The drama continues

[JMamacita]

Last week I went to a endo that specializes in thyroid problems.  The problem I am having is that I have 5 nodules on my thyroid one is very large 4.5 cm others range between 2.2 and 1.2.  

This Dr. recommended me removing my thyroid, which I want but discredited everything I told him.  He said I could not be getting a lump in the throat sensation, choking, trouble breathing from a mass this size.  He also said that my symptom of fatigue, brain fog etc were not thyroid related since my bloodwork is normal and suggested that I might have depression.  I laughed at him and he got snippy with me.  I really don't understand how you can tell someone to get on an anti-depressant when you have asked them any psychological questions??  Anyway I determined he is not the doctor for me.  I felt like if I did let him take my thyroid out and had problems he would not believe them.

So this week my husband go me an appointment with a client of his that is an ENT.  He listened to me better and actually said that a 4.5cm mass could cause the physical symptoms I am having.  However, he doesn't want to remove my entire thyroid he wants to remove part (I have nodules on both sides) he is sending me for a CT Scan and radionucleide test and then wants to do a biopsy.  I just want the dang think cut out.  I have now basically lost my voice I sound like someone who smokes 5 packs a day and I can feel this mass getting bigger daily.

So my questions are:
1.)  Do I have to get a Dr. to refer me to a surgeon or can I just find a surgeon and proceed with getting this thing removed?  I have a family history of thyroid cancer and although I keep hearing it is slow growing we have lots of time I started this dang process back in March and here I am with no resolution and a thyroid growth that is getting bigger daily.

2.) what is a radionucleid scan?  Have you done one?  Was it worth that wait what information did you get from it?

[nissah46]

You are right to see an ENT for your thyroid.  Like you, I had 5 growths and the largest was 4.8 cm.  Even before the biopsy, I knew I was getting it all out because of the size of the tumors. My endo told me that multi nodule thyroids are almost always benign, so I hope that is the case with you.  My vocal cord was paralyzed during surgery, so I lost my voice for 6 weeks. Two parathyroids came out during surgery because they are very small and hard to distinguish from the thyrioid.  The two remaining parathyroids were "stunned" during surgery and have not resumed working, so I have to take 2000mg of calcium supplements daily. I know the feeling that you think it is growing by the day, but it actually is very slow growing normally.  Good luck.
Trish

[ChitChatNine]

I would do all of the above that your new ENT has suggested.  When it comes time for surgery ask lots of ?'s and go with a surgeon who has performed many of these bcz one slip and your vocal chords can be paralyzed for life.  It's tricky surgery..I think there are some links to finding a surgeon in the health pages on top of the page.

The scan will show hot or cold nodules and give a better idea what they may be coupled with CT Scan etc.

I had a 1.5cm growth above my thyroid inscision and I felt pressure on my trachea .. they were shocked it was so deep and nearly pressing on it ... so trust your instincts and stick around our community!!!!

WELCOME~!

C~
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