Thyroid Issues. Again.

[LouLou1981]

Earlier this year my GP discovered a couple of nodules on my thyroid. That explained some swallowing problems I'd had and other issues. 

I've been thyroid problem free for a while, but this morning my meds didn't want to go down. I usually don't have a problem with them.  I also had a hard time swallowing breakfast.  I've also noticed some swelling with the thyroid, pain in the area, and can't turn my head while talking to someone without problems. And today I'm suddenly so tired and just want to sleep. That might be from taking my Lyrica a few minutes too late last night or one of my other gifts (fibro or SjS).

My GP doesn't want to keep putting me on steroids to bring swelling down so I don't choke on food and doesn't want to put me on more meds as long as we can, and doesn't want to jump right to taking my thyroid out.

Do thyroid nodules swell up then go down? Is this a "thyroid storm"? 

[sjenny]

Yes, I have had my thyroid swell and it is darn uncomfortable.  But the swelling went down and now my thyroid panels are all normal and I am symptom free.

I would try taking 1 Tbsp of virgin coconut oil 2-3 times throughout the day - coconut oil is very soothing to the thyroid. 

Also, if you have Hashimoto's, selenium (see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12656658?dopt=Abstract) will help calm the flare.  Avoid wheat and dairy products (and coffee) like the plague.

IMHO, Dr. Datis Kharrazian proposes the best treatment for Hashimoto's.  See http://thyroid.about.com/od/hypothyroidismhashimotos/a/Optimal-Treatment-Hypothyroidism-Datis-Kharrazian.htm

Hope this helps,
Sue

[LouLou1981]

Also, if you have Hashimoto's, selenium (see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12656658?dopt=Abstract) will help calm the flare.  Avoid wheat and dairy products (and coffee) like the plague.

I haven't been Dx-ed with Hashimoto's, but I've been thinking about trying no wheat or dairy for a week or 2 to see if it helps with some things.
Avoid coffee?    I've done it before, I guess I could give it a shot....

Thank you sjenny!

[eye2dry]

Hi Loulou.

Did you have your nodules ultrasound or biopsied to see what they were?

I have a co-worker who had difficulty with swallowing and could not wear a turtle neck without feeling like it was choking her. She had 4 nodules, ultrasound showed 3 were cysts, the fourth looked solid so she had a fine needle biopsy to check for thyroid  cancer. Lucky for her it was benign.

hope your problem gets solved soon.
take care.

eye2dry

[engy]

You aren't in a thyroid storm. However, you do need your nodules biopsied (my opinion).

I agree not to rush a thyroidectomy but what do your labs look like & are you on any thyroid meds?  If your labs were normal before, you may need them checked again.

I understand the discomfort, I was unable to sleep on my back even because my thyroid was so big I could barely breathe.

Try eating soft foods to help the swallowing & lots of fluids.

Good luck!

[irish]

My oldest son has has thyroid disease(hypothyroid) for close to 15 years. His is very unstable and he has to have his TSH levels checked a lot. He can tell when something is going on and will just go in and have the blood work. His doctor has learned to listen to him and he has a standing order.

He has his medication dosages changed a lot. He also has nodules and wane and ebb and have to be checked with ultrasound, etc. So far they have gone away and he has avoided a biopsy but they keep a close watch on him.

He will have some difficulty swallowing at times but it seems to go away. Keeps him on guard though. Good luck. Irish