Sleep Apnea or Thyroid Problem

[SandyES00]

I have been experiencing extreme fatigue for some time now along with dizziness and sensitivity to cold.  I've had my TSH and T4 tested and doctors all said it was "normal," but I still feel there is something wrong.  Another doctor had me do an at home sleep study to test for sleep apnea and has now ordered a CPAP titration because I guess he thinks I have it.  The thing is, i dont have any of the risk factors for it.  I am 26 years old, 5'9" and weigh 140 pounds.  I'm worried that this "sleep apnea" could be caused by an enlarged thyroid or worse thyroid cancer.  Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[pepahs]

What made the doc think you have thyroid cancer?  Was it the nodules?  Is it stadard procedure to do a biopsy on nodules?  I have 2 but no one has mentioned doing a biopsy, they just check it twice a year with an ultrasound. Recenlty my neck has gotten bigger, the lower part and the sides--right where the thyroid gland is.  The PA yesterday even said it was noticabley bigger but when the endo came in he said I just have heartburn--go figure, eh?  Apparently heartburn, even when you don;t really have it, makes you neck swell OMG!  I sleep on my side, always have.  It kinda stuck with me from my pregnancies.  When I do occasionaly roll on my back I wake up from the choking feeling.  The sleep study showed no apnea but that I do wake up a lot during the night.  Hope everything turns out OK from your biopsy.  Let me know how it goes.  

[pepahs]

My PCP sent me to the endo.  He is the one who want to continue to wait on any treatment.  My PCP found nodules on my thyroid in 06 and sent me for an ultrasound.  I have an ultrasound every 6 months.  Only recently my thyroid swelled.  I can feel it.  The lower part of my neck and the sides are obviously bigger.  Endo yesterday said i was just having heartburn and that is why I was having trouble breathing and swallowing.  Once again I left his office frustrated and almost in tears.  Not once has he suggested a MRI or CT of my throat.  I posted my lab results yesterday under Labs/Symptoms headline.  

[tampatorment]

I have mild sleep apnea and its not a big person thing. i as well am average size and have it. it can be do to your anatomy in your mouth and throte. try sleeping on your side or stomach it helps and this could be the reason for your fatigue and dizziness. as for the thyroid, i have nodules and am curently under going biopsy for poss. thyroid cancer. its scary cause my blood works normal as well...if you are afraid ask youor pcp for a reff. to a endo and get a US of your neck then you should know. God bless and good luck. let me know how it goes.

[SandyES00]

Are you going to an endocrinologist?  I think GP's go strictly by the numbers, but endos are a bit more flexible and consider symptoms more, at least I hope.  I'm going to see one in a couple weeks, but I wish it was sooner so I could just get this figured out.  Are you able to tell if your own thyroid is enlarged?

[SandyES00]

I have had my TSH checked twice; once in late 2007 when it was only slightly above 3 (which is only slightly high by the most cautious ranges) and another time late 2008 and it was only a little above 2 which is supposedly normal.  I had a Free T4 of 1.4.  I have yet to have the full run of tests though.  I'm going to ask my doctor to do everything, TSH, Free T4, Free T3, antibodies, B12 and calcium.  I haven't had either a CT scan or MRI of my neck.  I even had my deviated septum fixed (and that was even way before the sleep study), but to no avail.

[Totie]

Have either of you guys had a ct scan or mri of your neck? I would think if something feels like it is blocking your breathing then they would at least do those to rule out anything enlarged in that area.

[pepahs]

I have the same problem but I also have weight gain that will not go away.  I have never been overweight so this is frustrating.  They had me do a sleep study because of fatigue also which came back no apnea but I was waking up a lot.  My thyroid is enlarged just went back to the doc today.  I have been having a hard time swallowing recently and when I lay on my back my breathing gets funny sounding.  He is saying I have heartburn..... WTF!  He is continuing to wait on any treatment which is also frustrating.  Also note that "normal" does not fit everyone.  If you have the symptoms they should really listen, especially if you are a high normal or a low normal.  Good luck.  If you think about it let me know what they tell you.

[FTB4]

Thyroid problems do cause sleep apnea due to an enlarged thyroid restricting the airway, your other symptoms could be related also, if you have or can obtain your lab results, post them here and some one will explain them to you. Good Luck FTB4