The first thing to do is to get your thyroid function checked by a physician who knows the proper tests to use. There are other disorders that can produce the signs and symptoms you mention, and you don't want to medicate with anything until you know what the problem is. I would steer clear of animal thyroid for two reasons - variability of dose due to not having standardized preparations, and also risk of infection. Some companies sell bovine thyroid from god knows where (domestic sources? India? China?), and I'd be queasy about mad cow disease and other potential problems.

Thanks for the advice. "Speaking with others who have undergone the procedure helps a lot. You are very thoughtful. alisande- Thanks for linking the info from NYU Med Ctr. It is very helpful and clear. - just the right amount of detail. Caroline- It is reassuring that you feel you could have gotten by without IV tranquilizer. I am bringing the ultra scan and they will use it to locate the nodules also. marie- I am glad that you shared about what to wear. I was wondering. I plan to wear a modest scoop neck shirt or blouse that buttons, but I will ask for a hospital top (hope it is not paper). Was the bandage more than a bandaid or two? I accepted a substitute teaching job for Thursday in the middle school where I used to work before retirement. I should be able to handle a little discomfort but do not want to appear dramatic with a big bandage. Were you able to go about your normal business the next day? Thanks

Try not to stress about it too much. I've had two thryroid needle biopsies and one thyroid ultrasound because I have thyroid nodules. They just like to check every two years or so to make sure the nodules aren't turning cancerous. I didn't find the biopsies painful because the needle was quite thin, and so far my nodules are remaining benign and causing no thyroid symptoms.

I had it done about 3 years ago, and honestly it was one of the easiest medical procedures ever. They numbed the skin over the nodule, so there was no pain from the needle at all, ever. It didn't take long either, probably less than five minutes start to finish? They sent the fluid off to the lab just as a precaution, the results confirmed 'all clear'. So good luck, and please don't worry, it will be easy. (but if your family wants to pamper you for the rest of the day, that's okay too LOL!)