Right side thyroid nodule

[Morty21]

Hi all,

I have been on thyroxine for approximately 10 years for hypothyroidism. Over the last eighteen months my dosage has increased from 100mcg to 150 in the last eighteen months.

I had a ultrasound of my thyroid 18 months ago which showed a nodule on my right thyroid and my thyroid measured at 23cm and was substernal. Last week after some worrying symptoms such as choking, neck pain, cough, major anxiety and palpitations my doctor after a lot of begging sent me for another ultrasound this week which found my thyroid has increased in size to 31.9cm and most of it was taken up by this nodule. After an 18 month battle with multiple symptoms and having no energy and feeling generally terrible, he increased my dose again to 150mg. I asked whether this will fix the nodule, he said it won't but wants to try the higher dose before referring to an endo for further consultation. He believes it will need to be removed surgically but after so long he still wants to wait. I can't exercise (short of breath) I'm putting on weight, I'm not sleeping well because I keep choking while sleeping. I'm also always feeling anxious and generally fed up.

My question is he told me to come back in 2 weeks if the increase doesn't resolve the issues. has anyone else had similar issues that were resolved or improved with medication or should I go back and demand the referral be done now? I'm just so tired and really just want to feel like myself again.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Blood will need retesting 6-8 weeks after this latest dose increase

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

low vitamin levels are very common and prevents thyroid hormones working well

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

What was your last test results on lower dose?