posted
I have a thyroid nodule that was FNA biopsied 3 years ago (which was benign, cells were consistent with Hashimotos however). We've monitored it and has remained the same size(even shrinking at times) to date. 1.2x1.1x0.6
Because my TSH level is slowly climbing and I am somewhat symptomatic, my Endo wants to put me on Synthroid (25 mcg) to see if it will shrink the nodule and help with the symptoms...
TSH 2.820 T4 Free 1.24 TPO 10
My Lyme history - Infected 2007, went a year+ undiagnosed...awfully sick Treated aggressively for Lyme and Bart for over a year+ Been off abx for 3 years and doing fine as long as I take care of myself and my immune system, you all know how that goes!
I've read mixed thoughts for us Lymies...anyone have experience taking Synthroid for nodules? I thought once on these thyroid meds, you have to take them for life but she says not so. I also read Armour is better?
I don't know much about this as Thyroid issues are not in my family and I feel that this is Lyme related.
Any help would be appreciated,
Posts: 108 | From Raleigh, NC | Registered: Apr 2008
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tricia386
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29623
posted
Hi Murphy NC-
I know alot about thyroid issues this was my first issue to appear before I knew I had lyme.
I did try natural thyroids hormone replacement like naturthroid however, it wouldnt regulate it well enough.
My LLMD finally put me on Synthroid as well as Cytomel. Cytomel is for your T3
You should have your free T3 tested to see if you need some.
Also, I could not do generic only name brand, but everyone is different.
If I were you I would try it out, you already have hashimoto and chances are it will just get worse, this can slow down your TSH and save you from feeling lousy.
-------------------- Lyme activated in April 2010 by gardasil vaccine. DX: Lyme,Babs,Myco,Bart 11/10 Treatment Started: 3/28/11 Posts: 1752 | From Albany, NY | Registered: Dec 2010
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
You might do a search of the forum for emla's posts on this subject. Good stuff.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
your TSH is 2,8, and in Germany they get put on thyroid meds when TSH goes above 2,5.
I guess you are simply hypo and need an ordinary dose of thyroid meds, be it Armour Thyroid, Acella or Levoxyl. But a doe of 25�g is way way low. Ordinary doses are more like 75-150�g.
TSH stimulates thyroid antibodies, and stimulates nodule growth, so it may be wise to lower TSH just because of that, if the doctor does not want to give you the ordinary hypo diagnosis. Actually, one can be diagnosed with a TSH above 2,5.
Ordinary doses of Natural Thyroid are more like 2-3 grains, and that does not cost much either.
By teh way, when was the TSH test done? if it was done aroudn noon or later, the real TSH is double the number. Ona shoudl always go to the lab first thing in the morning. One can raise the TSH by staying up all night and going to the lab first thing in the morning...
Nora
Posts: 366 | From Europe | Registered: Nov 2008
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Yes, my Endo did say she was worried 25 mg may not be enough and wanted to ramp up slowly to 50-75 mg if my symptoms don't improve. More importantly suppress the nodule from growing.
The test was done at 10 am so not sure if that changes anything. I think I will ask for Free T3 test, although that was within normal limits 1 yr ago (and we had to request that it be run - why don't they just run that standard anyway? duh).
Posts: 108 | From Raleigh, NC | Registered: Apr 2008
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'Kete-tracker
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17189
posted
That's not such a high TSH level, Murphy. I'd have your "free T3" & "Free T4" levels tested by a doctor whose familiar w/ Lyme to see if any thyroid "hormone replacement" therapy is recommended.
But I'm not familiar with the idea of shrinking existing "nodules" by giving the thyroid a 'break' thru the use of small amounts of Synthroid... OR 'Armour' for that matter, so I'd simply suggest getting a 2nd opinion.
If thyroid issues don't run in your family, Dr. B's Guidelines point out that as the Lyme infection is knocked down/ out, hormone repacement therapy can often be tapered off.(!)
You can't cause any real problems w/ such a low dose (25 uGrams/day), but if you notice symptoms assoc. with too much T4/T3; jittery, anxious, tough-to-get-to-sleep-due-to-"surges", just discontinue... and let your doctor know.
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
Cool, thanks for the info. It's funny, I don't feel all that hypo...I don't have issues with metabolism and losing weight for instance and my stamina and fatigue are relatively good most days.
I do consistently have a low temp of 97-97.5, have hot and cold sensitivity, still get occasional migraines and have other odd symptoms that fit in the hypo box - but all this came after the Lyme infection 6 yrs ago and I am 43 now...so frustrating.
2nd opinion is already lined up because I am so against going on any type of medicine at this point.
Anyone have experience with benign thyroid nodules after Lyme Disease?
Posts: 108 | From Raleigh, NC | Registered: Apr 2008
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