Thyroid

[Maryam Moussavi]

Hello Dr.

My father has recently become very weak and has lost his appetite. He is always cold and shivering and depressed.
He has undergone abdominal CTscan and endoscopy that showed no sign of a disease.  His blood tests indicate only an abnormal T4 of 3.3 and FTI of 0.9 (normal 1.1 to 4.5).  Could these be due to a thyroid problem?  Please help.

[HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf]

Dear Maryam,
Thyroid disease can cause wight loss, fatigue, cold intolerance. These symptoms are usually associated with substantial abnormalities of the thyroid.  Based on th einformation that you provided, it is difficult to provide any indication whether thyroid dysfunction is the cause of your fathers symptoms.

[to maryellen]

Maryellen,
  I was diagnosed with papillary microcarcinoma a little over five years ago.  Your history sounds very similar to mine.  Cancer was found only on biopsy after surgery, frozen section was fine.  I also had hurtle cells on both biopsys before surgery.  Had right lobe and isthmus removed only.  I have not had any problems and my endocrinologist does not anticipate any.  Actually, I have passed that magical five year mark and am now considered cured!  During those five years I had a few things pop up and was always checked for multiple endocine neoplasms, but nothing was ever linked to my thyroid cancer.  Hope this helps some.
cheryl

[Reply to Maryellen re: thyroid cancer]

Maryellen,
Please e-mail me privately regarding the papillary thyroid cancer.  I was diagnosed with this in August 1995.  I will provide you with any info you need on this (mailing list, website, personal info).
Christine

[To Maryellen Again!]

Ooops!  My e-mail address is ***@****

[Kimberly Clement]

I am not  a doctor but I can say that I too have hypothyroidism and have experienced the loss of appatite. I can't say for sure but there is a blood test the doctor can do, and put him on medication to help correct the symptoms. I know I am able to functio very normally on the medication. I wish you luck!

[Maryellen Sanislo]

I have been recently diagnosed with papillary microcarcinoma in my throid.  I had a multinodular goiter for 14 years which started during my second pregnancy.  Within the past year, I had constant inflamation in my throid and subclinical thyrotoxicosis.
Recently, I underwent a left lobe throidectomy and isthmusectomy.
The final pathology report resulted in the finding of papillary microcarcinoma and hurthle cell changes in the 3 adenomatous tumors.  The papillary microcarcinoma was adjacent to one of the nodules and some normal appearing thyroid tissue.  The was badly scarred inflamatory tissues and some calcium deposits.  How concerned should I be about this papillary cancer because I have had unexplained abdominal pain and swelling and now my doctor wants me to have a CAT scan of my abdomen and pelvis.

[Austin3kid]

I am not a doctor but I have Low Thyroid.  Take your dad to an ENDOCTRINOLIGIST  he is a specialist.  With blood test results like that seeing a specialist is a MUST try.