very frustrated

[nprof]

My problem all started 3 months ago.  I got a flu shot in Oct 2007.  Several days after the flu shot, I noticed two swollen lymph node beside my clavicle on the left.  I waited a week went to the doctor, she gave my antibiotics and said we would check them again in a month.  After one month the lymph nodes were still there.  I then had a CAT scan which showed a cluster of about 8 lymphs nodes measuring 8mm each.  The radiologist suggested we recheck them in six month since they weren't big enough to be worrisome. However  the CAT scan did show that my thyroid was very large and suggested I have some blood work.  I had the blood work which turned out to be normal.  I am now waiting to have a 1-123 scan.  I have to wait to have it because I had xray dye and the iodine in it will interfere with the thyroid scan.  For about 3 yrs I have had all the same symptoms, tiredness,weight gain, severe dry skin, constipation.  I have always been told that I am just tired because I am a working mother and very busy. Now I had developed pitting edema in my legs.  Just in my legs over my shins, They are extremely swollen and hurt.  I do not eat much salt so I know that is not the problem. I feel very frustrated because my blood work for thyroid is within normal limits but something is not right.  I am a 39 yr old mother of four and up until this point have been extremely healthy.  The only blood work that has come back high is my CRP.  I just still worry about the lymph nodes in my supraclavicular area. I thought about going to a specialist, but really don't know which specialist to see an endocrinologist or who?

[chigirl29]

You need to have some tests run to assess cardiac function.  Get your thyroid antibodies tested because my thyroid would swell at times--I had several ultrasounds.  An inflamed thyroid can be swollen.  Your thyroid hormone levels also need to be re-tested because if you have an auto-immune thyroid condition then you can have: hyper, normal, and hypo results at various points.  I had all three and after doing research, I learned to ask for the antibody tests.
About your lymph nodes--I would rule out cancers and infections.  I once had a series of immunizations for my employer and developed a HUGE node swelling under my arm pit--or axillary region.  After antibiotics--the swelling went down. I did rule out breast cancer just as a precaution.
You may need another round of antibiotics or a different kind.

I hope you find out what is wrong--hope you feel better soon.

[ifupleze]

Yes, see an endocrinologist. You might also have something wrong with your adrenals which cause many symptoms of hypothyroidism.  Have a full panel blood test done including metabolic panel, DHEA, cortisol, Vit D, and B12.  There might be other problems involved which he could point out.