Two week referral- what to expect?

[ML44]

Hi everyone,

After having a swollen thyroid and loss of voice for a little while I’ve been referred to the hospital under the two week rule on the NHS.

I’m just wondering if anyone else has been referred under this and what I might expect? I’m also wondering if there could be other less sinister reasons for my symptoms?

Meds: 4 grains Armour-thyroid

Friday 9th April 2021

TSH 0.02

T3- 9.3 (3.9-6.8) 186.21%

T4- 14.9 (11.00-23.00) 32.50%

I’ve not had other bloods done but take iron, b12 and vit D and results have previously been good with supplements.

Any help or advise so appreciated x

[nellie237]

Hi ML44,

I'm surprised that you haven't received any responses from members who have been through this, although it may be because you haven't got a diagnosis yet and they feel unable to offer advice.

I'm sorry I don't have any experience, although I believe that most thyroid investigations are benign.

I suggest that once you get your results that you post again.

Good luck, and hope it goes well.

[ML44 in reply to nellie237]

Thank you Nellie x

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Do you know which department you have been referred to? ENT or radiology for a ultrasound scan.

I had a referral under 2ww last month.

It was for a neck lump, although not thyroid area. I previously had 2 thyroid ultrasound scans, and a nuclear thyroid scan. Also a naso - endoscopy in ENT all deemed non urgent.

For this recent issue I was Initially referred directly for a scan and it was declined so I had a second referral to ENT and they arranged a scan.

I was sent a leaflet saying 9 out of 10 patients with type of referral do not have concerning issue so it’s just a precaution and I’d bet most aren’t processed within the 2 weeks, especially right now when everything is delayed and extra hoops to jump to make any progress.

[ML44 in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi PurpleNails, thank you for your reply.

I’ve been referred to ENT. I’m trying to keep calm but the DR spoke about hardening my oesophagus and I can’t find any information on what that could be! Is this something you’ve experienced?

X

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to ML44]

It’s not something I’ve had.

The thought that springs to my mind is that silent reflux can cause scarring and strictures of the oesophagus could the hardening the Dr referring to be this?

Low stomach acid common with hypothyroid and causes same issues & poor absorption. I’m sure a forum search will reveal some informative posts.

You’ll likely be asked about any voice hoarseness, difficulties swallowing, coughing & if you ever have lung infection from aspirating food.

They may arrange to view down your throat with camera. The procedure I had was a camera via nostril. They said my goitre was compressing throat slightly (but it wasn’t “too squashed”). It’s not unpleasant but does tickle or irritate somewhat.

Is your FT3 being over range causing any other symptoms? As your TSH is low too so most doctors would advise reduce dose. Do you feel worse dose is lowered?