Re: Graves', pregnancy and ATDs

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Seems a normal reaction for this point in time.

I agree rushing into a baby is NOT a good idea. You need time to continue

learning. Not only the time it takes to learn your own body, but the time to

quietly see the patterns among other list and board members. It was the

PATTENS that finally cleared up what I needed to become healthy.

At first, I tended to trust the patients that seemed to communicate well,

even though they were still on meds or whatever. But in time I was able to

sort out the success stories , even if those folks were not great typists ,

spellers, wordsmiths. We all have different abilities in this life.

BUT... having a wonderful baby IS very possible AND personally, I feel it

is women like you that hold our hope for the future of this world in their

hands. You are intelligent enough to see your desire to hold a little one in

your arms, needs to be tempered with patience, in order for the adult he /

she will become, to have the best of all things. Health, nutrition for the

brain, education... I can see you as a home school mom very easily.

You have been given this opportunity to learn more about your genes, and the

solutions. This patience now, will give you the ability to avoid any of

these problems in your children. Most people with thyroid autoimmune genes

never have thyroid problems. This is where the confusion in TSI and TPO

readings show that 130% and ? % being 'normal' ! All those people do not

have existing thyroid problems. We do. It took multiple triggers to set us

off. Never one thing. ( this is another thing that takes TIME to figure out

).

But once we have crossed that line and have thyroid labs begin to get skewed

then we must get our antibody scores way, way down.

OR ???? Now here is my dilemma. I do not have the funds to get antibody

tests. But in my years focusing on this, I have found so many triggers. I

have become more sensitive than anyone I have met. I do know my triggers. I

refuse to swallow one bit of food that will send me back hyper. Even if it

means I must skip a meal.

I have also worked through MANY mental issues, now that my Graves' and diet

are under control. THIS is the hard part. But I choose to put in the work.

I have another 50 years on this earth, and now find I am beginning a whole

new life. Turns out, it is the life I had always dreamed about, but felt

denied.

To ME, this puts me in a better place than some. Those that depend only on

labs and pills.

By education myself and charting all I have gone through, I also am now on

the smallest dose of Synthroid they make. This works for ME, and also can

surpress any possible antibodies that might be lurking. A most unusual

approach, and I am not recommending this to anyone. Given access to proper

labs, my story could have been completely different. TSI alone is up to $500

now. IF I was going that route, I would want more than TSI and I would want

to be checking its possible change. That adds up to quite a bit.

But the thing is... not having all this available to me, I have been forced

to look much deeper than others, and I seem to be doing pretty darn well. A

blessing in disguise in my opinion.

And knowing there are others like me, I stick around in these joints. We

know the others with no insurance have a tough row to hoe. They WILL be told

RAI is the cheapest choice. They are not told the expensive things that may

well come later... including FM. ( sigh ... which is most likely improper

thyroid meds and labs... which then leads to lack of exercise, poor diet,

depression, the list goes on ) . They then could end up with a life not

worth living. Because their income is not going to increase at that point.

Then I continue meeting so many nice people with Graves', it becomes a sort

of obligation on my part, since I HAVE found so many triggers etc.

Please also realize that right now, your thyroid level is affecting all of

your thoughts and emotions. It is very slow and supple, thus it all seems

very real. Never make any decisions unless you know you are at YOUR thyroid

set point.

Writing extensive journal entries now, will give you much insight LATER,

concerning the unbelievable affect thyroid hormone has on our mind. I know

it seems REAL. Don't panic... this too shall pass. ( though it may get worse

for a bit)

Get labs done.

Research BRT. ( block and replace therapy)

Replacement hormone takes eight weeks to take affect.

And listen to me next time I tell you hypo will happen. LOL ! ( BG )

You WILL have a wonderful baby... babies ?... and you will do a great job.

You are already doing the job !

-Pam L -

3 1/2 years Graves', TED, and PTU. Remission due to SLOW reduction of PTU

(despite an incompetent endo ! ), improved lifestyle, excellent nutrition,

herbs, and looking at the big picture.

Pills alone only help the symptoms. We must help our bodies to heal.

