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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 4/7/2015 9:17 AM (GMT -5)
Hi

Back in 2012 I had a CDC positive for Lyme and again in the fall of 2014. During my exam that fall of 2014 my doctor noticed my Thyroid was enlarged. She sent me for an ultra sound and these are my results.

The thyroid gland is enlarged and heterogeneous in its echogenicity with. No discrete thyroid nodules however are appreciated.
The right lobe measures 1.6 x 2.0 x 5.6 cm with a volume of 9 mL and the left lobe measures 2.1 x 2.3 x 5.1 cm with a volume of 12 mL. Enlarged heterogeneous thyroid gland without discrete thyroid nodules.

In 2013 my TSH was 1.3 (range .4 - 4.5)
In 2014 my TSH was 1.8 (range .4 - 4.5)
And my most recent was TSH 2.28 (range .4 - 4.5) and
T4 Free 1.1 (range .8 - 1.8)

I have symptoms (cold intolerance, foggy brain, fatigue, horse voice) but those could have been due to the lyme as well.

I have a follow up shortly with my doctor.

The only thing that stands out is my TSH has slowly risen and the enlarged Thyroid. However from what I have researched, my numbers seem in normal range.

Just looking for thoughts from anyone else who might have experience with this as Thyroid stuff is all new to me.

Thank you.
Posted 4/7/2015 10:18 AM (GMT -5)
Just keep in mind that normal range is an average for most lab results. Your normal may be different, so this is something both you and your doctor should keep in mind, especially considering your symptoms and your slowly rising TSH
Posted 4/7/2015 1:13 PM (GMT -5)
Most recent recommendations from blood chemistry experts is that the upper limits of normal should be lowered to 2.5, which would put you in the slightly high range. 95% of healthy Americans have TSH between 0.4 and 2.5. You may want to discuss this with your doctor when you see him or her.

A trial of a low dose of levothyroxine may be appropriate for you.
Posted 4/7/2015 6:55 PM (GMT -5)
You have a rising TSH, enlarged thyroid, and your doctor only tested TSH and T4? On top of that you have Lymes. You need more testing and then treated based on those results. Have a FULL thyroid panel run including antibodies. Without that its a crap shoot.
Posted 4/7/2015 9:04 PM (GMT -5)
Good point trader758, I hadn't even thought about that
Posted 4/7/2015 10:37 PM (GMT -5)
mbills2223, unfortunately most doctors dont either. Too many people walking around with lingering symptoms because they are being treated solely off of TSH and T4 lab results. T3 is the active hormone, and the majority of hypothyroid cases are caused by an autoimmune disorder, Hashimotos. The worst thing one can do is start treating someone without the complete picture of whats going on.

In ariels case, the T4 level is just under perfect, and TSH at an acceptable level, but theres an enlarged gland, symptoms of hypo, and TSH is increasing. With an existing lyme result. That tells me we need to check antibodies and see where T3 and RT3 is at. Thats a minimum. They should add Vitamin D, iron and cortisol levels among others, but the full thyroid panel is essential.
Posted 4/8/2015 10:15 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I will see what further testing my doc would like to do. The good thing about my current pcp is she will order further testing or refer me to a specialist if needed.
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