[Twinkletoes]

Dxd with hypothyroidism approx. 6 years ago. Been on Synthroid ever since.

Dxd MS in 2007, but haven't had too many sx since that flare.

Haven't felt well for 3+ weeks. Haven't felt "good" for a few years.

Here is the list I'm going to present to the doc. Hoping I can get in to see an ENT.


• brain fog
• newly discovered visible lump in thyroid area on neck
• constant tightness in neck under right ear for 3.5 weeks
• new discomfort in jaw – alleviated when I extend jaw forward
• constant feeling of fullness in right ear since 3/3/11 (yes, I got the wax out)
• chronic dizziness for several months (before that it would come and go)
• I sleep with a CPAP; lately back of my neck is tight, pain above shoulder blades
• fatigue, fatigue and fatigue (planning & cooking dinner takes a huge effort)
• chronic sore throat (mild)
• Dxd with Multiple Sclerosis 2007; lesion in Cspine
• tingling/numb hands & fingers for 1+ year
• hands & feet get cold easily

Nope, its not infection -- been on antibiotics for 2 weeks this month for ear infections, possible strep throat.

I donated blood 2 days ago ... do you think I need to call Red Cross about the lump? Edit: I went ahead and called them -- they will call me back tomorrow. I'm supposed to find out what antibiotics I was on. (I remember the one, but not the other.)

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

[SallyC]

Just a big ole hug..

[Twinkletoes]

Need that hug ... thanks, Sal!

[Dejibo]

no advice, just hugs.

[mrsD]

Donating blood will do it!

Also make sure you are taking your medication on an empty stomach.

Thyroid meds need zinc and selenium in the diet or in supplements like Centrum Senior, to convert T4 to T3 in the tissues. If you are low in both of these you cannot convert well and may present as Low when you are really not.

Any major stressor can put a load on T3 ..trauma, surgery, illness, and I'd include losing blood.

But you should get checked out anyway... Have the nodule looked at.

[Jomar]

I assume they test all donated blood for possible bad things - so I wouldn't worry about that.

Do get in and get your list of things checked out.
It could be so many things or a bunch of little things that just happened to show up in the same time frame.

[TwoKidsTwoCats]

Originally Posted by mrsD

Donating blood will do it!

Also make sure you are taking your medication on an empty stomach.

Thyroid meds need zinc and selenium in the diet or in supplements like Centrum Senior, to convert T4 to T3 in the tissues. If you are low in both of these you cannot convert well and may present as Low when you are really not.

Any major stressor can put a load on T3 ..trauma, surgery, illness, and I'd include losing blood.

But you should get checked out anyway... Have the nodule looked at.

WOW, so glad I read this thread and this post! My hubby has been on Synthroid since 1985 when he had thyroid cancer at age 27. Lately, his blood work shows he needs an increase in thyroid meds. We had no idea about the zinc and selenium which he had been getting in his daily multivitamin...then he got tired of taking them the past year. So back on them he goes starting tomorrow!

Interesting to know that I'm not the only one that gets a MS flare within a few days of donating blood. No one else nor my doc has ever mentioned this. I just stopped donating after I realized the pattern.

Twinkletoes, please get that lump/node looked at soon! Good or bad you need to know. I hope you get to feeling better soon!

[mrsD]

As people age, and approach senior status... thyroid can go out of whack quickly with any trauma/surgery or in this case blood donation. I think the figure was about 25% for all older patients... those with pre-existing issues should be more careful
therefore.

[Twinkletoes]

Originally Posted by mrsD

Donating blood will do it!

Also make sure you are taking your medication on an empty stomach.

Thyroid meds need zinc and selenium in the diet or in supplements like Centrum Senior, to convert T4 to T3 in the tissues. If you are low in both of these you cannot convert well and may present as Low when you are really not.

Any major stressor can put a load on T3 ..trauma, surgery, illness, and I'd include losing blood.

But you should get checked out anyway... Have the nodule looked at.

Two Kids, I'm glad you read it too! MrsD always has some knowledgable advice to offer. Stuff you don't think of.

Yes, I do take my meds on an empty stomach and wait 30 min. before breakfast.

Jo*Mar, I did call the Red Cross and they want to know specifically what antibx I've been on. Will call Texas pharma tomorrow before they call me back.

You know, the brain fog isn't really new. I haven't felt "smart" for months now. Just been doing the bare basics and showing up to work my 2 days a week. Fortunately, there's someone to catch my errors. That lady is retiring in 2 months and I don't dare apply for her position because of the brain fog. (Plus, not sure I want to work full-time).

Thanks for the hugs, my friends. I'll give you an update when I know more.

[Aarcyn]

I could have sworn I posted in this thread that although I had no constructive comment, I wanted to just give you a . Don't see it so here it is again.