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1. • CommentAuthorgenamarie73
   • CommentTimeNov 14th 2009

    # 1Report Post
   I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 1 1/2 years ago. I was told that I had a small goiter or nodule. At that time, I guess the doctor did not feel I needed medication. About a a year after that, I went into the hospital for depression, which I have had all my life. They did some blood work, and put me on the smallest dose of synthroid. I have ran out of the med. a few times (I dont have health insurance) and I was experiencing hair loss (thankfully I have thick hair), night sweats, weight gain, major fatigue. In the last few months, the fatigue has increased dramatically, along with my depression, night sweats, and this is the second time (and this is what I am concerned about at this moment) that I have got a pain in the front left side of my neck (not inside throat), in the thyroid/adams apple area. It hurts when I move my head and neck, sometimes when I swallow, and is very tender to the touch, can extend up to my ear and my glands seemed to be swelled! Last month when this happened, I went to the health department, but the pain had already left and the glands were not swelled. The doctor said that I had probably had the touch of the flu or cold and gave me a refill on my synthroid, and increased the dose- without bloodwork. But I just really feel it is not that, but I could be wrong and just over reacting. I am having that pain again and swelled glands, but no fever. My allergies have been bothering me a bit. I wake up every now and then with a weird tickly feeling in my chest, and I feel like I have to make myself cough, and this has been before and after the pain, and only happen at night. I also have to clear my throat alot. Any thoughts? It is Saturday right now, and the health department is not open, and even if it was, they would not make an appointment right away. Should I be concerned and maybe go the the ER, because I don't really have a doctor to call or see? I guess I am thinking the worst, as I usually do, but after reading up- I worry it could be thyroid cancer.. I can be a hypochondriac!!!
2. • CommentAuthorCHARLIE
   • CommentTimeNov 14th 2009

    # 2Report Post
   Concerning your meds----most makers will send you free scripts if you qualify (which sounds like you do) just call the manufacture and inform them of your financial and medical circumstances,they should supply you with your meds free.
3. • CommentAuthorgenamarie73
   • CommentTimeNov 14th 2009

    # 3Report Post
   Thanks Charlie. Meds are not my major concern, because they are affordable- on the $4 prescription plan at Walmart. I just can't afford a doctor or endocrinologist.
4. • CommentAuthorBabiCati
   • CommentTimeNov 16th 2009

    # 4Report Post
   Is there a public health care clinic in your area? Most places will have them if not free (depending on your income) they will at least be affordable... You can't "play" with your life this way. You need the bloodwork. I had your symptoms and started the Synthroid and felt better but not 100% I kept insisting and they tested me for Celiac Disease, which I have. So there may be more to it than the thyroid.
   
   Do you have a regular doctor? Or do you have a friend or family member who does? Ask the doctor if he/she will see you for less b/c you don't have insurance. I know many who will do this...
5. • CommentAuthorkrissymp
   • CommentTimeNov 26th 2009

    # 5Report Post
   You need to get a primary care doctor, make them aware you don't have insurance and they will usually cut you office visit fee substantially. Sometimes infection can work its way from the mouth into tissues and into the lining of the heart and valves. It is rare but possible. Just because you don't have a fever doesn't mean infection isn't present, not everyone spikes temps (especially if you already have immune system issues, thyroid etc...) If you are on thyroid medications, it is a lifelong committment and you can't miss doses. I am a firm believer in having vitamin D levels checked as well, with the night sweats, hair loss, sleep issues etc...if vitamin D deficient can affect thyroid. See http://livingwithraynauds.blogspot.com. There is information I posted in the last paragraph regarding thyroid and vit D levels. Hope this helps.
6. • CommentAuthorgenamarie73
   • CommentTimeNov 26th 2009

    # 6Report Post
   I am moving back to Ga. this weekend, and it is a bit easier to get help there than it is in Texas. I will be making an appointment at the health department asap. The doctor there gave me my refill on synthroid, and she wants to do some blood work. Maybe she can give me some resources on where I can go to get further help. I will mention the Vitamin D deficiency to her. When I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism a year and a half ago, he had also said I was vitamin D deficient. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I will also check out your blog!