[Guest guest]

Dear Pam,

Thanks for writing. I appreciate all you have said. Here's the hitch: I'm

37. I realize patience is ideal, but I am concerned that if I sit around, I

will become infertile. If I have children, I would probably want two. So

that will make me rather old, especially if I wait and see.

I also really have to wonder about triggers, as the answers aren't coming.

I have a low-stress lifestyle, exercise regularly, eat a generally healthy

diet, don't drink or smoke--basically have a good life. I was taking some

prenatal vitamin with 150 mcg of iodine, and simultaneously noticed

shortness of breath. That is the only thing I can point to. Maybe I'm

missing something. Not knowing what set me off is very frustrating, and

frankly, I thought I was doing great before!

Right now, I am concerned that given my status, it would be a mistake to

have children. I am scared after reading Elaine's book, so I wondered if

anyone could shed some light as to what's wise to do--go ahead, wait, or

forget it. I don't want to do anything dangerous, for me or a baby.

Thanks again,

At 12:36 PM 6/29/2003 -0700, you wrote:

>Hi ,

>

>Seems a normal reaction for this point in time.

>

>I agree rushing into a baby is NOT a good idea. You need time to continue

>learning. Not only the time it takes to learn your own body, but the time to

>quietly see the patterns among other list and board members. It was the

>PATTENS that finally cleared up what I needed to become healthy.

>

>At first, I tended to trust the patients that seemed to communicate well,

>even though they were still on meds or whatever. But in time I was able to

>sort out the success stories , even if those folks were not great typists ,

>spellers, wordsmiths. We all have different abilities in this life.

>

>BUT... having a wonderful baby IS very possible AND personally, I feel it

>is women like you that hold our hope for the future of this world in their

>hands. You are intelligent enough to see your desire to hold a little one in

>your arms, needs to be tempered with patience, in order for the adult he /

>she will become, to have the best of all things. Health, nutrition for the

>brain, education... I can see you as a home school mom very easily.

>

>You have been given this opportunity to learn more about your genes, and the

>solutions. This patience now, will give you the ability to avoid any of

>these problems in your children. Most people with thyroid autoimmune genes

>never have thyroid problems. This is where the confusion in TSI and TPO

>readings show that 130% and ? % being 'normal' ! All those people do not

>have existing thyroid problems. We do. It took multiple triggers to set us

>off. Never one thing. ( this is another thing that takes TIME to figure out

>).

>But once we have crossed that line and have thyroid labs begin to get skewed

>then we must get our antibody scores way, way down.

>

>OR ???? Now here is my dilemma. I do not have the funds to get antibody

>tests. But in my years focusing on this, I have found so many triggers. I

>have become more sensitive than anyone I have met. I do know my triggers. I

>refuse to swallow one bit of food that will send me back hyper. Even if it

>means I must skip a meal.

>

>I have also worked through MANY mental issues, now that my Graves' and diet

>are under control. THIS is the hard part. But I choose to put in the work.

>I have another 50 years on this earth, and now find I am beginning a whole

>new life. Turns out, it is the life I had always dreamed about, but felt

>denied.

>

>To ME, this puts me in a better place than some. Those that depend only on

>labs and pills.

>

>By education myself and charting all I have gone through, I also am now on

>the smallest dose of Synthroid they make. This works for ME, and also can

>surpress any possible antibodies that might be lurking. A most unusual

>approach, and I am not recommending this to anyone. Given access to proper

>labs, my story could have been completely different. TSI alone is up to $500

>now. IF I was going that route, I would want more than TSI and I would want

>to be checking its possible change. That adds up to quite a bit.

>

>But the thing is... not having all this available to me, I have been forced

>to look much deeper than others, and I seem to be doing pretty darn well. A

>blessing in disguise in my opinion.

>

>And knowing there are others like me, I stick around in these joints. We

>know the others with no insurance have a tough row to hoe. They WILL be told

>RAI is the cheapest choice. They are not told the expensive things that may

>well come later... including FM. ( sigh ... which is most likely improper

>thyroid meds and labs... which then leads to lack of exercise, poor diet,

>depression, the list goes on ) . They then could end up with a life not

>worth living. Because their income is not going to increase at that point.

>

>Then I continue meeting so many nice people with Graves', it becomes a sort

>of obligation on my part, since I HAVE found so many triggers etc.

