Ultrasound - Some useful info at last

[Treesong2023]

Further to my intro email - I am not diagnosed, but all usual symptons of Thyroid trouble. Mostly half dead, easily tire, go super hot and super cold, low mood, hairfall, dry skin, and most recently periheral neuropathy and bizzarely..carpel tunnel thing in elbows..

I posted my latest bloods here, and some said - oh dear no wonder you feel so bad! Others said, bloods look okay - normal?? Anyways, its no Christmas turkey for us, as I saw the Ultrasound Clinic listed on the Thyroid UK website and booked in. They were really good and helpful. Here's the summary.

Thyroid ultrasound:

Both lobes of the thyroid and isthmus appear hypoechoic and heterogeneous.

A U2 cystic nodule is noted in the right lobe, measuring 6 x 5 mm. Another solid U2 thyroid nodule is noted inferiorly in the right lobe, measuring 7 x 6 mm.

Mildly increased vascularity and parenchymal heterogenicity are demonstrated in keeping with thyroiditis. The isthmus measures 2.2 mm.

The right lobe measures 58 x 19 x 19 mm.

The left lobe measures 43 x 12 x 13 mm. Retrosternal extension of the thyroid is not seen.

The parotid and submandibular glands appear unremarkable bilaterally.

Conclusion:

U2 Thyroid nodules

Mild - Moderate or sub-clinical thyroiditis.

So, something is going on, and things are not..."normal for my age.." as GP has insisted for over two years. I know it sounds mad, but i was quite relieved to find out i have ...something. I cried at the Clinic.

Anyways - I sent the report in, and I am talking to my GP this week. Some advice on these Questions would be very much appreciated.

Can my GP prescribe drug treatment without an Endo? ...and can i press the GP for the appropriate treatment? Or will he try to stick me on a waiting list for an Endo..?

All help and advice very much appreciated. Thanks Folks!

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Yes, GP can start you on Levothyroxine no need to see an Endo unless GP is an arse and refuses to look at your report... they can always ask them for advise but if they are an arse you then demand a referral 🤗

Gremlins at work! I can't get into your history to look at your results... keeps telling me you don't exist but it's letting me reply to you??

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What are your most recent TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 plus vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin levels

[TiggerMe Ambassador in reply to SlowDragon]

Results from previous post... I've rebooted!

[Treesong2023 in reply to SlowDragon]

Getting them this week. Bloods taken last week SlowDragon

kx

[SlowDragon Administrator]

so was test done as recommended

Early morning, only water between waking and test

Ferritin looks ok. Have you had full iron panel test

[Treesong2023 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon

The last TSH etc blood tests i shared here were at midday i believe, Last week's ones done at 8.30 am. I asked for a full Iron Panel, Vit D and B12. Results keenly awaited....

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You will probably need to see endocrinologist as TSH is only 1.16

Looking at possible central hypothyroidism in conjunction with autoimmune thyroid disease

[Treesong2023 in reply to SlowDragon]

Tests coming in ....TSH.... 8.30am blood - Fasted.

Collected: 14 Dec 2023

Received: 14 Dec 2023

Provider Sample ID: CC357234G

Pathology Investigations

Serum TSH level 1.2 miu/L [0.35 - 4.94]

[Agitator23]

Hi Treesong2023 More or less exactly the same symptoms as you and had an ultrasound with the same results about two months ago.

No follow-up contact from my GP yet and unable to get an appointment.

The radiologist also heard my voice and said I had probable vocal cord paralysis caused by this condition. The radiologist asked my GP to refer me to ENT (heard nothing on this).

One week before the scan an endocrinologist said it wasn't a thyroid problem (despite indicative blood work in his possession)...

Feel in limbo and still have no diagnosis after suffering for a decade. I'm exhausted fighting my corner and getting nowhere.

[Treesong2023 in reply to Agitator23]

Oh no. Agitator23, i can only guess at your worry / distress about that happening to you. I do emphasise with you about having to fight, fight, and fight to try and get a diagnosis. I am trying to persist and endure and trying to raise my ( normally low ) challenge the GP attitude. I hope you find another GP more ready to act? sending good wishes