I'm not always on the forum, but someone here can help you. You can also feel free to message me. Just remember to get the antibodies tested.
And by the way, if you look over your TSH results, keep in mind the reference range of 0.5-4.5 is obsolete. My TSH was a 2.74. Supposedly normal by my first three endos. My new endo says a healthy thyroid TSH averages 1.1.
I finally demanded the antibody tests and though my TGab was normal, my TPO was a 221 (ref range > 35). So finally I had my Hashi diagnosis and the answer to all my health problems. I don't have a big goiter. I had nodules that hurt in the way you described. They have shrunk thanks to the thyroid hormone. My isthmus is what chokes me sometimes. It is over 2 X the normal size.
Best of luck!
:) Tamra
Thank you so much for responding so quickly! As far as I can remember, she tested for TSH and TSH Progressive and did a CBC Differential I guess to rule out infection??
I wasn't aware that people have what seems to be a common thread between diagnosing these conditions...Doctors that don't do the proper testing and frustration that is felt by all of us! I have dealt with my family doctor in situations that have had us locking horns before but the difference now is that she knows that I am not going to give up without a good fight!
When I get my results I will contact you if that is alright with you and perhaps you and other's on this site will be able to help me through this?
Again, thank you for contacting me so quickly and I will be in touch!
Rena705
I'm sure you've found out through experience not enough doctors know how to accurately diagnose and treat auto-immune diseases. You could very well have Hashi as sometimes these auto-immunities run together.
Ask for a TGab and TPOab antibody test to determine if you have Hashimoto's antibodies attacking the thyroid. Next, ask for a FreeT4 and FreeT3 test to determine your current thyroid levels. Some docs only test TSH for thyroid. Wrong! TSH is a pituitary hormone. Mine was never above the magic number, so it took a while to get my Hashi diagnosis. I would not let a doctor tell you your thyroid is fine unless you get ALL the tests, and the ultrasound of the thyroid.
Here's the site where I found my endo. Call the nurse and ask if the endo treats the Frees, not just TSH.
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/
People with low thyroid can also have adrenal problems, so if you do have Hashimoto's, then I suggest getting those adrenals checked.
Take care...
:) Tamra