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For the past year and a half I feel like I am sick all the time. I feel like I am getting the flu. Achey, headache, tired sore throat. I am 50 years old, 5' 6" - 122 lbs.. I have alway been a very active, energetic person. I just want to feel normal. Its to the point that when I do feel good on a few days - I can't believe the energy. It's like is this what it is to feel normal. I have been treated with different antibiotics for approx. 4 mo's dealing with sinus issues. I will take the antibiotics and feel better and then once I am off of them for awhile it all comes back. I still cough up stuff all the time. I don't believe it is allergies as I had them as a kid and outgrew them. I am sure that I am pre-menopausal - if that has anything to do with it. Also dealing with chronic neck issues - bulged disc and deterioration.

I am married, work full time and am dealing with a 17-year old son (yes, there is stress).

What do yo think?

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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Have you consulted an endocrinologist for evaluation of thyroid issues?

Pamela, R.N.

My goal is to provide you with information that is accurate, concise and above all helpful.Your ACCEPT and FEEDBACK is important to me in continuing to provide service excellence.

Reply to Pamela's Post: I do have lumps on both sides of my thyroid. They do a blood test every year and it seems to fall in range. I am do for an annual physical soon. Ten plus years ago I went in for the more intense test where you take a pill and go in a tube. I tested on the high side of normal. I was told by one doctor that it could act up (don't know the medical term) anytime. Some of the doctors I have seen seem to be quite concerned - and then some don't really look at it as a big issue. At my annual physical I just mention that my regular doctor that I used to see for 20 years (retired) seemed to feel it should be checked on a regular basis. So they will do a blood test. I have lost probably 10 - 15 lbs. in the last year or so. It was gradual and I do tend to watch what I eat (not 3 meals a day and not enough fruit) However, I also feel that I lost alot of muscle and fat tissue in my arms, breasts, etc. Very quickly. Is this normal for these changes to happen so quickly? I should mention that I smoke approx 20 cigarettes a day.
Am I paying $15.00 everytime I get a reply? I am new to this.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on August 8 2006 at 3:12 PM

I am concerned for you about your health history. The fact that you have "lumps" on both sides of your thyroid is definitely a concern that should be further investigated with perhaps a biopsy. A blood test may not be enough. You could have a normal thyroid blood test and still be at risk for thyroid cancer.

If your weight loss was not intentional on your part, then I am concerned. I think that you need to pursue this with an endocrinologist that specializes in the thyroid. I would highly recommend that you seek out a physician that will pursue this with you until you have a definitive answer as to the lumps on your thyroid and your other health issues as well.

Certainly an abnormal thyroid can be the source of unexplained weight loss. But anytime there are "nodules" on the thyroid gland, a biopsy should be done to rule out any potential malignancies.

The treatment for a malignancy of the thyroid, is removal of the entire thyroid or just that part that has disease. A daily thyroid hormone pill would then be prescribed to supplement the thyroid hormone that your body is no longer able to produce once the gland is removed.

I hope that I have been of help to you addressing your health concerns. If however you have additional questions feel free to ask. You do not pay for responding to questions that I have asked for clarification. You pay only when you click on the "accept" button when you are satisfied with the professional information that I have provided.

I wish you well. Be healthy.

Pamela, R.N.

My goal is to provide you with information that is accurate, concise and above all helpful.Your ACCEPT and FEEDBACK is important to me in continuing to provide service excellence.

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