Swollen neck??

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2003
Swollen neck??
9
Sun, 09-24-2006 - 4:35pm
I have suspected for YEARS that I have thyroid issues, though my doctor swears the blood test is normal.  She says everytime I see her that it feels enlarged.  Now, the whole right side of my neck is swollen--to the point where if I look in the mirror, my neck looks crooked because the right side sticks out so much.  I also have problems swallowing occasionally.  Hair loss is another problem I have, and fatigue.  Of course, I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, so my doctor blames all the fatigue on that.  I also weight about 200 pounds and have only lost 15 pounds this year despite exercise and dieting.

 

I was just wondering what symptoms everyone here has, and if these sound like they could be thyroid related.  The swollen neck part really scares me.

 

Thanks!!

Nadine - deenie1979

jesussig.jpg image by nadine1979

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2000
In reply to: deenie1979
Sun, 09-24-2006 - 7:19pm

Hi Nadine,I did'nt think I would meet up with you here!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2003
In reply to: deenie1979
Sun, 09-24-2006 - 7:56pm
Hey, Bunny!!

Nadine - deenie1979

jesussig.jpg image by nadine1979

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
In reply to: deenie1979
Sun, 09-24-2006 - 9:23pm

Hi Nadine,


Welcome to our board and it's great you "met" Bunny here!


I would also agree that further checking into the thyroid area is a good idea.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-25-2006
In reply to: deenie1979
Mon, 09-25-2006 - 2:41pm
You indeed could have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is what I have. But be forewarned: it took YEARS before the antibodies showed up that gave my endochinologist the information he needed for a proper diagnosis since my TSH level was within normal range--and even though my thyroid was at least five time normal size! But until the antibodies showed up in testing, he couldn't do anything short of just removing my thyroid if it was causing breathing/swallowing problems. He tried putting me on thyroid hormones before the antibodies showed up, but they just made me hyperthyroid. Once the antibodies showed up, then he put me on thyroid meds. The object is to reduce the size of your goiter and eventually stop it from producing thyroid hormones so they can be more accurately regulated. It's a problematic experience, however.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2003
In reply to: deenie1979
Mon, 09-25-2006 - 8:13pm
Thanks, Calley!

Nadine - deenie1979

jesussig.jpg image by nadine1979

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2003
In reply to: deenie1979
Mon, 09-25-2006 - 8:16pm
Thanks for your reply!

Nadine - deenie1979

jesussig.jpg image by nadine1979

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
In reply to: deenie1979
Mon, 09-25-2006 - 10:34pm
Personally, I haven't really had pain with my goiter but I haven't had swallowing problems either.
 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-25-2006
In reply to: deenie1979
Mon, 09-25-2006 - 11:30pm
The pain you are describing is a mystery to me! I have had some minor, annoying pain here and there--I think mainly when the goiter is increasing in size. Also, I have had a couple of what I think are thyroid toxic "episodes" where it feels like someone is actually thrusting a finger painfully into my throat for hours. But that's it. Not what you are describing. Personally, I think it's very strange that you have the neck enlargement you are describing, and all the doctor does is feel it and lets you go. All the more reason for this to get looked at in great detail right away. Something definitely sounds very wrong, espcially with pain. It could be thyroid, but it could be something else, too! Please keep us posted!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2000
In reply to: deenie1979
Wed, 09-27-2006 - 7:54pm

Hi Nadine, I see that you went to the Dr today. I was wondering what

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