Advice from anyone else going through this situation?

So, I'll just set the stage for everyone to make this easier to understand. This started months ago, but I never went to a doctor about it because I am only twenty-three and thought nothing of it. I went initially because my glands would swell in my neck and stay swollen for weeks at a time especially if I'd consumed alcohol. My doctor felt my neck and admitted that he felt some swelling in there but didn't know quite what it was. After this, he sent me to check my white cell count to see if it was okay. My white cell count was low, though I'd had a test a year before that point and it was low then too.

Fast forward about two weeks. He sent me for a neck ultrasound because of my swollen neck tissues. The ultrasound came back that I had a single nodule on my thyroid. My doctor also assigned two more blood tests after that: A retest of my white blood cell count and for my thyroid hormones. My WBC were still low, but my thyroid hormones were normal.

Fast forward to my most recent thyroid exclusive ultrasound and a hematologist visit tomorrow because of my WBC count. My latest ultrasound of exclusively my thyroid showed that I have in fact multiple nodules on my thyroid and not just one and they referred me to a specialist (ear, nose, and throat doc ) that I haven't been able to schedule with yet because of holidays.


They haven't told me yet if they're suspecting cancer or not, but it's on my mind. Anyone else on here have thyroid issues? Any similar symptoms? Could my WBC be related in some way? I'm really just looking for answers and a bit of support right now as I'm probably going to get a fine needle aspiration next and I hate needles much less one in my throat... >.<

If it was cancer I would imagine your white blood cell count would be high. A high count means fighting off an infection or cancer or any number of things. Not sure what a low count means. We have some knowledgeable people in here and surely someone could give you some info. Even if it is cancer, there are a number of us members who have had or have it. We'll be here for you no matter what. I know the tests and waiting suck like hell, but hang in there.

a reply to: Myomistress

Do you know if they are hot or cold nodules? Many people have nodules but are never bothered.

I find it odd they haven't done the fine needle aspiration yet but then again your WCB is something in addition to the nodules so honestly I can't say.

I have had the fine needle aspiration many times (and had thyroid removed due to multiple nodules and a large goitre). It will feel more weird than painful. But it's not unbearable - just weird. I want to tell you not to worry about it but of course you will. It will be over before you know it. Some doctors freeze that area before the needle, but many won't. Best advice is to concentrate on your breathing, deep breaths help a lot. Please know it will be okay. I've had injections all over my body for various issues and this one is doable.

Many endocrinologists have attitude, I hope you get a decent one. And remember that it's your right to ask questions and get the help you need, so don't feel intimidated. It's a good idea to ask for copies of your results.

I hope this helps in some way. I'll check back to see how you're doing. You're not alone.

a reply to: ccseagull

No, I honestly know nothing about my nodules yet. My family physician is terrible about giving me detailed results and it sucks. My latest conversation with them pretty much went "Oh yeah, you have multiple nodules on your thyroid, you need to see an ent. Where do you want to go? " and that was pretty much all of the feedback that I'd gotten.

I'm going to talk up the hematologist tomorrow too to see what he thinks. I know they are not ear, nose, and throat specialists, but most of them are trained oncologists too so I'm going to ask him about my cancer risk or what he believes about that.

At this moment I just know that I have a lump in throat sensation swallowing, my voice is going hoarse in and out depending upon the day, and that I have nodules not knowing what types or anything else.

If you are a woman
It maybe an over active thyroid
Common for woman

Don't stress you will make it worse

Sometimes I think illness comes from stress


Don't worry be happy

a reply to: piney

Got thyroid hormone tests done, secreting normal amounts of hormones so that rules that out. I thought for a while it may be underactive because of weight gain, but that also ruled that out meaning that my growing behind is my own fault.

EDIT: Also, I realized that I forgot to mention that my lymph nodes are of normal size as well. They were the original reasons why I started seeing my doctor for swelling.

Most nodules on the thyroid are Benin , but can still cause issues with swallowing etc...or simply just sit there and not effect you at all.......a biopsy or fine needle aspiration should be the next steep to any questionable nodules. I have had this done ....and my nodule was Benin . ....but the waiting and unanswered questions was the worst. .....you could do a Google on thyroid nodules if you want to read more about it. !? ...and sounds like you need a new more communicative doctor.

a reply to: Meldionne1

I read a little bit about it and know that the cancer statistic is low, but that thought still lingers in my mind, you know? Even though it's low, it's difficult to completely banish the thought that I could be one of the converse statistics. Heck, my SO's uncle had thyroid cancer and has no thyroid now and takes synthroid. The funny thing is, I'm afraid of surgery just because I've never had it before, but I'm not afraid of cancer if it's localized. I'm really afraid though of living without a thyroid and depending upon a pill to maintain my life. :S

hi myo,
my niece just very recently had her thyroid removed for cysts, I know it isn't exactly the same thing but is similar.
Once they do the aspiration they will have a better idea, but they may want to do surgery if it is causing swallowing problems. I'm just telling you this because my niece (such a trooper-who is quite young and undergone several major surgeries) says this surgery was 'no biggie' A nurse friend also said it's one of the easiest surgeries to go through, she said not to worry at all. So, if it goes that way please try not to stress too much about it. I think they can numb the area if that is what is worrying you about the needle test but I think it's over fairly quickly. Deep breaths! It will all be okay.

a reply to: Starcrossd


I have a pretty major needle phobia, so I think it's mostly my irrational mind taking over with fear. I'm not afraid of the pain per say so much as having a needle in my throat. I don't do well with needle based procedures and barely make it through my blood tests without crying like a child.



