Posted 1/16/2013 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Sherry, a swollen thyroid in and of itself doesn't tell you much. I could be a thyroid that's working hard to produce enough hormone because you're hypo, or because your body is producing too much TSH and telling your thyroid to produce too much hormone. It could be inflammation from something else. It could even be cysts or a tumor, although these are less common causes.
I'm sure you know that with your history of other autoimmune disease, your risk for thyroid disease is increased. Yay, we're so special, right?
The first thing I'd suggest is a workup by a qualified endocrinologist to find out what's going on. I don't think most internists or GP's are equipped to deal with an enlarged thyroid diagnosis.
Good luck, my friend, and let us know how things go.