Thyroid

[amy1706]

I am currently on thyroid medication. My levels in Dec. 09 were T4= 1.1 and TSH= 2.01. I recently noticed a small lump on my neck with a full feeling in my neck and head. My physician re-checked my levels and they are now at T4= 1.5 and TSH= .05. He seems to think it may be a localized infection and is treating me with antibiotics and steroids. I fear that I may be overmedicated (Levothyroxine). Any thoughts?

[Barb135]

First off, you don't say if that T4 is "free" or "total".  If your lab report doesn't specify "free" or FT4, then it's total, which is considered an obsolete test and is of very little use.  In addition, we would also need to know the reference range of the T4 so we can see where your levels fall within the range.  These ranges vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report.  If you don't have a copy of the report, your doctor is obliged to give you one, upon request.  

Since you are on thyroid med, it's not real unusual for TSH to be suppressed; however, it your T4 is high in the range, you may be over medicated.  

You need to have an ultra sound done to see what the lump is.  I have never heard of treating a lump like that with antibiotics and steroids.  Thinking you should be looking for another doctor............he should not "think" the lump on your neck is just an infection -- he needs to know for sure...........

[LovleyRobin]

Hi, I was originally diagnosed as bi-polar 6 years ago but i knew that wasnt right. unfortunately i did not have the reasources to prove them wrong until now. I have Hashimotos and I too am worried about being over medicated, I was diagnosed only 8 days ago by my my GP and Im on 150 Levothyroxine pills. I went for a second opinion  with an endo and she agreed, but im in search of a new doc. because she also said theres no need to do a FT3 test when your hypo only when your hyper, but the forum agrees that I do need this test.  I have a lump in my thorat that feels like im choking and i'm awaiting an ultrasound. I'm finding it very difficult to make speedy progress.  You never said how much Levothyroxine your taking? Did you do and ultrasound? I hope you recover soon. Best wishes=)

[amy1706]

He actually started me on the steroids after the TSH levels were low. He thinks the lump on my neck is just an infection that he is treating with the steroids and antibiotics. I just found it odd that the "full" feeling that I was having in my head and neck, along with the lump, had nothing to do with the really low TSH levels. I have no other symptoms of being sick (cold symptoms, etc....)

[rumpled]

Why are you on steroids? For what disorder? Steroids are not an appropriate treatment for thyroid - they would make you sick and would make your adrenals suppressed.

An infection is treated with antibiotics. Steroids suppress the immune system - in other words, you cannot fight an infection. If you tested your TSH after steroids, it was because the cortisol suppressed the TSH. The medications suppressed it.

You have to wean off the steroids - see another doctor, and get an ultrasound of your neck, tests for antibodies, and may need more or less medication, but not steroids unless you have a reason.