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What to do next?
I was diagnosed with and am being treated for hyperthyriodism. I've seen two specialists: One doctor wrote "Graves" in my chart, but never mentioned it to me. The other doctor I sought for a second opinion on treatment used the term "Hashimotos." WIth ultrasound visible nodules, some enlargement, and control with off again,on again use of Tapazole, I would like to know what I need to do next? I am concerned with the potential cancer factor - neither doctor has mentioned any possibility, but two people I know have had thyroid cancer. Between the ups and downs of the thyroid and accompanying weight issues, and my new issues with HRT because of a complete hysterectomy a year ago, I am very frustrated, and I feel bad most of the time. I wish I knew what to do to feel like "me" again. I would appreciate any input.
MedGirl28
MedGirl28
I feel exactly on what AR says. You have two different DX's.
The doctor that commented Graves........... did he take the testing further and get an uptake scan done of the thyroid to determine this?
And where's does the Hashi Dx come from with the other doctor?
Getting your blood tests will help. The TSI would have needed to be done for Graves and the TPO for Hashi.
I hate to say...... but some doctors will look at a TSH below the ranges and automatically Dx the autoimmune side prior to getting the proper tests to really determine it.
The doctor that commented Graves........... did he take the testing further and get an uptake scan done of the thyroid to determine this?
And where's does the Hashi Dx come from with the other doctor?
Getting your blood tests will help. The TSI would have needed to be done for Graves and the TPO for Hashi.
I hate to say...... but some doctors will look at a TSH below the ranges and automatically Dx the autoimmune side prior to getting the proper tests to really determine it.
Grave's and Hashimoto's are on opposite ends of the thyroid disease spectrum.
I would urge you to get complete medical records from both doctors (they are your records) and see what tests have been run. Look at the test results in relation to the lab ranges listed next to them.
"Within normal range" does not always mean there is not a problem.
See what thyroid antibody tests were run.
A TSI (thyroid stimuating Immunoglobulin) test is an antibody test that confirms Grave's disease.
TPOab and TGab are both antibody tests indicative of Hashimoto's, although either or both may be present if you have Grave's.
The on again/off again use of tapazole can help with Grave's or thyroiditis, if the the thyroiditis leads to toxicosis. It will help for short periods if you have a "hot nodule". So at this point you don't really have a diagnosis.
The ultrasound report should have mentioned any suspicious qualities of the nodules or the gland itself. If cancer was suspected, it should say so in terms that are obvious to the doctor, if not to you.
Since you have two conflicting diagnosis, and your treatment is not working, I think you need to take matters into your own hands by getting your records, figure out what they mean, and if you decide another doctor is the answer, get a third opinion.
I know that sounds intimidating, but it is your right to have copies of any test a doctor runs, and once you have your tests in hand, you can figure out what they are for and what they mean. At least one of your doctors is wrong, and you are not making progress, so you need to be better informed about exactly what has been tested and what the results mean.
I would urge you to get complete medical records from both doctors (they are your records) and see what tests have been run. Look at the test results in relation to the lab ranges listed next to them.
"Within normal range" does not always mean there is not a problem.
See what thyroid antibody tests were run.
A TSI (thyroid stimuating Immunoglobulin) test is an antibody test that confirms Grave's disease.
TPOab and TGab are both antibody tests indicative of Hashimoto's, although either or both may be present if you have Grave's.
The on again/off again use of tapazole can help with Grave's or thyroiditis, if the the thyroiditis leads to toxicosis. It will help for short periods if you have a "hot nodule". So at this point you don't really have a diagnosis.
The ultrasound report should have mentioned any suspicious qualities of the nodules or the gland itself. If cancer was suspected, it should say so in terms that are obvious to the doctor, if not to you.
Since you have two conflicting diagnosis, and your treatment is not working, I think you need to take matters into your own hands by getting your records, figure out what they mean, and if you decide another doctor is the answer, get a third opinion.
I know that sounds intimidating, but it is your right to have copies of any test a doctor runs, and once you have your tests in hand, you can figure out what they are for and what they mean. At least one of your doctors is wrong, and you are not making progress, so you need to be better informed about exactly what has been tested and what the results mean.
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