>

>Please also realize that right now, your thyroid level is affecting all of

>your thoughts and emotions. It is very slow and supple, thus it all seems

>very real. Never make any decisions unless you know you are at YOUR thyroid

>set point.

>

>Writing extensive journal entries now, will give you much insight LATER,

>concerning the unbelievable affect thyroid hormone has on our mind. I know

>it seems REAL. Don't panic... this too shall pass. ( though it may get worse

>for a bit)

>Get labs done.

>Research BRT. ( block and replace therapy)

>Replacement hormone takes eight weeks to take affect.

>

>And listen to me next time I tell you hypo will happen. LOL ! ( BG )

>

>You WILL have a wonderful baby... babies ?... and you will do a great job.

>You are already doing the job !

>

>-Pam L -

>3 1/2 years Graves', TED, and PTU. Remission due to SLOW reduction of PTU

>(despite an incompetent endo ! ), improved lifestyle, excellent nutrition,

>herbs, and looking at the big picture.

>Pills alone only help the symptoms. We must help our bodies to heal.

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am 4.5 months pregnant and everything is normal. During pregnancy

your thyroid levels get better and your dose of PTU can usually be lowered,I

have been able to be off of PTU for most of the pregnancy so far...and PTU

in certain does is safe. I found out I was hyperthyroid with my last

pregnancy and my baby has had no problems,though I was able to stay

unmedicated. Jen

Graves', pregnancy and ATDs

>

>

> Hi,

> I just read Elaine's book, Graves' Disease: A Practical Guide, and I'm

> wondering if I should get pregnant or forget about it. The risks seem high

> (especially to the child). I just started on PTU 200mg one week ago, and

it

> has suppressed my heart palpitations immediately without having to use a

> beta blocker (this came as a surprise, as I didn't expect to feel any

> benefit for weeks or months). I presently feel all right, but I am

> concerned that I will go hypO soon, as I have been taking a lot of naps

> this weekend, and feel slightly sluggish. I started out with mild

> hyperthyroidism (TSH .01, but FT4 and FT3 high normal, TSI and TPO

> antibodies, and mild symptoms). Maybe this isn't a good time to become

> pregnant. Will it ever be? I am scared of the possibility that the fetus

> will not develop normally, and that the child would have problems related

> to this disease, treatment, etc. When is a good time to consider pregnancy

> after starting ATD medication? I am on the fence as to the whole idea of

> pregnancy now.

>

>

>

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list do not have the endorsement

of

> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi . If I were in your shoes AND had no symptoms of TED I would

seriously look into surgery. Check the archives under to

read about Caroline from Australia's thyroidectomy and subsequent

pregnancies.

The reason I mention no symptoms of TED is because once a patient is

rendered hypo s/he will not be taking ATDs, which do have an effect on

the antibodies that cause GD and TED. (There is the possibility of a hypo

person taking ATDs, I suppose it's reverse BRT, in order to have this

effect on TED but it's very complicated and requires a very skilled

endo.)

Your other option is to get pregnant once stable and on a minimal dose of

PTU. You have many valid concerns but let me put one to rest: if you're

worried about passing on a predisposition to developing auto-immune

disorders to your child(ren) look at the rest of your medical history,

and your parents' , etc. and you'll never end worrying.

Take care, Fay

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[Guest guest]

Hi -

Have you had problems becoming pregnant so far? If so, your FSH levels on

day 3 of your cycle are more important than age although age is a predictor

(they usually correlate). And you have to get your thyroid levels under

control whether you use ATDs or surgery. Personally, I would have tried

ATDs if I would have been given the chance. With RAI you have to wait at

least 6 mos (I was told a year) and at 37 you are gambling.

Many thyroid patients have other antibodies that inhibit pregnancy but

that's something that might not be a factor for you. There are many women

here that don't have problems getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy.

That's something to look into if you don't get pregnant a few months (less

than 6) after your thyroid levels are normal.

Anyhow, I've spent most of the the last 10 years trying to get pregnant

after RAI. I had a son when I was 33 after 3 years of trying to get

pregnant (I used Clomid). This time I tried for 4 years (I started at 35)

and did Clomid, injectibles, IUI 3x, a miscarriage and IVF twice. The 2nd

IVF worked and I now have twins. I finally got pregnant this time at 39.

