Enlarged Thyroid

[anniepie1976]

I had an ultrasound done recently that showed I have an enlarged thyroid. I'm wondering if anybody has knowledge on this. My antibodies blood test just came out normal. I had a TSH test several months ago that was fine according to them but who knows if it changed by now. This is all new to me. I have several symptoms of thyroid issues. Weight gain, tiredness, fogginess, horrible memory, insomnia, anxiety, etc. I have an appt now with the Endo coming up. This was all discovered by the ENT because I have been having persistent throat pain issues but I'm a little scared because if my antibodies are normal why am I having a hard time swallowing? What are other causes of enlarged thyroid? Hopefully somebody can help ease my anxiety on this. Is the swallowing problem normal too? Even hard to pronounce words right the more I talk. Really weird.

[agilityme]

Hi Ann,

I have gone through this too. You're going to be fine. :) I had similar symptoms; fatigue, brain fog and anxiety. One day I noticed a lump in my throat that moved when I swallowed. It ended up being an enlarged thyroid and also a thyroid node. A fine needle biopsy showed that the node was benign. I ended up being diagnosed with Hashimotos. Eliminating gluten from my diet has allowed me to completely control my thyroid symptoms without medication. Now I just go in periodically to have the node checked.

Your endo will order a more complete thyroid panel and probably check your antibodies as well. If your tests come out showing you are "within normal range", ask your doc if he/she will prescribe a low dose of thyroid replacement hormones based on your symptoms. You could also try eliminating gluten from your diet. You'll know within a week or two if this works for you. My sister, who also has Hashimoto's, saw no change in her symptoms from going gluten free. But, she is able to control her symptoms with Armour and feels pretty good these days :)

Take care,
Pam

[anniepie1976]

Thank you for you reply. I initially had the ultrasound checking for nodes and that turned out fine. It's actual thyroid itself that is enlarged. I'm glad to hear the Endo will do a more thorough panel. Unfortunately this pushes back why I have been going to the ENT in the first place who discovered this feeling my neck. My tonsils are a mess and I have normal cultures, no fever. It hurts to swallow and it's so raw in there. ENT saw the rawness too. The swallowing issue is so bad I've been crying but even crying hurts my throat. I don't know how much longer I can take this. I'm pretty sure I have two things going on in there between the enlarged thyroid and the throat or tonsils itself. :-( I know with the thyroid I'm going to be ok but just don't understand why it's just enlarged thyroid and normal antibody test, no nodules. Not typical to what I've heard. My sister has thyroid issues as well (interesting the genetic factor we both have) but she is way worse off then I am. Thanks so much for replying. I want to gather as much info as I can. <3

[agilityme]

Hi Ann,

I have no idea about the sore throat part. That was never one of my symptoms. It sounds awful! Hope you are able to get in to see your endo soon and get to the bottom of this. Have you tried looking on any thyroid message boards?

Take care,
Pam