multi nodular goitre’s

[Mumofboys2025]

Hi, recently diagnosed with a non toxic multi nodular goitre. My bloods are all normal so I have been told I don’t need surgery. I am really suffering with exceptionally dry throats that end up feeling like I’m swallowing grit for a few days and then it passes but comes back a few weeks later. Is this normal? Has anybody else experienced this? Thanks

[SlowDragon Ambassador]

welcome to the forum

My bloods are all normal so I have been told I don’t need surgery.

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

See exactly what’s been tested ……and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Easiest option is NHS app, you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

If you can’t currently see test results online, simply ask receptionist at GP surgery to give you access. You will need to have photo ID with you.

This currently only applies in England, not across the whole of the UK. Nether Scotland nor N.Ireland have released an NHS app for patients. (Scotland supposedly due in December '24.) Wales has an app, but only for booking appointments, repeat prescriptions and amending personal details

Link re access

patients-association.org.uk...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

In reality some GP surgeries still do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

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

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once for autoimmune thyroid disease

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

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

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

Autoimmune thyroid often starts after pregnancy

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)

NHS only tests TG antibodies if TPO are high

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

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

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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...

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

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

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

And

Have you had ultrasound scan of thyroid, if not ….request one

[mrsm49]

I was diagnosed with the same thing but requested a yearly ultrasound scan & needle biopsy on recomendation from my gp. At the third scan they could see that it had massively grown substernally and i was then on a quick list to have it removed. At that point it was actually impacting my breathing but i had thought it was my asthma playing up. The op happened about 6 weeks after the last scan and took much longer than they expected as it had continued to grow and it took them ages "to dig it out" lol Needless to say i was unaware of all the drama and for me the op went well although getting the right replacement thyroid meds aftwards was a bit problematical until i changed hospitals and found a good consultant. I found that this is a really good website for help and info and has great admins.

[Mumofboys2025 in reply to mrsm49]

thanks. That is good to know. Did you suffer with dry gritty throats?

[mrsm49 in reply to Mumofboys2025]

Am sorry i cant remember a dry throat so maybe i didnt, it was 11yrs ago now though. Could it be something as simple as central heating/dry air in yr home? You can get really cheap digital thermometers that also show room humidity, if its too dry it can cause dry throats and eyes xx

[Cleaner]

I have the same problem with a dry throat that feels gritty, when it's bad I find it really hard to swallow food.