results for us, the patient.

It should be at the very earliest time, fasting (you can drink water) and allow 24 hours gap between the last dose of thyroid hormones (levo for instance) and take it afterwards.

If not having a blood test levothyroxine should be taken first thing with one full glass of water and wait an hour before eating.

Ask GP to test TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate as we can be deficient. Say you've been given advice from the NHS Choices for help/advice Thyroiduk.org.uk

The GP or lab may not do all of these especially the Free T4 and Free T3 but you can get them privately - we have recommended labs.

Your TSH should be 1 or lower. Not higher. and FT4 and FT3 towards the upper part of the range. I shall give you a link for the reason why these two tests are helpful:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Allmag]

My last blood test read P-Tyroxin,fritt 14-7 P-TSH 0.28

Glucose 9.1 high P-Natrium 136 B-EVF 0.470 could you explain the reading please ? I go on Friday for X-rays on thyroid. Had a blood test this morning.