Anyhow, the doctors had abysmal luck trying to keep me euthyroid after RAI.

That caused a host of other problems in addition to our trying to begin a

family. I can't recommend it to anyone.

The whole infertility thing was a tremendous strain on our family. I think

we'll get through it but it was an expensive and emotionally draining

experience for all of us.

Take care,

dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24)

> Dear Pam,

> Thanks for writing. I appreciate all you have said. Here's the hitch: I'm

> 37. I realize patience is ideal, but I am concerned that if I sit around,

I

> will become infertile. If I have children, I would probably want two. So

> that will make me rather old, especially if I wait and see.

>

> I also really have to wonder about triggers, as the answers aren't coming.

> I have a low-stress lifestyle, exercise regularly, eat a generally healthy

> diet, don't drink or smoke--basically have a good life. I was taking some

> prenatal vitamin with 150 mcg of iodine, and simultaneously noticed

> shortness of breath. That is the only thing I can point to. Maybe I'm

> missing something. Not knowing what set me off is very frustrating, and

> frankly, I thought I was doing great before!

>

> Right now, I am concerned that given my status, it would be a mistake to

> have children. I am scared after reading Elaine's book, so I wondered if

> anyone could shed some light as to what's wise to do--go ahead, wait, or

> forget it. I don't want to do anything dangerous, for me or a baby.

> Thanks again,

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Jen, for the encouraging story. I am glad things are going well in

your pregnancy! Hopefully I will follow you, should I get pregnant.

Fay -- I don't have obvious signs of TED, but it's early in the game, and I

do have TSI and TPO antibodies (maybe others, but that is all that was

tested). I am doing well so far (I think) on the PTU, so that is my

treatment choice for now. If medications ultimately don't work for me, I

would do the surgery, rather than RAI. But I think it is too soon for that.

Thank you,

[Guest guest]

At 10:39 PM 6/29/2003 -0700, you wrote:

>Hi -

>

>Have you had problems becoming pregnant so far?

Hi ,

I'm sorry to hear that it was a struggle for you to have a family. But glad

it all worked out!

I haven't started yet. Was planning to start in April, and then the Graves'

was picked up on a blood test.

If I'm getting you right, I should wait until I am stabilized on a lower

dose. I was thinking that since my T4 and T3 were at high normal to begin

with and my symptoms are very mild or absent at 200 mg, I might not have to

wait, and would be wasting time needlessly. I am worried about the

antibodies affecting the fetus, and not sure if they usually drop shortly

after taking the PTU. So my question is about timing, as well as risks. I

will ask my doctor these questions, but I wanted to hear from the group as

well, especially since I'm in search of a doc I have more trust in.

Thanks again,

[Guest guest]

,

My Graves relapse was diagnosed close to 2 years into trying to

conceive a child. I stopped trying right away and started on PTU

(safer in pregnancy). When my FT3/FT4 came back into normal range I

started trying again. Because my husband and I have had a hard time

conceiving, we were also under the care of a Reproductive

Endocrinologist who we'd been doing various fertility treatments

with. We were told that as long as my thyroid was relatively under

control (some fluctuations are to be expected), I could try to

conceive with little risk. Of course, I must see a doctor familiar

with treating Graves in pregnancy and because of this as well as a

few other things (including a full term loss which was the result of

a negligent doctor and not my Graves which was in remission at the

time), my pregnancy is in the " high risk " category. Practically

speaking this just means I will be seeing the doctor more often than

the average pregnant woman.

At this time, I am 8 months into treatment (block and replace). My

TSH is starting to rise and my FT3/4 have been in the normal range

for quite a few months. We've been trying naturally for about 4-5

months. In January we will be going forward with IVF should we not

get pregnant before then. My RE sees every single lab report I get

about my thyroid and communicates with the doctor treating me for

Graves. And both seem to think there should be little complication.

If I were you, I'd consider talking to an OBGYN or RE who has

experience with this type of thing to get their input about it. But

I think you should be OK.

Clair

> >Hi ,

> >

> >Seems a normal reaction for this point in time.

