Scans and Ultrasounds and Biopsys

[Feebee42]

Hi, just asking for a little advice

Thyroiditis flared up again (it happens almost annually). My GP scanned and did bloods - bloods were normal as usual (sigh) but scans showed that my nodes have grown and changed. He sent me to a new endo after the anti-inflams made no difference.

Endo wants to do a biopsy but won't do that until the pain goes away. So I go on steroids, and he promises 2 days "and you won't know yourself". We are now day 14. Pain is less but still there and in fact got worse at about the day 9 mark. They increased the steroid dose and then did an ultrasound 2 days ago (no results yet).

Anyone have any idea why he won't do the biopsy (I asked, did not get answer that helps" "that confirms thyroiditis", whatever that means because we knew that) ? And any tips on things that I should ask about the ultrasound?

Thanks for your help.... this stuff is so complicated and it feels isolating when you have no idea what's going on. F

[greygoose]

Hi Feebee, welcome to the forum.

scans showed that my nodes have grown and changed.

Do you really mean 'nodes'? Or do you mean nodules?

I would imagine your endo doesn't want to do the biopsy until the pain goes away because he's afraid of hurting you even more. Or, it might just be a difficult thing to do if your thyroid is swollen.

[Feebee42 in reply to greygoose]

Yes, I guess I mean nodules. Oops.I imagine the pain will be appalling either way. A biopsy surely cannot be nice in any event. If that is the case then I thank him! But surely getting to the cause should also be important. ??? Anyway.

He has not said anything about reducing the swelling, which remains the same as it was in any event.

[greygoose in reply to Feebee42]

I'm not sure there's anything you can do to reduce the swelling. These things just have to take their course.

I've never had a biopsy myself, but those that have tend to say that it's uncomfortable, but not painful. If I were to have a biopsy, I certainly wouldn't allow it to be done on a swollen, painful thyroid. I would prefer to wait.