Thyroiditis - recent diagnosis, given choice of treatment options but confused. Advice appreciated!

[SwiftAnchor]

I have had ongoing issues for 2 years with a swollen lymph node in my neck and raised inflammation markers in my blood. Finally had a scan just before Xmas and while the lymph node was normal nodules were found on my thyroid gland and initial blood tests were done which showed slightly abnormal thyroid results.

I was referred back to the consultant and a whole host of blood tests were done.

This morning I received a letter which says that all other blood work was normal (calcium, vit D etc)

My thyroid function had improved

But the thyroid antibody level was "quite markedly elevated"

I am the given a choice to treat with anti inflammatories, steroids or low dose thyroxine (25-50mg) or do nothing depending on how I feel. I have to discuss with my gp.

It will be 2 weeks before I can see my GP but I will ask for a full breakdown of my blood works then.

I feel like I don't have too many symptoms, I am fat and my hair is a bit crap and thin but feel like that is just me rather than my thyroid. But maybe I have to read up on other symptoms but I feel generally well. So I am inclined to just overhaul my lifestyle rather than medicate.

Any advice from anyone in the know?

Also could the high antibody levels tie in with the consistently high ESR levels I've had over the past few years?

[Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt]

I get the receptionist to print out my results.

I'll be interested to see what they say, as I have an elevated TSH.

[SwiftAnchor]

Thanks, that's a good idea I will ask for a print out while waiting for an appointment. That way I can do some reading up while waiting.

[NeurotrashWarrior]

www.btf-thyroid.org/

You could give the Btf a ring to see if they have any info in this.

www.amazon.co.uk/Thyroid-Disorders-Understanding-Family-Doctor/dp/1903474191?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Might be helpful too.

It's a tricky one if you feel well. What does consultant actually advise? They sometimes don't like to give thyroxine as then the thyroid accommodates (or the feedback system). Antibodies can be tricky as it depends which sort and also it can mean you go hypo or hyper. Some people seem to think giving up gluten can help the antibodies but I've not seen hard evidence/ papers etc in that other than an increased risk of hypothyroidism if you have untreated coeliac disease.

Usually elevated antibodies mean the gland gradually deteriorates.

I'd get the results and discus with Gp.

Either way I'd ask if you can be monitored for a while. Usually a test every 6-12 months.

It can take a long time for symptoms to show and stabilise.

[SwiftAnchor]

Thanks for your advice, sorry it has taken me so long to come back.

I had an appointment with my GP today, I was unable to get results sooner.

My tests were actually carried out at the hospital in January but they were lost and then found then misplaced so it's been a while! Also my consultant advised both over the phone to me and in a letter to myself and my GP that my vit d levels were fine but they are actually very low.

My GP didn't really suggest much I felt he was a bit out of his depth. My antibodies should be below 6 were 1945 which seems crazy!!

Anyway my plan is, from doing reading to try to just overhaul my life.

I've started on the Vit D and also plan to take magnesium and a probiotic. I'm also going to seriously look at my diet and try some eliminations.

Feel slightly scared by my antibody level. I will attach a pic of results in case anyone in the know can advise. Thanks!!

[SwiftAnchor]

Results

[Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt]

Magnesium should be the bis-glycinate or the citrate, the oxide isn't very bio-available. I get mine from Bulk Powders.

Be interested in what else is suggested.

[SwiftAnchor]

Hmm I think I may have the wrong type of magnesium then!! I'll get some more.

Started on the Vit d and probiotics and really been watching what I eat.

I've read some places that when Vit d is so low that the occasional sun bed can help. Not sure if that is a crazy idea?

[Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt]

The mg oxide isn't absorbed well.

[SwiftAnchor]

Thanks, I'll pick up some more magnesium today!

[HarryTheSteppenwolf]

Also could the high antibody levels tie in with the consistently high ESR levels I've had over the past few years?

ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a non-specific marker of inflammation.* If you have thyroiditis - typically an autoimmune reaction against thyroid peroxidase (an enzyme involved in synthessis of thyroid hormones) or thyroglobulin (the protein that iodine binds to to form the hormones) - you are likely to have elevated ESR.

*The reason ESR goes up in inflammation is that you get something called an acute-phase reaction in which cells involved in the immune response produce substances (most significantly interleukin 6) that act on the liver to promote synthesis of a family of acute-phase proteins. One of these is fibrinogen, which is a clotting factor. Erythrocytes (red blood cells) have a type of carbohydrate called sialic acid on their surface. Sialic acids bind fibrinogen, causing the erythrocytes to stick together in stacks called rouleaux. The rouleaux sink through blood more quickly than individual erythrocytes do, causing the ESR to increase.