Just wondering!!

[Bladyblade]

Since being diagnosed with underactive thyroid totally out of the blue 2 months ago, I have had regular incidents of a large lump feeling in my throat when swallowing right where my thyroid is. Should I be worried ?? Dr basically rang with results of blood test told me UAT was picked up, take these meds for life and come back in 2 months for blood tests, so completely at a loss.

[shaws Administrator]

I don't like your doctor's attitude. They don't call you in to explain exactly what hypothyroidism is: how it affects our body: the aim of taking levothyroxine. etc etc.

The major problem is that they believe it is just a case of looking at a TSH and T4 result and if the patient finally gets a TSH within the range their job is done whilst the patient is still symptomatic. They will probably provide 'prescriptions' for the remaining symptoms.

When newly diagnosed, a blood test should be every six weeks, so they can see how you are progressing. Maybe later on an 8 week consultation may be o.k.

Your blood tests have to always be at the very earliest fasting, you can drink water, and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levo and test and take afterwards.

This helps keep the TSH at its highest as it drops throughout the day and may mean doctor adjusting your hormones unnecessarily.

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

Doctor should test B12, Vit D,iron, ferritin and folate.

[Clutter]

Bladyblade,

I don't think you need to be worried. You may be undermedicated which can make your thyroid swell to try to produce more thyroid hormone. Another reason can be autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's) which can inflame your thyroid gland.

Ask your GP to add thyroid peroxidase antibodies to the tests to confirm or rule out Hashimoto's and ask GP to palpate your thyroid gland to check for swelling (goitre) or lumps (nodules). If swelling or lumps are detected GP should refer you for an ultrasound scan to show the condition and size of the thyroid gland.

When you go for your blood tests arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

When you get your results put up a new post,plus dose you are on and how long taking