Reply to Kerry's Post: Hi Kerry,

Considering that from what I've read, that most thyroid nodules are benign...and that I'm in-between insurances right now, I'm not sure it's a good idea even if the doctor is recommending it. This doctor recommended a brain scan for my husband when he was complaining of headaches...rather than checking for simple things first. It turned out the source of my husband's headaches was eye strain! He's getting older and his eyes have gotten weak. Any doctor with horse sense could have saved him the $$$$$ and the ordeal of a brain scan. So this is making me very nervous.

Also...let's say I get the test. And it tells me "yes I have nodules. Yes they're benign. And the cause is Hashimoto's disease."

Then I'm out anywhere from $2000 - $7000 just to be told what I already knew in the first place. It's very frustrating.

Isn't there any other way...through bloodwork, through the ultrasound, etc...that they can determine if the nodules are malignant? If the nodules were malignant would there be other signs? I've been reading online too that if I get an ultrasound again in about 6-12 months after being on centhroid...and the nodules have shrunk or disappeared, then they are not malignant.

It just seems to be too risky!

Thanks Kerry!

Hmmm...needle biopsy. Sounds interesting. And cheaper!! And safer (doesn't make sense to "nuke" a thyroid to me even if it is for testing)! I'll have to look into it :)

I'm really just doing the research because I have no other choice...being self-employed in my field is more profitable than being hired full-time (I'm an artist) but the downside is it's hard to find decent insurance and WAY too easy to get ripped off. The situation with our nation's rising health care/insurance costs forces me to think twice now :(

With the insurance –– we're buying new insurance this month, but we have to watch out for "pre-existing conditions" clauses. That could mean I'd have to wait anywhere from 6 months to a year. Argh.

Your advice has been helpful!!!! I'm likely going to just stay the course for now, the medication's been helping although sometimes it has the strange side effect of making my neck itchier than a ball of wool and I notice the swelling's going away! Here's hoping!

Thanks again!!!!!