Nodules on thyroid...anyone?

[Holly in FL]

Has anyone had their thyroid removed because of nodules? I think I may be getting close to needing this procedure done. I have that "something caught in the throat feeling" much of the time.

 

Any info on risks to vocal chords? Any other risks I need to consider?

 

Thanks!

~Holly

[Parrothead]

That something caught in my throat feeling, for me, is reflux not thyroid. I've got an enlarged thyroid and a reflux problem. Look into all possibilities before you decide a course of action.

[mindygz]

I had a nodule on my thyroid after my last baby. It went down over time. I actually never felt anything in my throat--it was only palpable or noticeable from outside. So that makes me wonder if it isn't a nodule. I read up a ton on nodules and don't remember mention of that sort of feeling. Doesn't mean it couldn't be, but I don't recall coming across that. if you have nodules, you should be able to feel them from the outside.

[gingersmom]

I have had nodules on my thyroid for over 20 years. My mother has them on her thyroid also.

 

I would do some serious research before you decide to have your thyroid removed.

[Omma]

I had a large nodule on my thyroid. The doctor stuck a syringe in my neck while I was lying down and announced, "Well this sure isn't peanuts (as he reached for a 2nd syringe to keep on drawing out the fluid). This was after he had determined by ultrasound that it was a fluid-filled cyst.

 

It never came back and I only took Synthroid for about 6 months and that was it (I certainly never had my thyroid removed). This was about 18 years ago!

 

I don't know about your situation, but make sure you have a specialist (like an endocrinologist) that you trust or comes highly recommended!

 

Blessings,

 

Brenda

[dirty ethel rackham]

I have nodules. I had a needle aspiration biopsies done to rule out cancer. Since then, I have been on thyroid meds, which reduced the swallowing a golf ball feeling that was due to hypothyroidism. I would not have surgery unless that was a last resort (like cancer.) Even a thyroid working sub-optimally is better than no thyroid at all.

[Holly in FL]

I have nodules. I had a needle aspiration biopsies done to rule out cancer. Since then, I have been on thyroid meds, which reduced the swallowing a golf ball feeling that was due to hypothyroidism. I would not have surgery unless that was a last resort (like cancer.) Even a thyroid working sub-optimally is better than no thyroid at all.

 

Thank you! This is helpful.

 

I do have nodules...in fact, it's a nodular goiter. i've been through the biopsy and had a cyst aspirated years ago. The nodule has grown into a goiter even with Synthroid. Maybe the doc needs to up the dose. ??

 

~Holly

[Holly in FL]

I certainly haven't decided to have it done...but, I will surely do more research. Do you or your mom ever have the "got a golf ball stuck in my throat" feeling? If not, you're lucky. Smiles!

 

Thanks!

~Holly

[Holly in FL]

It's not reflux...but, thanks.

 

~Holly

[Holly in FL]

Yes...it's a nodular goiter that started out as just a few nodules. I discovered a cyst on my throat about 10 years ago...had it aspirated...had the nodules biopsied...have ultrasounds every few years. My doc is on top of it...it's just been bothering me more lately. I suppose I should see my doc. Sigh...

 

Thanks!

~Holly

[Mandy4]

I have nodules and one of them is large and noticeable from the outside. Kids call it my golf ball. I have the same feeling of something stuck in my throat also. I noticed that it seems to come and go. After talking to my dr about it he said the nodule is partly cystic so it can be more fluid filled at times causing that choking feeling.

[dirty ethel rackham]

Maybe the doc needs to up the dose. ??

 

~Holly

 

Or, perhaps, a different med. Many people who do not get help from synthroid do better on dessicated thyroid hormone - like Armour or NatureThyroid. My doc will only use those because he sees the hard cases where patients have given up on their endo.

[scrapbabe]

Whatever you do... please go have it checked again. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last fall. Fortunately thyroid cancer grows slowly. But it can spread and has to be monitored really well. I'd always be on the safe side and have it tested. It has been awful to not have a thyroid. I'm 36 and for the past year I've felt more like 66. So if it's not cancerous, I would try to keep my thyroid and regulate with meds.

 

Shalynn

Edited August 26, 2010 by scrapbabe

[momofjep]

I have several nodules on my thyroid but there was one large one that could be felt from the outside. I had a biopsy done but the test could not rule out cancer, so I had surgery to remove half of my thyroid. Fortunately, it was not cancer! I now take a small dose of Synthroid, and it has been 5 years with no other issues.

[Holly in FL]

Thank you, Mandy. That's helpful.

 

~Holly

[Holly in FL]

When I had my biopsy...I was told by my endrocinologist that when results come back negative...it is highly unlikely that it will ever become cancerous. But, I'll ask next time I'm at the doc. The memory of 15 needles stuck in my neck is not a pleasant one....but, better than cancer.

 

Smiles!

~Holly

[Holly in FL]

Thanks for that info.

 

Smiles!

~Holly

[Holly in FL]

I was on Armour...but, it was not being made the last time I went to renew my Rx. I went back on Levothyroxin. I'll have to ask about the Natural product you mentioned.

 

Thanks!

~Holly