[sherbet]

So I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's hypo based on my swollen thyroid/high antibody levels but my TSH/T3/T4 are normal (yes, really normal as in ideal range, not "normal" according to the old standards). So I'm not on any medications currently because my numbers are still fine even though I'll probably need medication eventually.

Recently my goiter has been feeling more swollen--like I feel my throat is constricted when I swallow, all the winter turtlenecks/scarves are suffocating me, and I'm much more aware of my neck than usual. Last time it was swollen like this was 2 years ago when I was diagnosed.

I'm due to have my levels checked again but I'm not worried about those--if my levels are off I'll just have to start taking thyroid medication. Thyroid problems run in the family and I know it's not a big deal. I have been feeling extremely tired, dry, and kind of down so it would honestly be a relief if it's thyroid and not another depressive episode.

What really bothers me is this goiter. I'm in my 20s and the thought of spending possibly decades with this thing always slightly suffocating me is kind of depressing. It's not really visible to the untrained eye so I'm not worried about its appearance, but it's been like a mild but constant source of discomfort. Has anyone had the swelling get better once they got on thyroid medication? Has anyone had it removed due to discomfort?

[Crazy Hitch]

Hi sherbet,

I hope members can come forward to answer your specific question.

I take thyroid medication every morning, but for different reasons.

Be well and know that your treating medical practitioner will look after you.

[SnakeCharmer]

I have hyper thyroid, with a swollen right side of the gland. It presses inward so it's not visible to other people. I can no longer wear turtlenecks, T-shirts or any kind of collar or jewelry against my neck because I feel like its choking me. Sometimes it's better, sometimes it worse. I've had it get much better at times. It's a source of annoyance and mild discomfort. If it's really bad, it's difficult to swallow, but I've also got raging symptoms at those times and need medication which help reduce it.

I love kale and the swelling got much worse when I was eating a raw kale salad daily. Turns out foods in the kale family can badly impact goiter if eaten raw.

More than four cups/week of the following foods—in the RAW form only—will interfere with your thyroid gland function. You can eat as much of these foods cooked as you want to—except tofu and soy products which we will talk about later.

The foods are: Brussels sprouts, cabbage of all kinds, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, peaches, pears, rapini (a vegetable similar to broccoli,) spinach, strawberries, radishes, rutabagas and turnips.

Other foods that have goitrogenic activity are soybeans (tofu), pine nuts, peanuts, millet, and rapeseed (Canola Oil.)

It's also important to get adequate amounts of iodine.

I recommend reading this article: An Up-to-Date Look at Goitrogenic Substances in Food

[bluekoi]

I have Hashimoto's disease, also. Mine was diagnosed by a doctor due to an enlarged thyroid gland. Further testing confirmed it. I been on meds for about 25 years and am retested yearly. I am still aware of the goiter, but it is not visibly noticeable. Most times I am able to ignore this feeling.

From Mayo Clinic Staff:

If you have hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid) will resolve the symptoms of hypothyroidism as well as slow the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone from your pituitary gland, often decreasing the size of the goiter. For inflammation of your thyroid gland, your doctor may suggest aspirin or a corticosteroid medication to treat the inflammation.

[sherbet]

Originally Posted by SnakeCharmer

I love kale and the swelling got much worse when I was eating a raw kale salad daily. Turns out foods in the kale family can badly impact goiter if eaten raw.

Thanks, SnakeCharmer! I love kale too, but fortunately I eat it cooked