Any ideas

[Red448]

I have a really red cheeks for a while now, also feels like something stuck when I swallow, also a cough, bad headache and ears don’t feel right. Then yesterday I found a lump it’s at the level of collar bone in the middle, near chest bone. Do I need to get it check out?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes

Get GP to organise ultrasound and full thyroid and vitamin blood tests

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

How long since thyroid levels were tested

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

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

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[Red448]

I already have B12 injection every 10weeks plus iron tablets.

[FallingInReverse]

My opinion is definitely get the lump checked out.

You’ve got through a lot with your thyroid, and it’s possible your symptoms are related. For example, I had rosacea that cleared up once my thyroid hormones moved towards optimized. Your red cheeks could be that (maybe.)

Headaches were the same for me, but that could also be part of a flu/cold along with congestion in your ears and your cough.

The lump… from what you say - not sure if it’s thyroid or not.

AT THE SAME TIME- please do take SlowDragons advice and get your thyroid bloods tested. TSH, FT4, FT3, ferritin, B12, Vit D, folate. And antibodies if you haven’t already.

When you do share back here, including results and ranges.

If any of your issues are caused by thyroid, we need to see your blood work to give you relevant helpful input.

[Red448]

thank you for the advice, I’ve got an appointment at the doctors on Thursday.

[Red448]

hi went to the doctors with my lump, only saw the nurse, she had a look then said, “cover it back up, don’t look at it or touch it anymore, “she then checked my chest, ears, throat , said I had a chest infection, to take antibiotics then review after that.