If you have a goitre, how often is it checked?

[AlmostGreenFingers]

Am I right in thinking you should be invited for regular scans? My GP doesn’t seem to think so…

Bump 😊

Following this one. I think I have one but have been waiting 6 weeks for the initial gp appointment!

I have a goitre and it has never been scanned

Looking at the NICE guidance it only suggests rescanning if it is compressing your trachea or suspicion of cancer.

Otherwise no repeat scans.

Really?! I am very surprised. But thank you for letting me know.

I have had mine checked twice - once when first diagnosed, and the last time a few months ago when it had grown loads and I can feel it now when I swallow. I was told only needs scanning if there’s changes, and it was a good 7 years between mine. I’ve been referred to have mine removed and the appointment is 11 months away. I don’t think they move fast with goitres!

I actually got as far as the theatre to get my goitre removed then the senior consultant said no and cancelled the surgery whilst I was in a gown waiting on my pre-med. I was so shocked and upset had been waiting 18 months on the surgery. I wanted to ring the Consultants neck for allowing it to get that far. That was last March and the department has not been in touch since to check on my goitre or how I am dealing with it and the symptoms

If it is bothering you please go back and get it checked again.

Bloody hell! On what grounds did they turn you down for surgery at that stage? I’ve been told I can have the surgery if I want it because of the size, but now I’m nervous!

I had a goitre that was scanned when it first appeared, and then again when it suddenly got really big overnight about 6 months later - I think a nodule had burst inside it. Had to have a barium swallow to check if it was causing me problems when swallowing. Subsequently removed half of my thyroid and no problems since.

That’s interesting. I certainly feel like mine has got bigger. If I’m wearing anything with a t-shirt neckline it feels uncomfortable and I find myself tugging it down. I never used to have to do this.

I know you’ll have to be on thyroid medication for the rest of your life but are there any other side effects to getting it removed?

The consultant said the his Junior who I saw in the clinic 18 months earlier shouldn't have ofgered the surgery and if he had seen me like he was supposed to he would have said no to surgery at that time. I was so angry I couldn't speak as I would have cried (dont like crying in front of people) so I just asked to be taken back to get changed and leave. I had organised time off work, help for my child to get to and from school for a couple of days, cancelled my holiday as I omly had two weeks notice of the operation. The canx holiday was the most annoying as that cost me £500 to change to a couple of months later.

Don't be worried i'm sure you will be fine. I don't think you will have a dick of a consultant like I did 🤣