I also watched a few videos about the removal surgery and saw that it took doctors only about twenty minutes. I like the short timeframe, but have never undergone surgery before nor have been under anesthesia and I supposed I'm mostly afraid that I'm one of the low population that goes under and never comes up again and dies.

EDIT: I'm also beginning to find that I'm feeling jealousy for my peers over this. I am only twenty-three and my peers normally do not have an illness to worry about or do not need a battery of tests (save pregnancy) and I feel jealous of all of them.

Also, I don't know if this plays in, but I've been on birth control for about two years now and I didn't know if that affected the thyroid in this way or not.

The good news is that, even if it IS cancer, thyroid cancer is sometimes one of the most treatable cancers. I have a friend who has had thyroid cancer for many years. Every few years she has to have a radiation treatment. As long as she stays on top of it, it doesn't metastasize. After all these years, she considers it more of a nuisance chronic condition than a death sentence. I don't know whether yours is cancer or whether it is the same type. I'm just hoping to encourage you that it might not be the end of the world.

a reply to: OuttaHere

Thank you very much for your input from your friend's situation as well as your encouraging words. It's a bit hard for me to be calm right now as I feel like I'm being tossed around with no results from these tests, but it's good to hear that even if it's cancer that it shouldn't be that hard to manage.

I understand. It's survival instinct! Hard to overcome by rational thought. Maybe try EFT tapping techniques or hypnosis?
Here's a quick one I found on needles, don't know how helpful it will be but there are others.

Best wishes!

a reply to: Myomistress

Low white blood cells means you have an immunity problem.

Low white blood cell count = Neutropenia and can occur in acute bacterial infections, viral infections, rickettsiae disease, some parasite injections, aplastic and pernicious anemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, some hormone imbalances and anaphylactic shock.

Don't let them remove it without consulting a naturopath first. Good luck

Just did a quick search

www.naturalnews.com...

a reply to: Myomistress

Don't worry - you're going to be fine. Thyroid issues are a huge problem these days, almost epidemic. Doctors aren't sure why, but some theorize it's the triclosan in soaps, etc.

Sounds like you may have Hashimoto's disease (thyroid attacking itself). The hoarseness, the lump sensation, the nodules.

As a previous person here already said, IF it is cancer, it is the most treatable and easily solved cancer scenarios.

As for the thyroid surgery it was a piece of cake. Over night stay and home the next day. One of the easiest surgeries I've had and I've had a number. I looked up what thyroid surgery was going to be like before my op. and the surgery didn't include drainage as most sites will tell you. Of course it depends on the doctor.

Surgery is really easy - you go into the operating room and get introduced to the nurses and doctors, they chat and joke with you. You get the sleeping mask put on and they talk to you or ask you to count and it's lights out before you know it. Then you wake up and you realize it's all done. There is a little discomfort but if you are in pain you tell the nurses asap and they give you something for it. I found hot coffee to be glorious cause my throat felt like a really bad sore throat but it was bearable and the hot drink was soothing (and delicious). You are hooked up to an i.v. for a short period but it's all normal stuff - just fluids. Hospitals like to keep you pumped full of fluids. A little bit of dissolvable stitches and you're on your way.

Hmmm, fear of needles. I have a few family members and it's horrible for them. It might be a good idea to bring someone with you that can hold your hand. It's so much easier to get through scary things like that with a loved one giving you a reassuring and strengthening squeeze.

Even if your numbers came back normal you still might have hypothyroid symptoms as we are not the machines doctors like to treat us as. Our bodies are all unique and act as our own. Get your thyroid numbers and then look up what range you are in. Often thyroid issues run in families and it sounds like this is the case for you.

Feeling sluggish, bad memory, depressed, losing hair/thin hair, weight gain, cold, slow fingernail/hair growth? There are other symptoms but these are the usual ones for hypothyroid cases.

If you end up on a thyroid replacement for the rest of your life just think of it like a vitamin. I hate taking them every day too but I can miss a day here and there, it's not like you'll have some type of episode if you miss one here or there. It's ideal if you take it daily but not the end of the world. Also, if you end up on thyroid meds make sure to take vitamin D as most people are deficient but almost a certainty for thyroid sufferers. And make sure to get your thyroid checked once a year as it can fluctuate. And if you become pregnant make sure to have them checked for sure as many women who have thyroid issues do become hypothyroid during/after pregnancy - it's almost a certainty.

