goitre

[chriszzz]

Hiii
I am new to this forum and seeking some advice from all who have had similar problems.
I have had an enlarged goiter for 12 years.  In 2006 I had an ultra sound which shown that I have a multi-nodular goiter, the surgeon was happy with the ultra sound and decided not too do anything.  Over the years I have had numerous blood test which have all come back  normal despite having symptoms, fatigue, hair-loss, brain fog, anxiety, loss of libido. As the years have gone by these symptoms have gotten worse and new symptoms added, muscle aches and stiffness,(which can be disabilitating) night and day sweats which are different to menopausal hot flushes ( I went through the menopause at the age of 45) I am now 50, I recently had blood test as my symptoms plague me, my latest TSH results were:
April 2009   0,51
Jan 2009    0.49
October 2008  0.37

My   FT3:
April 2009   6 (not really sure what this measurement is but think it is in the middle)

My GP had also asked for FT4, TT4, TT3, and copper, the labs refused to do these test due to my TSH being 0.51 and my FT3 being 6.
As it stands now I have an app to see an Endo on the 1st June and am hoping if you could give me some advice on what tests I should be asking for?? I dont want to go un-prepared (as I have done in the past), so any advice would be much appreciated. When I see my Endo I need to ask him, how does he know that 0.51 is my normal range?
Thank you all
chris

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The TSH is low - normal -- testing T4 and T3 would be reasonable, but in most cases the thyroid function will be normal (given this essentially normal TSH) and not the explanation for symtpoms.  The endocrinologist should be able to perform thorough thyroid tests and perhaps discuss other potential causes for symptoms.

[chriszzz]

Thank you for taking the time in replying to my query. I have done some research and feel much more confident about my symptoms, which I do feel are related to having a goitre with multiple nodules.
Hopefully I will get the results that I feel my insticts and body are telling me, just because my TSH are within the range (in the lower range) does not mean that I havent got a thyroid problem. I will ask for T4 andT3 and any other tests ie antibodies.
thanx
chris

[chriszzz]

Thank you for your concern I appreciate that you have taking the time to advise me. When I go and see the Endo I will ask to be tested for Vit D ( incase I may be deficient).
I have done quite a bit of research, in fact I am now officially an Endo haha!!.
In sept 2006 I went for an ultra-sound and it showed that I had multiple nodules and one large nodule in the goitre.
I have for many years been on and off to my doctors with related symptoms, each time my TSH has come back normal.
It has only been this year that I have actually asked for my readings, (as I have always put my trust in my GP) When I got them I realised that am not in the comfort range am in the low range and who says that low range is right for me??, So I started doing my own research.
Went back to my GP and asked to be referred to see an Endo. I did find that when you have a multi-nodule goitre you are at risk of becoming hyper-hypo and with my TSH in the low range it would mean that am bordering on hyper but I feel I have a bit of both. I sometimes feel that my body is playing games with me one day I can run up the stairs, stuff my face, have a laugh and full of energy and another time I will need a stair-lift, have no appetite, miserable, low-mood and have no energy. Wots all that about??.
I agree that the doc arent always right, sometimes I think they need to go back to basics and to common sense and not rely on a blood test that doesnt talk.
I wish you luck and hope all goes well with your next app, and if you ever want to discuss it, then I would be more than happy to listen.
Keep you chin up!!
chris

[asterie]

Hi
Get them to check your Vit D level. The aches and pains could be from that. I have had abnormal thyroid results, am diagnosed with pre-diabetes and have low vit D. I'm about to find out if  i need surgery as i have a growing nodule. Don't be fobed off. This is a great site and there are a lot of people out there who can help. the docs don't know everything so you need to do some research.
Good luck

[chriszzz]

No I am taking no medication for thyroid symptoms, just now waiting to see Endo, was hoping to get advice as to what I need to go prepared with, so as not to be fobbed off.
thanx
chris

[898]

Do you by the any chance taking Metformin?