Soft swelling above collarbone

[db16]

Good afternoon to All you fabulous knowledgeable people. What an amazing group you all are.

I have a question which I hope you might throw some light on for me.

I have soft swelling above my collarbone on both sides. There is no pain and I have had it for over a year. Any ideas? My shoulders according to my daughter are hard and tight though I am so use to it, I haven't noticed. I am hashimoto but I am not being treated. I returned to the UK seven months ago and my doctor here will not medicate me until my readings are under their recommendations. I have and still do endure extreme stress and that might have a bearing. Still, love to read your comments, if any. Thank you so much.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Do you suspect it’s a goitre?

Have you asked your doctor about the swelling? As I think you would need an examination to check it properly.

The thyroid, if enlarged can reach the collar bone. On myself I have a large nodule one side and one finger can feel the edge of solid thyroid nodule and collar bone at same time. The other side is different.

Mine is noticeable If you were to incline your chin upwards and swallow or gulp some water the swelling moves up and down.

There and lymph nodes in that area too but these are different to what you describe.

You are not being treated, so are all your results in range? What has actually been tested?

[Hidden]

Do you have any other symptoms? Have you gained weight especially around your tummy? Have insomnia, round red face, thin skin, elevated BP?

[db16 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you PaulineS. Funny enough (or not!) but I have put weight on, alot really and all around the middle of me. You should see the size of may breasts, yuk. I am on blood pressure tablets but I don't think my face has changed. What are your thoughts? Much appreciated. Thank you

[Hidden in reply to db16]

Your symptoms may point to Cushing's syndrome, it would be worth asking your GP to do an early morning serum (blood) cortisol test but make sure you get results as few GP's understand cortisol levels as they rarely see it in practice, he can also do a 24 hour urine. Do you have a "hump" at the top of your spine too? Have a look on the Pituitary Foundation website for information about Cushing's, to see if can relate to it. If you are on Facebook I run a group called Cushing's UK where we support people looking at Cushing's.

[db16 in reply to Hidden]

No I don't do facebook but I have just had a look at the disease you mention. I do have purple breasts funny enough; like a purple/red wiring system running through them and my tummy is covered in stretch marks. God I sound revolting, sorry. I don't seem to have the fatty lump but my tail bone is sore???? My stress level has been high for a very long time and I have been putting my tearful state down to that. It's not going to improve anytime soon either. Thanks for your help. I will bring this disease to my doctor's attention, promise. x

[Hidden in reply to db16]

I'm always happy to help if I can, I've had Cushing's caused by a benign pituitary tumour.

[humanbean]

I have and still do endure extreme stress and that might have a bearing.

I would agree this could be a factor in you not getting a diagnosis.

High levels of stress raises cortisol.

High cortisol lowers TSH.

Lower TSH reduces production of T4 and T3 from the thyroid.

Lower TSH reduces conversion of T4 to T3.

Your doctor will be waiting for your TSH to go above 10, or possibly above the top of range for TSH if you have high levels of the antibodies causing Hashi's.

Thyroid treatment is very sadistic in the UK.

[db16 in reply to humanbean]

Wow, what knowledge. I will take this reply to my GP when I return for the next blood tests, together with a list of the required tests. I should have been ready last time. My other commitments have taken over my life really and I am trying to now look after myself better. I will let you know. Thank you