Recently diagnosed multinodule thyroid

[beckerboo]

I was recently diagnosed with multinodule thyroid (goiter).  Thyroid levels appear to be within normal range (T4 is 11 and TSH is 1.0), but everything else is out of whack.  Had a hard time swallowing and felt like I was choking.  Doctor found one large cyst (4 cm) and about 20 nodules on right lobe, largest being about 1 cm.  Drained the cyst last week, however filling up again fast.  Problem is, regular doctor doesn't believe me when I say I'm choking or always swallowing air.  Am trying to get a referral to endocrinologist and doctor is dragging feet.  Help!  Does this sound right to anyone else?

[GravesLady]

Get the referral as fast as you can.  Don't let your present doc yank you around! Be firm and demand the referral, no ifs ands or buts! Its your body, your money and your life!

Chocking and the feeling of swallowing air is classic to thyroid nodule/goiter.  You need it checked out with a ultrasound/scan and possible fine needle bypass to eliminate cancer.



Keep us update and Good Luck!

[utahmomma]

Please, please find an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid conditions (many only deal with diabetes) and get in to see him/her ASAP.  Most thyroid nodules come with NO symptoms and no lab abnormalities.  A 4cm nodule is very large and falls into the area most endocrinologists would recommend removing.  Having 20 nodules on the other side is worrisome too.  Please find a good endo and have a thyroid ultrasound run ASAP.  I'm not trying to frighten you but just the size of the one nodule and the impairment you are feeling with swallowing is cause for your doctors to be taking this seriously.



If it is your insurance company who requires the referral and your doctor is still dragging his feet, please call a patient advocate at the insurance company and explain your situation.  If your insurance company doesn't require a referral but you don't know where to start looking for a good endo, contact your hospital for a list of endos who work with thyroid conditions.



Meanwhile here is some information that may be helpful for you to understand your condition and, perhaps, you may wish to share with your doctor.



http://www.endocrineweb.com/

http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/



Many of us here have experienced a doctor or two (or more) who doesn't take our situations seriously.  Don't be afraid to fire your doctor and find a new one - it is your health and your life and you deserve someone who will take it seriously.



Luckily my regular doctor humored me when a small (4mm) nodule was accidentally found on an unrelated CT scan.  He went along with me when I wanted an ultrasound and after discussing the results with him (small complex nodule) and telling him that I wanted to be aggressive and just have it removed, he gave me the name of a wonderful surgeon.  I'm glad I followed my gut because it was papillary carcinoma - then it was found in 3/4 of my sisters too.  Follow your gut instinct and don't let a silly doctor stand in the way of your health!  

[venora]

here here I echo everything.Get doc who will be a partner with you and fast. Good luck and keep posting how it goes.

Love Venora

[beckerboo]

Thank you to all who have posted.  I just got off the phone with doctor's office and we are in the process of scheduling appointment with endocrinologist.  It's just hard because I've had my doctor for over 20 years, but recently he seems to think symptoms are in my head.  I WILL follow through with this!

[utahmomma]

Way to go!  It is hard to let go of a doctor you've had most of your life but sometimes (like this, perhaps) it can be a life-saving decision.



I hope that your cyst and nodules are nothing more than a fun story to tell everyone later but you'll rest much better knowing for sure what is living in your thyroid!  Please keep us posted!

[ChitChatNIne]

I agree .. trust your instincts.  My first surgeon downplayed my pathology report and wanted me to wait it out 6 mos for another biopsy and brushed me off while my 2nd surgeon (the one I am going with) even did a scope down my nose to view my vocal cords and make sure there was no compression or any signs of anything internally going on from my medium sized nodule!!!!  Mine is 1.7cm's and he wanted to be certain it was ok to wait for my surgical date of 1/9 which at that time was 6 weeks away, etc.  The scope was A-OK and all is set to remove the suspicious node.



GET ANOTHER OPINION and keep searching until you are listened too!!!  What a shame .. this first Dr. I'd write off for certain,



Cheryl

[Aishanna]

I have just got back from an ultrasound appointment to find out how big and how many nodules I have. I have 6 total with one being 2cm I also have hoarseness and an enlarged gland in my throat which are symptoms of Anaplastic cancer. I know that only 1% of all thyroid cancer is anaplastic and I really don't want to be a hypochondriac but I'm kinda freaking out. I also have most of the symptoms for hypo thyroidism and I really don't know what to think. Please any words of wisdom would be appreciated.