Advice needed please.....painfull swollen gland in neck, left hand side.

[DizzyD]

Hi all, Am expecting a telephone consult with endocrinologist tomorrow, just the yearly consult thing. I am not that interested in discussing thyroid function tests with him because I use this forum for that.

Usually at clinic, face to face the endo checks out glands in my neck but this won't be happening due to telephone consult. Over the past few months left hand side of neck (gland area) has been swollen and quite painful. Should I mention this to the endo when I speak with him tomorrow?

Brief history: Had a thyroidectomy 1992, due to cancer. At that time, was told that during surgery they were not able to clear out all of the cancer cells. Two years ago endo stopped medicating to suppress TSH level.

Just concerned that painfull swollen gland could be an indication of something more sinister seeing that all the cancer cells were not removed.

Would really appreciate some feedback as to whether I should mention this to endo tomorrow or not.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

DizzyD

Should I mention this to the endo when I speak with him tomorrow?

Definitely. You have clearly outlined your concerns in your post above, I would say exactly the same to your endo. If he dismisses it then I'd counter that with your previous history and say you'd prefer to have a physical examination because a telephone consult can't possibly give him all the information he needs to make a clear decision on whether or not there is anything to be concerned about.

[DizzyD in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sincere thank you Susie for your swift reply....a blessing in disguise, because just checked my appointment and it's today not tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day

[SlowDragon Administrator]

And an ultrasound scan too

[DizzyD in reply to SlowDragon]

Hey thank you SlowDragon won't be getting ultrasound scan any time soon. My telephone consult never happened. Have waited over two hours, nothing! So as of yet I in limbo. Phoned endocrinologist Secretary to complain, but only managed to leave a message, but I did say that I want a face to face consult not another telephone consult because I need a physical examination, possible tests like ultrasound scan as you do kindly suggested. Wont hold my breath waiting for a return call but if I don't receive one by 10am tomorrow I will be making another call. Also I will insist to see the head endocrinologist, not an under study or training diabetic slash endo who should have called me today. It's ironic, but negligence on there part and ignorance on mine has led to me being diagnosed in past few years with several heart conditions. Enough is enough. Sorry for rant...just get so annoyed.

Sincere thank you...Have a prosperous evening

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Private ultrasound scan about £100

[DizzyD in reply to SlowDragon]

Hey now thats a good idea SlowDragon . Might as well be pro-active an go get one done private.Was considering mri scan but not sure if that would be appropriate to detect anything suspicious in that area of the body. Will do a bit of research a see what i come up with.

Dont feel powerless now!

Many thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to DizzyD]

Roughly where in U.K. are you?

Lots in London

communityultrasound.co.uk/p...

sonoworld.co.uk/women-scans...

[DizzyD in reply to SlowDragon]

Liverpool

[DizzyD in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for links, too far away for me but will check spire hospitals out in my area. I also have option of PallMall medicals, bit expensive but know they provide this service.

Am so grateful for your priceless help and support.

God bless

[DizzyD in reply to SlowDragon]

Phew SlowDragon, for one reason or another it's been a struggle trying to find private ultrasound scans near me. So decided to pester endo secretary some more, politely telling her that I need to see endo asap regarding gland symptoms. Didn't get to see him but spoke with him today and reported my symptoms to him in more detail. As Seaside Susie so kindly pointed out, a relevant issue, is that cancer cells had spread to my lymph glands regardless of TT. So I get to see, head of endocrinology team 25 May and he is going to get scans done etc.

I would not have been so pushy and persistent but for the support you and Seaside Susie have given me. On another realm in my mind it's like you were both gearing me on. Sincere thanks to both of you. Could not have done this without you.