Parathyroid or thyroid disease?

[TamraW]

My doc found three nodules on an ultrasound. She will do a biopsy in a few weeks, but she thinks it's goiter. My neck is tender I think the nodules are pressing on a nerve, because pain/heat shoots through my body when I press on it.

Here's my question. Can thyroid problems/goiter cause symptoms of parathyroid disease? My parathyroid hormone varies weekly from a 40-71. My calcium varies from a 9.4-10.4. My vitamin D levels dropped to an 18, despite the fact that I live in a sunny city. D is back up, but I'm still sick with fatigue, migraines, neck pain, ear pain, GERD, heartburn, dry/peeling skin, kidney stones...

So do I have a combo of goiter and parathyroid disease, or something else?

Thanks!

[TamraW]

Ha! ha! You don't worry about what others think. It will all come around to them, too. I have gained 20 pounds this year, but I don't think it's thyroid. I think it is because I'm too weak to go to the gym, daily naps and I still consume the same calories.

I am going to have my doc look more into my parathyroid levels. The good news is that the world's leading parathyroid surgeon, Dr. Norman, emailed me back and told me to have my doctor contact him regarding my case. I'm very happy about that.

Good luck to you, Barb. BTW - Have you tried tai chi? I have been doing the videos, and it does make me feel better. Maybe it's all in my head, but I'll take what I can get.

T.

[Barb135]

I guess "what goes around, comes around", huh?? I never had a weight problem either until I got into my 30's and there would be times that I've now come to believe were periods of undiagnosed hypothyroidism - where I'd suddenly gain 10-15 pounds for "no reason"; then after a couple months or so, I'd suddenly drop it all again for "no reason".  I think now, during those times, I was going between hypO and hypER and no one bothered to test for thyroid issues.......  But then I might go along for several years with no problems at all and suddenly, I'd have that gain/lose cycle again.....  Then came the day when I had the "gain" --------- but the "lose" never followed.  Oops!!  

And I, too, used to think it was a big joke when people blamed their weight on thyroid - boy, did THAT mistake ever "come home to roost"!!!!!!  Now I can imagine people looking at ME, wondering why I don't push away from the table a bit sooner.... it's a horrible thought and I'm so sorry that I ever doubted how it could happen....  I'm certainly a believer now....  

[TamraW]

Thanks, Barb!  Yes, the nodules are on the thyroid, but one might be a parathyroid. She's not sure yet. My urologist called me yesterday and told me the kidney stone is the same one from last year, and it is still small, so I guess I've only had one this whole time.

My endo thinks it might be goiter. I've been reading about goiter and I realized this pain behind my eyes and dryness might be related. I thought it was bad sinuses. Some days, it feels like I've been punched in the eyes.

I hope all is well with you. I read about your weight problem. I've always been healthy and in control of my body. When I was younger, I used to laugh at people who blamed their weight gain on their thyroids. Now, I think karma is teaching me a lesson.

T.

[Barb135]

Check with your doctor. There COULD be a combination of both, since you have the funky PTH and calcium levels, kidney stones etc.  What does you doctor think?  Are  the nodules on your thyroid?  

The fatigue, neck/ear pain, GERD, dry skin, etc are also symptoms of thyroid issues.  I find that touching my neck anywhere in the thyroid area causes pain, so I even try not to touch it when I'm putting on lotion, etc.