Should I have antibodies tested in addition to upcoming FNA biopsy?

[Pedromeda]

Recently, I had thyroid US. Here are the results:
FINDINGS:  The right lobe measures 4.4 x 1.7 x 2.2cm.  The right lobe is diffusely heterogeneous with numerous cysts seen throughout it.  The cysts mesure 1-3mm.  Isthmus appears normal measuring 2.6mm.  The left lobe measures 1.55 x 4.45 x 1.45cm.  There is a hypoechoic nodule superiorly measuring 11 x 6 x 5 mm.  There is a small cyst measuring 2mm.  There is a hypoechoic nodule medially measuring 3mm.
IMPRESSION:  Overall heterogeneity of the thyroid with numerous cysts throughout the right lobe, small non-specific nodules of th left lobe and a solid hypoechoic nodule of the left lobe as described above.

Has anyone had "NUMEROUS cysts" in a  lobe, and should I have thyroid blood testing?

[Pedromeda]

How do you treat your Hoshimoto's?

[TamraW]

Hashi causes the nodules. From my understanding, the thyroid and the antibodies are fighting and the nodules are bursts from the attack.

:) Tamra

[Pedromeda]

WOW!  I've had or have almost all of those same symptoms.  Thank you again for your answer and for being so thorough.  I really appreciate it.
I don't understand what comes first, the nodules/cysts or Hashis?
If Hashis comes first, then do the thyroid nodules &/or cysts effect thyroid hormone production?

[TamraW]

Hashis get the hyper/hypo mix in the early stages (first few years) of the disease.

I would be hypo one week and hyper the next. Here were my symptoms last spring which are much improved since taking my thyroid hormone replacement:

These symptoms slowly appeared and worsened after birthing an infant (who was also premature) and they present themselves more strongly alongside sporadic bouts of diarrhea:
Mild weight gain even while dieting
Extreme fatigue/napping
GERD/Heartburn/chest pain
Mostly constipation mixed with diarrhea
Depression/anxiety/forgetfulness/brain fog
Abdomen swells for no apparent reason
Neck/jaw pain/swelling/pressure
Scratchy voice
Migraines, dizziness and back of neck/head pain
Very cold feet and hands and sometimes a feeling like ants are biting my feet
Endometriosis (2 years ago – cured after one year of birth control)
Irregular/heavy periods and menstrual-like cramping in between periods
Ear pressure/pain
Voice is sometimes hoarse
Knee/joint pains – finger swelling and pain
Rash or scaly skin on neck, head, chest, chin, nose, right armpit down to waist
Dry eyes and sometimes soreness
Occasionally I have a mild hot flashes or chills
Night throbbing/pounding in ears that wakes me
Toe nails feel painful and brittle
Muscles in legs sometimes go wobbly and weak when I am standing
Tingling feet/hands/lips
Body temp ranges 97-97.5
Hair clumps in shower
Shaky hands
Blood pressure changing
Feeling like heart is beating fast

If you live in the states, this site recommends good thyroid doctors state-by-state:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/

Take care...
:) Tamra

[Pedromeda]

Thank you for your response.  It's very helpful to me.  Yes, I do have symptoms, but they seem to be mixed, some hypo- & some hyper- thryoid characteristics, i.e. weight gain, anxiety, fatigue, frequent bowel movements, inability to focus/concentrate, can't remember squat, anxiety, intolerance to heat, itchy skin, brachycardia, shortness of breath, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, palpitations, muscle stiffness and joint pain.
I also take Estrogen because I had a radical hysterectomy/oophorectomy 6 years ago for early invasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix.  So, I'm not sure how much of this might be related to thyroid and how much might be (surgical) menopause.

How does Hashimoto's effect you?

Should I try and find an Endocrinologist

[stella5349]

absolutely!!!

Get all the testing above.

[TamraW]

Yes, I have numerous nodules caused by Hashimoto's. Do you have any symptoms, tired, constipated, fatigue or maybe restless, diarrhea, anxiety, unable to sleep and weight issues - losing or gaining?

Here are the tests you will need:
TSH
FT3
FT4
Antibody tests:
TGab
Anti-TPO

If  you do have Hashimoto's, like I do, some doctors do the wait and see approach, but I would demand treatment. Research has shown that treating the disease will stop progression.

:) Tamra