Goitre test results - finally!

[Moonglo]

Hi everyone, thanks for your advice last time.

I finally went to see the Endocrinology Consultant in my hospital a couple of weeks ago.

I also insisted on testing everything (thanks to this group!) and finally have the results - please see the photo.

The Consultant’s report says: “Her past history includes [type 2] diabetes and endometriosis (unrelated to current problem) but no thyroid problems. Her cousin had surgery for a thyroid nodule which did prove to be cancerous. There are no other risk factors for thyroid malignancy.

Ultrasound visualised a 34 x 22 x 35mm solitary right lobe nodule with ultrasound characteristics of a benign colloid nodule with cystic degeneration. We aspirated 7ml of altered blood consistent with previous bleeding into the nodule and the report showed altered blood consistent with the contents of a cyst (Thy1); importantly, we found no evidence of malignancy.

We have also done general blood tests, thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid status and the results are all satisfactory.”

I’d be grateful for any insights, particularly because the goitre has grown back, and my current symptoms are consistent hoarseness, tenderness under my ear and down into the goitre, scalloped tongue and occasional tight chest.

If everything is ‘normal’, why do I still have this lump?

Thanks!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Scalloped tongue can be linked to low B12 or hypothyroidism

TSH is creeping up, but not high enough for medics to consider an issue. FT4 and FT3 are at good levels

B12 and folate on the low side. Supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in not folic acid may be beneficial.

chriskresser.com/folate-vs-...

B vitamins best taken in the morning after breakfast

Recommended brands on here are Igennus Super B complex. (Often only need one tablet per day, not two). Or Jarrow B-right

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Ferritin needs watching

No vitamin D test?

Recommend you get that tested

Links about scalloped tongue

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

livestrong.com/article/4845...

[Moonglo in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you so much SlowDragon for your speedy reply!

It’s reassuring that you haven’t reacted in a horrified way and I’m still hoping it would be something like an imbalance of some kind.

I’ve got an appointment to go back in 4 months, and obviously if the lump or other symptoms start to bother me, I’ll go back to my GP.

I did ask for VitD but hey ho, I’ve ordered a home test as I can’t be doing with more waiting to speak to unresponsive people. Let’s see how that goes!

In the meantime, I’ll look into your suggestions.

Thank you

😊

[Moonglo in reply to SlowDragon]

Hello again

I finally have my Vitamin D test results. Any insights?

42.6 nmol/L Insufficiency

Interpretive guide:

Total vitamin D Reference interval (nmol/L)

Less than 15 - Vit D status Severe Deficiency

15-30 - Vit D status Deficiency

30.1-50 - Vit D status Insufficiency

Greater than 50 - Vit D status Adequate

Thanks

Laura

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Moonglo]

Vitamin D is too low.

Have you been supplementing vitamin D at all?

Aiming to improve to at least 80nmol and around 100nmol may be better . Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is good as avoids poor gut function.

It's trial and error what dose each person needs.

Once you Improve level, you may need an on-going maintenance dose to keep it there.

Retesting twice yearly via vitamindtest.org.uk

Local CCG guidelines recommend 1600iu for 6 months daily via GP prescription

clinox.info/clinical-suppor...

Government recommends everyone supplement October to April

gov.uk/government/news/phe-...




Also read up on importance of magnesium and vitamin K2 Mk7 supplements when taking vitamin D

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...

healthy-holistic-living.com...

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

articles.mercola.com/sites/...


betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

Do NOT supplement any vitamin K if you take any blood thinning medication

drsinatra.com/vitamin-k2-su...

[Moonglo in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks again. Not yet, I’ve read about being cautious about Vit D so I’ve been waiting for my results. As I’m already having treatment for endometriosis and diabetes t2 I’m going to get advice from my Dr. I have been supplementing with Super B Complex though.

Thanks for the links, I’ll certainly check them out.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Moonglo]

Low vitamin D and endometriosis

endometriosisnews.com/2016/...

[Moonglo in reply to SlowDragon]

Wow, that’s so intriguing. My first thought was whether these are connected, but as usual was dismissed. More ammo, thank you x

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Moonglo]

Endometriosis and Hashimoto's or Graves' disease are both more likely

preventmiscarriage.com/endo...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

You need to test TPO and TG thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto's

Only TPO antibodies tested in these results

NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are within range

And TSI or TRab antibodies for Graves' disease. TPO and TG thyroid antibodies can also be raised due to Graves

If results of any antibodies results are ever above range then this confirms you have autoimmune thyroid disease

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

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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

Private testing for suspected Graves - TSI or TRab antibodies

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

[Greekchick]

Hi Moonglow,

I just saw your post and wanted to know if your goiter is still swollen, and you still have the same symptoms.

I had a multinodular goiter for 25 years, which turned toxic over time and then I developed Graves 2 years ago. I was treated with Tapazole and was successfully controlled for 2 years. I managed to hold onto my thyroid for a long time. Unfortunately, it needed to be removed 5 weeks ago because I became resistant to Tapazole and became very ill. By the way, I am not telling you this to worry you! You only have one nodule, and no autoimmune issues from your bloodwork. I wanted to give you some background for what I will tell you next.

I am asking because stress can cause your goiter to swell, and then it will recede again. This happened to me frequently over the years. My GP used to tell me I was imagining it (surprise), but now that I know more about my condition, I am not surprised it happened. I have looked at old photos and can see at different points that my neck changed size over the years.

Stress is a real problem for the thyroid and goiters do swell from time to time. Infections like colds also can cause changes in your goiter because they stress your immune system.

It sounds like you are doing OK from your follow up message to Slow Dragon last month - but monitor your neck swelling and other symptoms on a regular basis. It’s helpful to know in future when you develop symptoms to identify triggers. It will help you to stay healthy and as well, to hopefully avoid any future intervention.

Sending you positive thoughts for your good health!

[Moonglo in reply to Greekchick]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! Sorry to hear you’ve been ill recently, I wish you a speedy recovery. It’s amazing the physical effect stress can have on the body, plus hormones! I’m sure it’s all connected!

I’m starting to think that my body’s giving me a warning that there’s an imbalance and if I don’t do something about it, it’ll turn into something more serious. I’ve still got the goitre but it hasn’t really grown. I’m keeping a diary of symptoms (still occasionally breathless - but not scary breathless- occasional hoarseness and scalloped tongue seem to be the repeat offenders). They flare up and down. I’m exploring gluten free alternatives and paleo recipes to see if this makes any difference, and I’ve started eating black pudding! I’m definitely in a better place than last month but unfortunately feel that I have to deal with it myself. X