[asp1079]

I'm very upset. I feel like the thyroid condition nightmare never ends!

I was tested back for a thyroid condition in late 2011/early 2012 and my labs came back normal but I had a goiter and severe pain for months. Now the goiter and the fatigue, dry hair, dry nails and alternating hyperthyroid symptoms are back.

I just can't believe this is my life, I guess. It's ridiculous that I wasn't given treatment already... my new dr. agreed with me that it's not normal that I have a goiter again and now I have to go get more bloodwork and testing again tomorrow. I feel like a lot of my mood swings have probably been thyroid-related over the past year too, and how I was never really able to wake up and feel refreshed even with 8+ hours of sleep.

Anyone else going through a difficult thyroid diagnosis? I feel so alone! I just am so scared that even though I am going thru a flare up right now that my labs will come back 'normal' despite my horrible health issues... I'm really worried.

Thanks for any support

[-jimi-]

Try to push through. It is worth it. It took me 10 years to be diagnosed because the 1st doc testing me lied to me. Ask to look into the labs, get a copy. Many times they hide bad numbers from the patient.

[Fresia]

There are several conditions that affect the thyroid and affiliated thyroid stimulating hormones that can cause goiter and the symptoms you describe, not just Hashimoto's disease, but that is definitely one as well.

Goiter - MayoClinic.com

The lab values will definitely narrow it down and if in doubt, get a second opinion with a specialist, an endocrinologist. It is always worth it.

I hope you get the answer you need and help soon. Hang in there.

[asp1079]

Thanks for the support everyone.
I'll get a copy of the labs. I also want to just get the biopsy done since I did research and I read in a book that some people with hashi's can always test negative for antibodies and be sick anyway.

[possum220]

My sister had problems with her thyroid. All the doctors kept telling her to lose weight. Finally she went to another doctor who got her to have an mri. Eventually she had her thyroid removed. Persist with getting things fixed. They have to get it right at some point. It can be a long road back to health. We are with you.

[worthit]

I have Hasimoto's Thyroid. You have all the symptoms I did.I would keep at it,I went years without doing anything finally felt much better on medication. Good luck

[Hope.Floater]

With your Hashimoto's do you get break threw flair ups? If so how do you get threw them???

[worthit]

Don't have flare ups. I've been on thyroid medication since the 90's.

[kiwi33]

The usual diagnosis for Hashimoto's disease has three parts:

(1) Measurements of your blood levels of thyroxine (a hormone made by the thyroid) - it is usually low in Hashimoto's disease.

(2) Measurements of your blood levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). TSH is made by the pituitary gland and is usually elevated in Hashimoto's disease.

(3) Because Hashimoto's disease is an auto-immune disorder, there are often abnormally high blood levels of antibodies specific for thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO is an enzyme made in the thyroid which is important in making thyroid hormones.

All of those blood tests are easy to do - your doctor should be able to arrange them.

If they turn out to be positive for a Hashimoto's disease diagnosis your doctor will be able to discuss possible treatment with you.