I have prev. posted to another thread my 10 year symptoms. A funny thing this morning while looking through amirror I don't normally use so early in the morning (has different lighting due to morning sun). It seemed to cast a strange shadow on my throat.
My throat seems to be uneven. And a larger than normal..Although I had a RAI oblation could it be its grown back??!?!?!?!?!?
If the thyroid wasn't completely ablated, that can happen. It is RARE, but possible. IT is the same thing as getting a goiter. When there is thyroid tissue present and thyroid can't function enough to give the body what it needs, more thyroid tissue will grow until it can provide enough or until other problems arise because of it (difficult swallowing, etc).
Theoretically, in your case, a tiny amount of thyroid tissue might have remained alive. If you have been undermedicated for a long period of time, which is all too common, your tiny little thyroid may be trying to grow back to give your body what it needs.
Again, this is rare, but it might be worth checking in to. What has your TSH been maintained at since your thyroid was ablated? If it has been kept above 2 for long periods of time, I would think that would increase the chances of that happening.
As Meep said, it is possible for new growth if the RAI didn't get all thyroid tissue. Most Endos will do a follow-up Iodine Uptake Scan (sometimes while still on a form of supplemental thyroid meds) to verify re-growth if there is a question. For cancer patients, they typically insist on these tests annually. But they're probably more lenient for hyperthyroid patients.
You might consider calling your doctor and going in for a consultation to see what he/she thinks.
Also, if you don't have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, you can have a thyroglobulin blood test (easier than a scan) first to give an indication of whether you have any functioning thyroid tissue. (Hashi's patients have an antibody that conflicts with the thyroglobulin and thus gives unreliable test results.)
This is a blood test that is typically done annually for cancer patients.
Hi, I found your question interesting because it appears that after having 2/3 of my thyroid removed in 1991 now they are sending me in for a ultra sound because it looks as if my throid is large. I have never been on medication because at the time of surgery they said 1/3 of the thyroid should be enough. However, any blood tests I have had since then have showed normal activity, but definitely on the lowest side of norman you could get. I am being treated for Fibromyalgia and am now wondering if the thyroid could be part of the problem.
Tree Frog - Yes, it would be nice if the doc's would take the time to listen, not like they use to be are they? My previous doctor of 32 years retired a couple of years ago and he was one to sit and talk with you for as long as you needed to. Now I feel like I'm being pushed out the door so he can get on with his other patients to fill his quota. I go in tomorrow for my ultra sound to see what is growing in or on the thyroid.
