Feeling scared and lost :(

[Phoenixx25]

Hi everyone!

I write this post to seek some guidance/support/advice as I am terrified of what to expect. 😢

I have been feeling completely exhausted over the last few months, which I thought was due to stress and possibly burnout. That was until I found a lump on my neck, and found it difficult to swallow in recent weeks. After a visit to my GP, they have raised an urgent referral to my nearest hospital for an ultrasound and biopsy, which is scheduled for 3rd Jan. My lump was measured at 5cm. My first round of blood tests have shown my thyroid levels to be 0.2, which I believe means my thyroid is overactive. I’ve recently had another round of blood tests to check my thyroid antibodies and receptors, which I am awaiting the results for.

During the process, the doctor has advised of several things that it could possibly be - from Graves Disease to Thyroid Cancer. Needless to say, my head is spinning from it all and I just feel lost in myself. 😢

If anyone can share their experience of anything similar to the above, I would be so grateful. I’m very anxious about it all, and I have no idea what to do to.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

welcome to forum

I have a >5cm hyper nodule. It’s now managed by taking an anti thyroid medication.

About 6 months before the high levels were detected I had a FNA (fine needle aspiration) & was told everything fine. It was benign, but the toxic levels were missed.

The vast majority of samples are benign, try not to worry. & the FNA procedure itself very straightforward. I had a local aesthetic. I was asked to lightly bite end of tongue, this just prevents unintentional movement. Then several samples were taken guided by ultrasound. I left with a small plaster on neck. Worked a busy shift afterwards as it wasn’t planned, no bruising or pain afterwards.

It’s likely your TSH is very low. It’s a pituitary hormone which signals the thyroid. When thyroid levels (FT4 & FT3) rise even a little the TSH drops. Or it might be the TSH is failing to reflect low FT4 & FT3 levels. Or there’s some miscommunication regarding which marker is being discussed.

You need to find out if FT4 & FT3 were tested too & how high they are & you need the lab range too. (Ranges vary)

If autoimmune Graves is suspected this causes continuous hyper levels & must be confirmed by TSI or TRab antibodies, (TSH receptor Antibodies). Which you’ve referred to. So it does sound like everything in place to be checked.

There are other reasons for low TSH & higher FT4 & FT3. Hyper can also be transient.