Thyroid scan

[kelbw77]

Sorry this is going to be a pointless post but after convincing myself I wouldn't worry I am now... had thyroid scan because of suspected goitre? it's only my left side I do notice a tight feeling with, whilst in the scan he spent about 20mins on the left side only a few minutes on the right, I did ask (I know they can't say anything) what he did say was you need to make an appointment with your gp results will be with him by friday?! the only thing he would say is it is inflamed but you need to speak to your gp about the next steps? anyone had this?

[radd]

kelbw77,

You are in the early stages of Hashimotos which often results in an inflamed thyroid gland and a goitre.

Your doctor is just following procedure when he referred you for a scan. When thyroid hormone and iron/nutrients are all optimised, Hashi attacks might subdue and the swellings reduce, hopefully leaving you feeling slightly better.

[Nanaedake]

Thyroid conditions are very common. Anything very serious and you'd likely have been referred to another department in the hospital.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

As you have Hashimoto's (high antibodies) Levothyroxine dose needs to be high enough to reduce the autoimmune attacks

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

Are your vitamins regularly retested?

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw). This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you do your tests?

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

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

Official NHS guidelines saying TSH should be between 0.2 and 2.0 when on Levothyroxine

(Many of us need TSH nearer 0.2 than 2.0 to feel well)

See box

Thyroxine replacement in primary hypothyroidism

pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/pa...

[vocalEK in reply to SlowDragon]

The Leeds article is missing a discussion of what low T3 indicates and how to treat it.

[Gingersnap202]

I had a very large and noticeable goiter. One doc said he would surgically remove it. Another doc did an iodine test and said: "Leave it alone. It's a "hot" goiter, so not cancerous. (He said, if it's a "cold" goiter, they check for cancer.) Anyway, I left it alone and since I was finally treated correctly for low thyroid, the goiter is 90% gone.

[annnsandell]

It is said below that you have Hashimotos and I assume that you have posted before and this is known. If not, there are many reasons for a goitre and the importance is to find out why before making any further judgements. Your doctor should be referring you. Lucky the goitre has actually been noticed before it is obvious, I had terrible trouble convincing a GP about this before it was obvious and misdiagnosed in the meantime.

[kelbw77]

Thank you for all your replies Drs have called this morning I'm booked in for Tuesday... vitamin levels are low

[DogLover518]

Yes. Schedule with an endocrinologist. Your GP should be able to refer you. It sounds like the start of my Hashimoto’s about 19 years ago.

[DogLover518]

Vitamin levels being low is typical with an autoimmune disease. Usually vitamin D, B, and iron can be affected by the presence of this disease.

[horsedog]

Don't worry. Problems like this are diagnosed everyday and are treatable. Don't stress out. I did when I was told I had nodules and needed a biopsy. I'm still waiting to see the endro to get them checked. I researched everything I could online up to now and I found out that this is treatable, if there is even a major problem so please don't stress out., turn your worries over to GOD and he will take care of you. I hope this helps.

[kelbw77]

Thank you all! Dr has just called he's done a referral wants me seen within 2 weeks said scan shows a nodule x

[kelbw77]

Hi all quick update there is a nodule seen the specialist now booked in for biopsy Wednesday ☹ how bad are these? read very mixed reviews he did say there is a high chance it will come back inconclusive and another will be needed??

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to kelbw77]

I had a fine needle biopsy last year. I thought I was attending for a scan only and it was decided they might as well do it there and then. It’s a very short and simple procedure. A numbing injection is given so you feel no pain. I was asked to gently bite the end of my tongue, this stops you moving neck muscles about and swallowing accidentally. Then the sample is taken by moving needle guided by ultra sound scan. It feels odd but is totally painless. I went to work afterwards without any issues and my job is fairly active.

[kelbw77 in reply to PurpleNails]

Thank you, did you need another I've heard alot come back inconclusive? Hope yours was a good result xx

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to kelbw77]

I had 2x sample taken at same time, in case 1st was inconclusive. I did had a repeat ultrasound scan 7 months later but further no biopsy’s.