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Swollen thyroid

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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 1/15/2013 3:00 PM (GMT -7)
Well this a first for me, but hello everyone :)

I went in for a routine office visit to my GI and as soon as he walked in said "Hello!.......ummm let me feel your neck, the right side of your thyroid is swollen." I didn't even notice it to be honest. I have a lot wrong with me (see my sig). But what could a swollen thyroid mean? I've never had thyroid issues.

He had me go for bloodwork and I'm seeing my primary tomorrow. I feel fine btw....maybe a bit tired but I've been on the go for 2 months.
Posted 1/15/2013 5:42 PM (GMT -7)
Sherry, a swollen thyroid in and of itself doesn't tell you much. I could be a thyroid that's working hard to produce enough hormone because you're hypo, or because your body is producing too much TSH and telling your thyroid to produce too much hormone. It could be inflammation from something else. It could even be cysts or a tumor, although these are less common causes.

I'm sure you know that with your history of other autoimmune disease, your risk for thyroid disease is increased. Yay, we're so special, right?

The first thing I'd suggest is a workup by a qualified endocrinologist to find out what's going on. I don't think most internists or GP's are equipped to deal with an enlarged thyroid diagnosis.

Good luck, my friend, and let us know how things go.
Posted 1/15/2013 7:46 PM (GMT -7)
Thanks Judy...I knew I could count on you to respond :) Actually I have to see my primary first before I see an endo because of my insurance (HMO).

I've been gaining weight and to be honest, I thought it was because I was in remission from my Uc and that I was getting older (prior to that, I couldn't gain weight to save my life - fast metabolism - had my thyroid checked numerous times but negative results). I never even noticed my swollen thyroid....but now that I look at it, it's quite noticeable. I've been just having so much going on at the moment, that I haven't had much time to look at myself. But I guess that I will find out tomorrow when I see my primary. She's actually very good...she has caught quite a few of my issues early - then sent me to the appropriate doc.
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