Anyone with Thyroid problems?

[Rose]

Dear all - I've recently had a scan which found that my thyroid is enlarged with several nodules.  I had a scan today which has revealed the nodules are 'hot' and 'cold' and am due to see my doctor in a few days. 

I'd be really interested to hear from anyone living in France that has thyroid problems who could offer me any advise or make any suggestions as to what kind of questions I should be asking.  I've read lots on the internet which of course causes me a few worries and I'm wondering if I will need to have my thyroid removed and what the implications of this will be... luckily my doctor speaks english and my french is holding up (just) at the hospital but as this is all very new to me any information would be very welcome

many thanks [kiss]

[5-element]

[quote user="Rose"]

Dear all - I've recently had a scan which found that my thyroid is enlarged with several nodules.  I had a scan today which has revealed the nodules are 'hot' and 'cold' and am due to see my doctor in a few days. 

I'd be really interested to hear from anyone living in France that has thyroid problems who could offer me any advise or make any suggestions as to what kind of questions I should be asking.  I've read lots on the internet which of course causes me a few worries and I'm wondering if I will need to have my thyroid removed and what the implications of this will be... luckily my doctor speaks english and my french is holding up (just) at the hospital but as this is all very new to me any information would be very welcome

many thanks [kiss]

[/quote]

Rose - it may be difficult to generalise, as you don't mention if your thyroid function has been affected, and full diagnosis usually can be done only with a biopsy (in any case that is how it was 20 years ago). All I can do is tell you of my own experience: I had developed a cold nodule and was advised to have it removed as only a biopsy could determine if the nodule was benign (as is most likely). Well it was benign and did not interfere with thyroid function. The whole lobe of the thyroid was removed, as well as the isthmus (the little bridge between the 2 lobes). I have never had to take any thyroid replacement therapy since then, and the missing lobe has never affected me at all (the other lobe took over - in any case it already had even before the surgery, since the diseased lobe was necrosed and had ceased to function).

 

I imagine that some questions you want to ask might be "is it benign?", "do I need surgery?" and "will I need TRT afterwards?"

[Polly]

Hi Rose

Sorry to hear of your problems. It's difficult to say much until you have the full verdict from your medics

All I would say is if you have to have all or part of your thyroid removed it's not too traumatic, and if you need thyroid replacement therapy afterwards (as I do, for life, and I had the op when I was 19) French GPs are generally clued up.

[Swissie]

A friend of mine had part of her thyroid removed 3 years ago, and is now on Thyroxine- and perfectly fine. She was always very thin and realises now that she must have had an over-active thyroid for a long time. She was clearly distressed when diagnosed - and had read all sorts of horror stories on the net - which made matters worse. The internet can be a wonderful tool - but is also full of rubbish. I wish you the very very best Rose. The medics will probably try to  stabilise your thyroid function, perhaps with iodine or other drugs before operating. Problem is, that each case is unique, depends on age, medical and family history, weight, smoking, and a whole array of other factors - so it is VERY difficult to comment. Please tell us how you get on.

[Rose]

Thank you all for your replies... it is true how the internet can help but also scare the pants off you... I've had under-active symptoms for years but blood tests always came back fine so have learned to deal with the symptoms and assumed everyone felt the same.  My mum had her thyroid removed when I was very very young and she's no longer with us so I dont know why... It's good to hear positive feedback, it helps put things in perspective for me!

I'll wait to see what the Doc says on monday and also the specialist in a couple of weeks... just wish it would all dissapear... that would be a great outcome :)

thanks though lovely folks xx

[NickP]

Rose have sent you a PM

[suej]

 

Rose even if you do end up needing a thyroid operation please try not to worry too much!

I didn't realise I had a problem until three years ago when a blood test showed that there was something amiss. My doctor sent me for an echography-thingy that afternoon and I was stunned when they told me my thyroid was enlarged,  had numerous nodules and I had a goitre which was not  visible on my neck because the darn thing was growing inwards and downwards and pressing on my windpipe and I would have to have an operation.  I was gobsmacked, and scared stiff.

I then had a scan (and was given a file containing all the images of the thyroid etc to bring home- still too squeamish to look at it!) I very soon saw an endocrinologue who did some little 'ponction' biopsy things- funny sensation but does NOT hurt and he kept talking and reassuring the very nervous me.  Very  soon after I had a second appointment with him to say that no sign of malignant cells had shown up at that stage but that I would need to have the thyroid removed because of the size of the goitre.( I felt like the woman with the biggest aspidistra in the world...)