You're going to be fine. I hope I didn't scare you by saying the aspiration is a weird feeling. It's not a bad feeling, it's just different than one would expect. And you must get this looked after - the thyroid affects EVERY hormone created by the body. You can do this!

a reply to: Myomistress

This woman is brilliant. I trust her in all she says. I learned how to ask the right questions and take charge of my own health by checking her site.

thyroid.about.com...

a reply to: Myomistress

The great majority of thyroid nodules aren't serious and don't cause symptoms. Thyroid cancer accounts for only a small percentage of thyroid nodules.

I'm betting you don't need to worry. Completely understand why you are though.

I'm sure you've already read that, but hoping it helps to have someone else say it's probably fine.

Most thyroid cancers are found early, though, and have a good prognosis.

Scary, but that's some good news even in the worst case scenario.

I'm really just looking for answers and a bit of support right now as I'm probably going to get a fine needle aspiration next and I hate needles much less one in my throat...

Really don't have any answers outside of a cursory Google, but I can certainly offer you some support. Feel free to message me if you want to talk. I'm actually a pretty nice guy, and I think it helps to be able to talk to a stranger sometimes.

I have a fair amount of tattoos, but I am a complete wuss if I'm getting my blood drawn. I feel you. It sounds terrible, but you know what? It's not going to be that bad. You're going to be nervous but you don't need to freak out (easier said than done, I know), you're going to do it and it's going to be fine and it won't really hurt you more than a little pinch. Close your eyes, deep breaths, feel a little pinch, think about something that makes you really happy, and it will be over quick. Eat something first, hydrate yourself, maybe do some stretches and remember it's going to be absolutely fine.

I've found telling the people taking my blood that I might have a bad reaction really helps me not have a bad reaction. Also asking them to talk to me about themselves. Think about coming back here and telling us how it was, how you're going to write it, distract yourself from the thing that you you needn't be scared of.

Think about this story I'm about to tell you, and realize no one is going to judge and it will be OK even if you have a bad reaction.

So, Once upon a time (around 2 years ago) I went to the dentist to get some cavities filled (first time for cavities, I'm about 28 in this story). When I was younger (12) I had a lot of oral surgery done, but I figured that was a LONG time ago, and wasn't at all worried. I sit down in the chair, have a fun time talking with the dental assistant (who I thought was pretty cute) and then the dentist comes in and sticks me. Projectile vomit EVERYWHERE (I don't do needles). It was like a gallon of water, 5 beers from the night before, one of those big RockStar energy drinks mixed with shame.

It was OK. It happens. I still go back there and we joke. I have a much worse story about a language barrier and getting an elbow infection drained, but I thought we would start here. You're going to be fine.

For me, a lot of the anxiety is "what if I freak out in front of these strangers!". They've seen it all before. They don't care. No one is going to judge you, you're going to be just fine, and it's completely OK to tell people what you need. If you have a panic attack, the worst thing that's going to happen (and I know how terrible it feels) is that you have a panic attack. You're not going to die, you're going to be fine, everyone around you is going to have seen it before, you're in the safest place you can be, and just breathe and think about being somewhere else. Think about telling us here about the experience and start writing in your head, distract yourself from whatever got you, you'll be fine.

You've got this. I'll make a deal with you. If you brave it and send me a message telling me you did, I'll try to find the picture of me with a pillow a nurse drew a face on with a Sharpie when I jokingly asked for a stuffed animal after learning I had to get my blood drawn.

originally posted by: Myomistress
So, I'll just set the stage for everyone to make this easier to understand. This started months ago, but I never went to a doctor about it because I am only twenty-three and thought nothing of it. I went initially because my glands would swell in my neck and stay swollen for weeks at a time especially if I'd consumed alcohol. My doctor felt my neck and admitted that he felt some swelling in there but didn't know quite what it was. After this, he sent me to check my white cell count to see if it was okay. My white cell count was low, though I'd had a test a year before that point and it was low then too.

Fast forward about two weeks. He sent me for a neck ultrasound because of my swollen neck tissues. The ultrasound came back that I had a single nodule on my thyroid. My doctor also assigned two more blood tests after that: A retest of my white blood cell count and for my thyroid hormones. My WBC were still low, but my thyroid hormones were normal.

Fast forward to my most recent thyroid exclusive ultrasound and a hematologist visit tomorrow because of my WBC count. My latest ultrasound of exclusively my thyroid showed that I have in fact multiple nodules on my thyroid and not just one and they referred me to a specialist (ear, nose, and throat doc ) that I haven't been able to schedule with yet because of holidays.


They haven't told me yet if they're suspecting cancer or not, but it's on my mind. Anyone else on here have thyroid issues? Any similar symptoms? Could my WBC be related in some way? I'm really just looking for answers and a bit of support right now as I'm probably going to get a fine needle aspiration next and I hate needles much less one in my throat... >.<

The symptoms sound to me a bit like glandular fever.

I'm not an MD, though.

a reply to: Myomistress

I would agree with Night Star. My dad passed away after being diagnosed with leukemia. His white blood cells were found to be high. So I would think having a low white cell count is a good thing.