Hi everyone, I'm new to the thyroid forum, I'm usually picking peoples brains on asthma uk!
I wondered if anyone knows the waiting times to get a thyroid ultrasound or biopsy done at the moment for cancer investigation?
I saw the nurse practitioner on tuesday about a lump on my neck in the thyroid region. I also have a croaky voice, stiffness in my neck and an inflammed lymph node near by. She did me an urgent 2 week referral to head and neck and ive got the letter today. It says its a phone appointment next weds. I just wondered, if they triage me on the phone, then decide i still need to come in for tests or scans, will my first f2f be within the 2 weeks?
Has anyone had many hold ups getting diagnosed because of covid?
Im just a bit of a nervous wreck and can't think about anything else right now!
Any experiences and advice greatfully recieved.
Becky xx
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There are many, many different reasons for lumpy thyroid
Rarely is it cancer and even if it is it’s one of the most curable cancers
GP should be doing FULL thyroid and vitamin testing and an ultrasound scan of thyroid
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 with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Vast majority of thyroid disease is autoimmune. Hashimoto’s causes goitre. Ord’s thyroiditis, thyroid shrinks and shrivels
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue to.
Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I couldn't look at every link just yet as I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed so it's hard to understand it all.
Just an update... I had my phone appointment and the Dr decided I need to come in for an Ultrasound guided aspiration. That's booked for next Wednesday. I hope the results come back quickly. It has all been quick so far, it just feels so long when you're waiting and worrying!
Once I have my results I will definitely be back on here reading all the information you kindly sent.
I did have a blood test back in April as I've been very tired and wondered if it was my B12 levels (I have needed top ups in the past) and the nurse decided to check thyroid levels at the same time, but all came back normal. I didn't see the results so I have no idea what was actually tested.
Thanks for your help again. I hope you are well xx
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet
Far too often only TSH is tested and is completely inadequate
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 with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
NHS only tests and treats vitamin deficiencies. Low vitamin levels, but still within range, results can cause symptoms
ALWAYS get actual results and ranges on any blood tests
Come back with new post once you get results
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Do you know which department you have been referred to? ENT or radiology for a ultrasound scan.
I hope you are seen very quickly. I had a referral under 2ww earlier this year.
It was for a new neck lump, although not thyroid area. I was Initially referred directly for a scan and it was declined so I had a second referral to ENT & they arranged an extra consult before proceeding to scan which was done within a month.
I have previously had 2 thyroid ultrasound scans, and a nuclear thyroid scan. Also a naso - endoscopy in ENT all deemed non urgent so taking several months.
I was also sent a leaflet saying 9 out of 10 patients with type of referral do not have concerning issue so it’s just a precaution. 19 of 20 thyroid biopsy sample are clear and the procedure if required is very straightforward.
I’d bet right now most aren’t processed within the 2 weeks, when everything is delayed and extra steps like telephone or consults are being put in place etc.
Have you had any previous blood tests? Getting access to records is recommended online is ideal if your practice offers it, then you can view test results & referral letters without involving anyone. Otherwise obtain results via reception (not doctor, they don’t like it!) Don’t accept verbal or hand scribbled notes you need a printed copy with ranges (ranges vary between labs so essential). You don’t have to explain why you want them but if they ask just say for your records. You are legally entitled to your records.
I had my phone appointment with ENT (head and neck clinic), the Dr booked me in for an ultrasound guided aspiration for next Wednesday. Not too bad during a pandemic! I had the phone app 8 days after being told I had a 2ww urgent referral and the scan/aspiration is 2 weeks from the phone appointment.
I did have a blood test in April as I told my nurse I've been very tired and thought it was low B12 again. She decided to check my thyroid at the same time. Everything came back fine. I'm not sure what they are testing for with a general thyroid blood test.
I get on very well with the nurse at my gp practice so I could possibly ask her for my notes. The ladies on reception are pretty scary haha!
So are you still waiting for other scans? I hope you are ok xx
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