Should I get a full body CT scan?

[thyroidmom84]

I initially thought to post this in an anxiety group but you guys have been really helpful and know about the wide range of Hashimoto’s symptoms. So I have a big fear of lymphoma- I think it started because my friend’s father and another friend’s mother were diagnosed within months of each other. One survived and one, unfortunately, did not (she had a very aggressive form). Then a friend of a friend who is my age (34) was diagnosed and is fortunately doing well. Well I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s about a year ago and I have had a bunch of crazy symptoms, some have gone away and some have not. They include (how many can I remember?)- headaches/migraines, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, tingling in hands and feet, muscle weakness, frequent urination, anxiety, and depression.

More recently I had a lymph node on the back of my neck swell, but under 1 cm and has since shrunk a bit so my pcp is not concerned. Well boy did it freak me out- since then I obsessively check my lymph nodes and it is really becoming a problem. Well I just recently developed hives and they are being controlled by an antihistamine. I know this is somewhat common for people with Hashimoto’s but I also know it is seen in about 1/3 of people with lymphoma. My pcp also gave me the steroid medrol which I took for 6 days. At the same time I started treatment for the hives (a little more than 2 weeks ago), my levo dose was increased. I have since been sweating more than usual. At first I thought the sweating was due to the medrol since it’s a steroid but I think it has been out of my system long enough that I can rule this out. I do notice it becomes worse when I am stressed, but not always. So then this weekend I really lost my my mind because my skin would get very hot even though I didn’t have a raised temperature (checking my temperature has become my new debilitating compulsion).

So I talked to my pcp today and she said she has no explanation and that she could order a full body CT scan (which my insurance may or may not cover) to “reassure me.” I have also talked to my endo who says we can do repeat bloodwork next week to see if my slight increase is causing it (although she doubts it). So- the pros of the CT scan are that it could provide me with a ton of relief since I have been worried about cancer since my Hashimoto’s diagnosis. From what I have read the CT should be pretty good at finding lymphoma or other cancers. If something was wrong, it could also catch it early (I have had multiple cbcs and also a blood smear to look for lymphoma and nothing suspicious).

However, some cons are that it might find something benign that will need investigating and thus heighten my health anxiety. Also- the radiation! I read so many conflicting things about how a CT scan could raise my future cancer risk. Then there is the cost which is last on my list because I am willing to pay for peace of mind. Oh and some alternatives- I obviously can wait for my thyroid panel to see what is going on there and see if it is a dosing issue. I could also maybe consult a hematologist to see what they recommend.

I should also add that I have already had a chest XRay, a head CT (at ER because of my headaches) and a brain MRI because of my headaches. So it’s unlikely the headaches and even the lightheadedness have anything to do with it because the head MRI would have caught that.

If you were in my shoes- would you do the CT?

[humanbean]

I wouldn't. The radiation dose for CT scanning of just the abdomen and pelvis is the equivalent to what you would get from normal background radiation in three years. If you had a CT scan for the same area with and without contrast it would be equivalent to 7 years background radiation.

I have no idea what the dose would be for a whole body.

[humanbean in reply to humanbean]

The only way you can have a scan without radiation being involved is if you have an MRI scan. But whether what you want to find (if it was there to be found) would show up on an MRI scan is something you would have to research.

[thyroidmom84 in reply to humanbean]

I would love an MRI but get the feeling insurance wouldn’t cover it and they are insanely expensive.

[humanbean in reply to thyroidmom84]

What about ultrasound? Would that do the job?

[thyroidmom84 in reply to humanbean]

I’m not entirely sure. I have had multiple ultrasounds for the palpable lymph node- not sure if maybe this is an option.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

You have posted this twice, I have deleted the duplicate post.

[thyroidmom84 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sorry my phone keeps doing this when I go to edit.

[Lalatoot]

Have you read any of Dr christiane northrups books or Web site. It might not be your thing but you might find her alternative way of looking at health issues supportive.

[thyroidmom84 in reply to Lalatoot]

I am willing to try anything and will check this out. Thank you!

[RockyPath]

I would suggest you get a 23andMe Health and Ancestry kit (on sale Black Friday) and then use StrateGene to analyze your raw genetic data.

If you’re carrying the genes for impaired methylation, some dietary changes could alleviate your mental and physical health issues.

“Impaired methylation can lead to depression, anxiety, histamine intolerance, hormone imbalance, poor detox capacity, fatigue, and low energy.”

Among people of European ancestry, the genes for impaired methylation are fairly common. Doctors have a one-hour lecture on methylation during their four years of medical school, so they’re prone to overlook it because they’ve completely forgotten that it’s the foundation of health.

[thyroidmom84 in reply to RockyPath]

Thank you- I have been researching histamine intolerance but this is new info

[Treepie]

I have had two CT scans ,the first did not pick up my lymphoma in the stomach.I still cannot figure out why the consultant ordered the second after the chemo had supposedly cleared the cancer according to a PET scan half way through the treatment.

[thyroidmom84 in reply to Treepie]

Wow, I never thought it might not pick it up. How are you doing?

[Treepie]

It took biopsies from a second gastroscopy ( 8 from the first showed nothing) sent to a major cancer centre to find the lymphoma and a PET scan to show the extent of what I was told was a rare stomach lymphoma.

Now getting stronger thanks , but today told my liver enzymes are not reverting to in range as they should and one getting worse so maybe an MRI next!

Chemo messes with your major organs it has also messed with my previously diet controlled diabetes so have started on metformin which I now know reduces absorption of B12, calcium and iron ! But it does have some preventative action on stroke and cancer . A bit of sunshine needed if I can get insurance.

[thyroidmom84 in reply to Treepie]

Getting stronger is great news. And it looks like you have a really positive outlook, which is amazing. I will be thinking of you!

[Treepie]

Bit down at the moment,will not get insurance until no more investigations even though fit to travel. Thanks for your thoughts.

[thyroidmom84 in reply to Treepie]

I can’t imagine but fit to travel is great. Please do stay focused on the positives.