Thyroid Goiters

[MelissaEpiphany]

I'm 20 years old and go to college, I'm in my second year. Last April, I started to feel extremely tired all the time, the second I would sit down on a bed or couch I would fall asleep. I also ate all the time, but I lost 10 pounds. I went from 141, to 131, I'm 5'7" I figured I was just tired from exams and by the time I was done I'd feel better. But I went home for the summer and kept the weight off while eating all the time and stay extremely tired still. I was sick once with a flu and had to go to the hospital and had a follow up with my doctor and I found out I have tachycardia. At the same time I found out I have multiple goiters on my thyroid. We did blood tests and an ultrasound for that. I thought for sure my thyroid would be over active but the hormones were completely normal. But I asked my doctor why I would still be soo tired and losing weight. She thought my thyroid was once inflamed and I had a rush of hormones that made me lose the weight and feel so tired. She has referred me to an endocrinologist. It's not August and I still don't have an appt. I realize it takes a long time to get one, but she said it could take two years to get in to this one because I'm not high on the priority list. She said I could get in to one in the city a little quicker if I wanted too. I still have these symptoms where I am excessively tired even when I sleep 10-11 hours at night, and have had them all summer. I eat all the time and don't gain back my weight. I'm actually getting really sick of being so tired all the time. People are telling me lately how tired I look and I am, but I don't want to look that way. Is it normal for me to have goiters at only 20? and would it be a good idea to see an endocrinologist sooner than 2 years? Do goiters grow indefinitely? Thanks so much.

Melissa

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Would recommend getting into someone for the goiter -- if the thyroid blood tests are normal though, then the other symptoms are not likely thyroid related (even if you have goiter).  However the goiter needs to be evaluated for possible biopsy, etc to rule out cancer and to make sure it is not pressing on other areas of the neck.

[MelissaEpiphany]

A related discussion, Pheochromocytoma was started.

[MelissaEpiphany]

A related discussion, Endocrinologist Appointment was started.

[MelissaEpiphany]

Thank you abby84. I hope everything goes well for you. I am getting in to my specialst November 25th so I am very anxious! I am feeling the same symptoms.. no more weight loss but have kept the 10 pounds off with a little fluctuation of course. Very anxious to finally get looked at.

[abby84]

Good luck I am going in this week for the same issues. I am going to see a surgeon for a biopsy. I also, have a goiter and people tell me I look tired all the time too. I feel tired even when I get plenty of rest. I am taking B-12 vitamin shots now every 2 weeks it is helping some. You are very young but hang in there. Also remember while you are in school stress, running class to class and studing can make you more tired.  


                                               from Abby 84

[MelissaEpiphany]

Hey again everyone,

          Well I got referred to a different endocrinologist in the city. My appointment date is November 25th! So I'm very excited! I don't have to wait 8 months to 2 years!

[MelissaEpiphany]

Hey everyone,

      I am trying to get in to my doctor again to get re-assesed to see if I can get higher on the waiting list. Lately also my hair has been coming out a lot more than usual, and of course I'm overwhelmingly tired and that does not help with going to school at the same time. I also feel like I think slower mentally, it takes me longer to process things and I can't stand it. It's really frustrating and I just want to finally know what's going on!

[thetasigma]

1st welcome, I know sometimes it takes couarge just to post here for the 1st time. I was browsing here & found your question.

From my understanding of goiters, (limited as it is) they do grow, but very, very slowly & many Docs do not treat unless they interfere w/breathing or swallowing, cause unsightly issues or suspect cancer. I, however, feel it's important for you to feel at ease and comfortable w/whats going on w/your body. You can always go to another Doctor for a 2nd opinion, or try to schedule an appointment w/a different endocrinologist to get in sooner.

Either way, if you are sick & tired of feeling...well.. sick & tired, keep pressing the issue w/your doctors....sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  Hope all goes well & good luck.

[Super_sally888]

Hi Melissa,

You need to get seen as soon as possible.  They should be doing some further investigation of the goiter (probably repeat ultrasound, biopsy, further thyroid hormone testing), and a general workup. Your symptoms and weight loss, even at your age, should be of concern and should be addressed, not in two years.

Ask your doctor to refer you to someone else who you can see in the next days/weeks.  If she refuses, go see another doctor.  Please let us know how you go.