Is pain common for thyroid nodules?

[smalltownprncss]

Hello everyone!  I am new to the community, and am wondering if I'm the only person out there that has pain due to thyroiditis and nodules?  I discovered two nodules in my throat area and had my doctor examine them.  The one on the left side is quite tender, and I barely noticed the one on the right.  My  doctor decided that I should have an ultrasound done, and it was determined that I had two nodules 2 cm each.  From the ultrasound, the doctor could not determine if the nodules were solid or liquid, so he referred me to an Endo.  

I visited the Endo and she wanted me to do further tests, including blood tests and an Uptake scan.  She called me and told me that my blood tests came back ok, except for the Thyroid antibodies.  She then told me that I have autoimmune thyroiditis, but she didn't want to do anything further, until the results from the uptake scan came back.  I had the uptake scan, and was in excruciating pain in my neck, ear, jaw and throat.  I went to my regular doctor, and begged him for pain medication.  He said it appears I have a maxillary gland infection, and that it's all working together with the thyroiditis.

The endo called and gave me the results, and says that the scan did confirm the results from the ultrasound, that I have two nodules that are 2 cm each,  I go next week for the fine needle aspiration.

My question is...is it normal to experience such pain?  I generally have a high pain tolerance, but have not been able to be without pain medication and ibuprofen.  My regular doctor assures me that my thyroid is swollen and pushing things out of place, causing the pain.  My left ear feels like it's about to burst the ear drum.  The dr checked it, and it's fine.  My neck, jaw. and head hurt constantly.  I cannot function on pain meds and teach.  What can I do?

[smalltownprncss]

Thank you so much for your response.  :) I returned the endo and she decided not to do the biopsy due to the size of the thyroid.  She  said the  thyroid is actually pushing the carotid arteries out of place.  I then went  for a  CT scan, and was told by the dr that I  need to have a thyroidectomy since the thyroid extends three inches below the  clavicle.  I have an appt on Monday to see  the surgeon.  This has been quite an ordeal!  Thanks again for the help!

[blsdnsvd]

Normally nodules are painless but then again it can depend on the location..I had a multinodular goiter and I didn't have pain with the nodules but did feel uncomfortable due to the large goiter. Being that everything is connected, it's no wonder you feel pain in the other areas.

Once you have the biopsy, that wll determine the extent of treatment, if any. If pain persists and is caused by the nodules alone, you may consider opting for removal of the nodules.