I saw a surgeon who was kind, calm and reassuring and I was then asked to choose which date would suit me!!

Rose I really am the biggest scaredy-baby in the world but honestly I was amazed at how easy everyone made it for me. I was in hospital four days where everything went well , no real pain to be felt because they put a little pain-killer drip thing in the back of my hand- I'm still amazed at how simple it all was and I had been so so anxious.

I have to take Levothyrox every day but my doc seemed to find the correct dosage for me very quickly. I feel great, and very grateful to them all too.

I have put on  a bit of weight since I've been taking the thyriod replacement tablets which niggles me- but maybe I'd have been putting weight on anyway- I like recipes and cooking and eating etc.

I hope all this isn't too much information! But I know how worried I was and I really just want to put your mind at rest...

Good positive info and support at forum of Vivre sans thyroîde.fr website, in french but also some English  cos the forum is well followed in Québec.

Also Thyroid-Disease.org.uk worth a look.

Personally I found forums less scary than just information sites...... Also bear in mind that most thyroid patients are so busy being well and getting on with life that we don't hear about them!

Good luck.

[WendyG]

I was diagnosed with a thyroid problem in 1972. I was put on Thyroxine and have been on it ever since, even during pregnancy.

My mother and her sisters all had thyroid problems, some had an op, others only needed replacement thyroxine.

Nowadays very easy to sort and usually nothing to worry about.

Good luck

WendyG

[Clair]

I had surgery 3 years ago for a total removal.

I was very quick, easy, almost painless and I have had no problem since.

More details by PM if you wish...

[Rose]

Ladies again thank you - it is relief to hear it's not all doom and gloom and that if I do have to have it removed things can go back to normal... my situation is much like your's sue, where my thyroid is growing inwards onto my windpipe... and all of your messages have helped a lot.  I see my doctor tomorrow and am kind of dreading him saying about a biopsy but from what you've all said it sounds as though it's not going to be a problem.  And it's also good to know that even without a thyroid you all manage quite happily! 

Good to hear French doctors are so switched on... I have to say that so far my doctor has been great and in the hosptial they were brilliant and all the appointments have been very quick.

I'll know where to come if I have any more questions - thank you all so much! [kiss]

[suzy]

Rose, if you are going to search the internet for health related issues go here

www.library.nhs.uk

You can use the search box just like Google, but it will only retrieve good quality evidence based information.  You can pm me if you want a guide how to use it !!!

Sue

[bubbles]

I've bookmarked that too for future reference.

It'll stop OH reading all sorts of nonsense on the web.

Perhaps you could give us all a few hints on how best to use it.

And thanks.

[suzy]

Bubbles, I've e-mailed you.  I can't post it as some of it's password protected, but happy to give details to individuals.

Best wishes,

Sue

[Mr Wiggy]

Hi Rose.

 

It is not just the female gender that can suffers with a thyroid problem, I suffered with an over active Thyroid problem some years ago, but must stress that this was in the UK.

What happened in my case was that I woke one morning to find that my whole body, arms, torso and legs had ballooned; I went straight to see my doctor who told me in no uncertain terms, go home and pack for a stay in hospital, and he would inform them of my status and time of arrival.

After several tests I was then put on a course of medication which included Beta Blockers and Warfarin, (rat poison).

I was in hospital for two weeks and after that had to return for regular check ups for 2 years until I was given the all clear.

 

On the lighter side of all this was whilst I was in hospital I did get a visit by a senior member of the management from where I worked, his comment was:

 “Why the bloody hell can’t the rest of your body be as Hyper active so we can get some work out of you.”

Fortunately, I have not suffered any further problems since.

 

I do hope things go well for you; you certainly are in very good hands.

[hamrinton]

Natural cures for thyroid problems appear in the anatomy of supplements.

These supplements are accessible in two forms: whole-natural or

synthetic. For a lot of thyroid sufferers, it's bigger to use

whole-natural cures for thyroid problems for several reasons. First,

constructed supplements about alone accept one of the all-important

thyroid hormones (typically T3 or T4). Whole-natural supplements will

accept a broader ambit (as abundant as T1, T2, T3, and T4). Secondly,

constructed supplements accept inconsistencies in their dosage admitting

accustomed supplements are constant because they're fabricated by

attributes herself. Lastly, if all costs are factored in (doctor visit,

allowance co-pay, prescription, etc), accustomed cures for thyroid

problems amount less.

