Advise needed - Thyroid Testing

[RADIOFLYER]

I have recently been running the medical gauntlet.

Symptoms:
Rapid weight loss - 75 lbs in 5 months - normal dietary intake
Hair loss
Extreme sweating episodes
Fatiuge

Radiology has determined that I have 6 nodules:
normal gland size
rt. lobe findings - all solid nodules
13X10mm mid to upper pole - isoechoic and well defined margins (hot nodule)
16X14 mm mid lobe - isoechoic and well defined margins
12X9 mm lower pole -  hypoechoic and heterogenous
lt. lobe findings - all solid nodules
18X15mm mid to upper pole laterally - hypoechoic and well defined margins
10X7 mm lower pole medially - hypoechoic and well defined margins
16X3 mm lower pole -  hypoechoic and well defined margins (hot nodule)

TSH has dropped 50% in three weeks (now at the lower limit of normal range) - two blood test completed
TSI is above normal with second series of blood work - hyperactive 1.6 )(1.3 upper range)

Q: Should I be proactivly requesting FNA?
Q: What is the preferred treatment or additional testing required given the preceding information?
Q: Is a wait and see approach advisable or recommended - 6 to 8 month time frame for re-evaluation?

[ChitChatNine]

Do your sisters live close enough to visit their Endo maybe? It may be a jump start for at least getting an FNA done and then followup with the one closer to home with the 3 mos wait?

C~

[RADIOFLYER]

Thank you!  I appreciate the responses, It seems that Thyroid disorders are quite vauge.  I have a sister with Graves, another with Hashi's and I seem to have a mix (lumps and hyper)....lucky me.  Unfortunatley, a proper diagnosis would be my first order of business.  I can deal if I have factual information and terminology that I can research and make a proper decision for a course of action....call me a bit of a book worm.

I feel for anyone who has this issue, it seems that finding the right doctor is the most important action.  What has happened to our health care system in the USA?  It's really quite scary (even with excellent insurance coverage to cover the tab).  I just know that
if I preformed this way on the job that I am at....I would not be working there for very long.

Anyway, thanks for the insights....I appreciate all feedback!

I will keep everyone updated!

[blksapphire]

Stop,
Do not belive that foolishness.  I was told it was menopause too.  Actually, I was first told that it was nothing.  I kept telling my doctor that something was wrong with my body and that something didnt feel right.  I gained about 60 pounds in 4 months.  I was told to exercise more.  I made my pcp go through my report and he saw that I had never gain and loss more than 5 pounds in an eight year period of time.   This prompt him to say ok something is wrong, but all the blood work kept coming back normal.

Anyway, I just happened to go in for a normal routine check-up and wala... my tsh was 0.06 and then all hyperhell broke loose.    Even then the endo dr tried to say menopause.  I had to look him in face and say do NOT play with my life.  

Do not listen to that foolishness.  you have too many nodules to wait.  I did not have a TT but I have hot nodules and had to RAI treatment.  

Stay tuned to this site, there is a lot of information here.
We are here for you and with you.
Hope this info helps.

Terri

[RADIOFLYER]

I wanted to say thanks for the responses....I had previously gone to an Endo two weeks ago and spent last week feeling like I had been given the Bum's Rush on the subject.  I had requested a FNA due to language used in the radiology reports, However, the Endo was leaving town to go back to his main hospital of practice (world class facility).  His response was to wait until he returns back in eight months for his next winter vacation (I live in a sunshine state) for a follow up and possible FNA.

In short...the medical responses have evolved from this....you have menopause (voice message on my home answering machine from primary...(I have stopped having menstrual cycles....when the hair loss started)...to the radiologist calling to schedule new test ASAP (where was my primary doc in this?)....to endo leaving town and telling me to wait eight months.

Again, thanks....I think it is time for a new endo (currently there is a 3 month wait time to call for a possible appointment opportunity).  If anyone can add additional research links, it would be greatly appreciated.

[ChitChatNine]

I agree with Stella .. they are of a size to get an FNA done on .. definitely do that and proceed from there but sounds like there are so many of them you will probably need a TT ... I wouldn't be so quick to take the wait and see approach .. FNA is totally appropriate to demand at this juncture.

Cheryl

[stella5349]

A: Yes definately get the FNA if they will not consider surgery without one.

A: You need to get the nodules taking out - most likey a total TT I do not see the need for additional test.

A: I don't like seeing your report on the nodules and taking the wait and see approach I would start looking for a skilled ENTsurgeon that does this thype of surgery often.

Your nodules do not look as though the wair and see approach is a good choice. CAll you physician.

Check out your report and compare this to this link. www.about.com

Use search key bar and type thyroid nodule and read about your condition.  

[RADIOFLYER]

Typing Error

Correction = 16X13 mm lower pole -  hypoechoic and well defined margins (hot nodule)