Normal TSH but positive TPO, throat goiter. Much confused. (26F)
So I had hypothyroidism in the past years ago (diagnosed when I was about 17), I got taken off Levothyroxine about 2 years ago because I was starting to go hyperthyroid instead. Doctors monitored my levels a bit, and I started showing normal levels consistently, all blood tests coming back fine, so I was never put back on anything.
Fast forward to now, I made a doctors appointment last week because I have a lump on the right side of my neck that I’ve had for a while but I noticed was slowly increasing in size, and while not painful at all, I can feel it bulging out & it gets uncomfortable. Doc told me it looks like a thyroid goiter, and ordered full bloods & an ultrasound (ultrasound is scheduled for 25th may)
I just got the results of my blood test back today. I have normal TSH, still, but I also have positive TPO. Which means there’s antibodies showing my body is attacking my thyroid gland, right? But it’s not like they can just put me back on meds like levothyroxine, because my TSH is fine.
Even the doctors seem confused as to what exactly is going on. You’d expect TSH to show problems too. I haven’t really heard of this happening before. I’m hoping my ultrasound will provide more clear answers, but my doctor did mention surgery may be my only option here. The thought of getting my neck cut open is a bit terrifying, but it’ll be worth it if it helps me get better. I struggle with weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, sudden unexpected weight loss (im now underweight & struggling to gain the weight back) chronic pain etc. I am also hypermobile (hEDS) so it can be hard to tell which issues are caused by that, and which could be my thyroid.
Not asking for diagnosis or anything, mostly just getting my stream of thoughts out & wondering if anyone else has dealt with similar? Thank you!