[Pommier]

Is that right?

I think I'll carry on taking what the doctor prescribes, together with the blood tests he sends me for.

[hamrinton]

It is true but,It would always be better to follow the instructions of the specialist. As the answer given over here are in general means.

[Frederick]

My wife had her thyroid removed 20 years ago.. The British Thyroid Foundation she is a member of ...Their site is www.btf-thyroid.org ...They are based at 2nd Floor Devonshire Place Harrogate North Yorkshire HG1 44 AA. Tel 01423 709707.10am to 2pm They have helplines . Their publicaation has in it all the information you are likelly to seek and also information on current research . Good luck............http://http://www.btf-thyroid.org/

[Rose]

Hello and thank you for the further posts and information, it is really helpful as I feel I have a sharp learning curve coming over blood counts and medication. 

Since I last posted I've been told that my thyroid has to go... I'm due to see a surgeon in Bergerac soon and I think I will be thyroid-less within two months... it's a bit of a surprise but explains a lot... just hope that the op goes well and I can get the medication sorted quickly and easily! 

thanks again x

[Richard51]

Another one to the 'don't worry brigade'.  I was diagnosed with thyroid disease 17 years ago and have been on full replacement therapy since then without any problems.  When I was diagnosed my blood results for T4 and TSH were so bad they were off scale.  In fact, I was so ill they nearly sectioned me (the so called myxoedema madness)!  I was 31 when diagnosed with Hashimoto's (auto-immune thyroid) disease. Once I was diagnosed and on treatment I was feeling ok within weeks. I now have an annual blood test and a few pills a day and feel great...

Re the alternative therapy post - treating under-active (or non functioning / non existent) thyroid is one of the easiest conditions to treat and generic thyroxine is one of the cheapest medications.

Mrs R51

[mint]

Good Luck, Rose![kiss]

[Polly]

Rose, you may want to sort out some soft little scarves for your neck, and some high-collared shirts as you will probably feel embarrassed about the scar. It will be tender. Don't wear metal chains or necklaces for a while either.

Also take care not to expose it to strong sunlight as scar tissue burns easily, even the next summer. I even got a silky scarf to match my bikini!

The surgeon didn't tell me anything useful like that, one of the nurses who'd had the op advised me.

Good luck!

[Frederick]

[quote user="Polly"]Rose, you may want to sort out some soft little scarves for your neck, and some high-collared shirts as you will probably feel embarrassed about the scar. It will be tender. Don't wear metal chains or necklaces for a while either.

Also take care not to expose it to strong sunlight as scar tissue burns easily, even the next summer. I even got a silky scarf to match my bikini!

The surgeon didn't tell me anything useful like that, one of the nurses who'd had the op advised me.

Good luck!

[/quote]

My wife was advised to massage the scar daily,,, she had clips When she had her thyroid removed they cut along the natural crease in the neck you see when you lower your head as a result she has no sign of a scar now . She claims the massageing was good advice

[Rose]

Thank you all very very much for the replies!  It is great to hear that so many folks have had this op and do so well afterwards.  Am going to see the surgeon in Bergerac soon and will get a date, the Endo chap said they prefer to wait until the weather cools down if possible and September/October will be likely. 

Am taking notes of all the useful tips so that I'm well prepared!

Once again thank you all so much... I am a tad nervous but your comments have made me feel much better [kiss] [kiss]

[Rose]

Dear all... just another update... saw the surgeon today and I have the op on the 9th September... I could have had it next week but I wanted to wait as my son starts College and wanted to be around for that... everything happens so quickly here!

The surgeon was lovely... When I told him my symptoms and history and seemed to totally understand... in the past I've felt a fraud when I've tried to explain.  I get my own little room [:)] and I will see a dietician and an allergist afterwards to help me manage my weight and food sensitivities.  He spoke quite good english and was very keen to practice as he is having lessons... (so was his secretary) and I feel in very safe hands!

I've been looking on-line for the massage oil suggestions and will get some so that I'm prepared as soon as I'm allowed.

Thank you all very much for the good advise... much appreciated and it's good to know that everyone seems so well after the op [kiss]