Hashimoto’s/Thyroid Cancer

[Cade83]

Hi everyone I’m new to the group, I’ve recently had bloods done.

TSH 5.57 mIU/L 0.27-4.20

Free Thyroxine 13.100 Pool/L 12.00-22.00

Free T3 4.85 Pool/L 3.10-6.80

Thyroglobulin Antibody 626 IU/ml 0.00-115.0

Thyroid peroxidase Antibodies 204 IU/ml 0-34.0

However this bit gets more complicated, I’ve had a sore throat on and off for about 8 weeks, also had swelling on right side of throat but left tonsil is slightly swollen, no white spots just slightly red and inflamed, hurts to swallow but not horrendous, have around 5 lymph nodes in right side of neck swollen which some are tender but some aren’t. I’ve had a culture swab which was normal and been tested for glandular fever which was negative. My Doctor referred me for 2 week referral for ENT and I know this swelling is said to be serious until proven otherwise and to be quite honest I’m freaking out big time and I’m still really trying to get my doctors to get me in sooner as I’m losing my sanity worrying about it as I’m really worried it could be thyroid cancer or lymphoma. Has anyone experienced similar issues? Thanks in advance, sorry it’s so long and I appreciate anyone who reads it.

[Nanaedake]

Thyroid cancer is actually very rare and only about 2 - 3000 people are diagnosed with it in the UK each year, I believe, so the swelling is more likely to be something to do with you Hashimotos. However, it's certainly prudent to get it checked out. Swollen lymph glands could be a range of things. It's best to try not to worry as thyroid cancer is generally very treatable but highly unlikely. I hope you get some answers soon. Let us know what happens.

[Cade83 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thanks for the reply, I’m so worried I keep getting panic attacks and feel like I’m going to pass out. I have ENT appointment next Monday but everyday I wait feels like a year and losing my sanity waiting cause my anxiety is going mental. I tried going A&E the other day but they wouldn’t do anything and fobbed me off to wait for my appointment. I feel like going again now cause I can’t take it anymore.

[Nanaedake in reply to Cade83]

Your TSH is high and it could be contributing to anxiety. So you have to remind yourself that you are feeling more fearful and anxious than you need to be because your hormone level is out of kilter. It could be why you are getting panic attacks. In a way it's reassuring that A&E didn't do anything as they clearly do not see it as an urgent or emergency situation.

When hormone levels are out of kilter you can experience things as much more frightening or stressful than you would ordinarily. Try to employ some relaxation techniques in the meantime, get a calming CD and avoid stressful or taxing situations, stay as calm as possible. Try to remind yourself that your anxiety is hightened by hormone imbalance and you don't need to be so worried.

[Cade83 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thanks really trying my hardest to relax but it’s so hard. I always think the worst. I have doctors tomorrow so hoping the Doctor can sort something out as I can’t do this for the next 5 days.

[Cade83 in reply to Nanaedake]

Can I ask what symptoms you had with Thyroid cancer?

[Cade83 in reply to Cade83]

I’ve just had a letter off my endocrinologist after I emailed the test results and he said at the moment there’s no indication for thyroxine therapy. I’m baffled, I’m just really confused at what is going on and driving myself crazy. So I have to wait until Monday because the doctor wouldn’t speed up my ENT appointment unless I couldn’t breath.

[silverfox7 in reply to Cade83]

I'm assuming the Endo is saying you aren't bad enough to be put on thyroid meds. England tend to say you should have a TSH of 10 or over but in other countries you may well be given medication with those readings.

You also have raised antibodies but don't worry, 90% of thyroid patients do so you are one of many. I'm one of the 10% who doesn't so don't know first hand but I know the treatment is the same but I think eith raised antibodies the direction is to treat regardless of where the TSH reading is. Hopefully someone will confirm that. But try not to worry. Loads of listeners on here so you aren't alone and can he helped on your personal journey to wellness. Hope you get some helpful advice from the doctors so and welcome to the forum.

[Cade83 in reply to silverfox7]

Yes that’s exactly what he’s saying, because my TSH is t over 10 he’s not treating it. As far as I was aware of both your antibodies are high then it indicates you have thyroiditis. I’m just really confused now about my throat because I thought it was to do with my thyroid. Now I’m even more clueless.