> >

> >I agree rushing into a baby is NOT a good idea. You need time to

continue

> >learning. Not only the time it takes to learn your own body, but

the time to

> >quietly see the patterns among other list and board members. It

was the

> >PATTENS that finally cleared up what I needed to become healthy.

> >

> >At first, I tended to trust the patients that seemed to

communicate well,

> >even though they were still on meds or whatever. But in time I was

able to

> >sort out the success stories , even if those folks were not great

typists ,

> >spellers, wordsmiths. We all have different abilities in this life.

> >

> >BUT... having a wonderful baby IS very possible AND personally, I

feel it

> >is women like you that hold our hope for the future of this world

in their

> >hands. You are intelligent enough to see your desire to hold a

little one in

> >your arms, needs to be tempered with patience, in order for the

adult he /

> >she will become, to have the best of all things. Health,

nutrition for the

> >brain, education... I can see you as a home school mom very easily.

> >

> >You have been given this opportunity to learn more about your

genes, and the

> >solutions. This patience now, will give you the ability to avoid

any of

> >these problems in your children. Most people with thyroid

autoimmune genes

> >never have thyroid problems. This is where the confusion in TSI

and TPO

> >readings show that 130% and ? % being 'normal' ! All those people

do not

> >have existing thyroid problems. We do. It took multiple triggers

to set us

> >off. Never one thing. ( this is another thing that takes TIME to

figure out

> >).

> >But once we have crossed that line and have thyroid labs begin to

get skewed

> >then we must get our antibody scores way, way down.

> >

> >OR ???? Now here is my dilemma. I do not have the funds to get

antibody

> >tests. But in my years focusing on this, I have found so many

triggers. I

> >have become more sensitive than anyone I have met. I do know my

triggers. I

> >refuse to swallow one bit of food that will send me back hyper.

Even if it

> >means I must skip a meal.

> >

> >I have also worked through MANY mental issues, now that my Graves'

and diet

> >are under control. THIS is the hard part. But I choose to put in

the work.

> >I have another 50 years on this earth, and now find I am beginning

a whole

> >new life. Turns out, it is the life I had always dreamed about,

but felt

> >denied.

> >

> >To ME, this puts me in a better place than some. Those that depend

only on

> >labs and pills.

> >

> >By education myself and charting all I have gone through, I also

am now on

> >the smallest dose of Synthroid they make. This works for ME, and

also can

> >surpress any possible antibodies that might be lurking. A most

unusual

> >approach, and I am not recommending this to anyone. Given access

to proper

> >labs, my story could have been completely different. TSI alone is

up to $500

> >now. IF I was going that route, I would want more than TSI and I

would want

> >to be checking its possible change. That adds up to quite a bit.

> >

> >But the thing is... not having all this available to me, I have

been forced

> >to look much deeper than others, and I seem to be doing pretty

darn well. A

> >blessing in disguise in my opinion.

> >

> >And knowing there are others like me, I stick around in these

joints. We

> >know the others with no insurance have a tough row to hoe. They

WILL be told

> >RAI is the cheapest choice. They are not told the expensive

things that may

> >well come later... including FM. ( sigh ... which is most likely

improper

> >thyroid meds and labs... which then leads to lack of exercise,

poor diet,

> >depression, the list goes on ) . They then could end up with a

life not

> >worth living. Because their income is not going to increase at

that point.

> >

> >Then I continue meeting so many nice people with Graves', it

becomes a sort

> >of obligation on my part, since I HAVE found so many triggers etc.

> >

> >Please also realize that right now, your thyroid level is

affecting all of

> >your thoughts and emotions. It is very slow and supple, thus it

all seems

> >very real. Never make any decisions unless you know you are at

YOUR thyroid

> >set point.

> >

> >Writing extensive journal entries now, will give you much insight

LATER,

> >concerning the unbelievable affect thyroid hormone has on our

mind. I know

> >it seems REAL. Don't panic... this too shall pass. ( though it may

get worse

> >for a bit)

> >Get labs done.

> >Research BRT. ( block and replace therapy)

> >Replacement hormone takes eight weeks to take affect.

> >

> >And listen to me next time I tell you hypo will happen. LOL ! (

BG )

> >

> >You WILL have a wonderful baby... babies ?... and you will do a

great job.

> >You are already doing the job !

> >

> >-Pam L -

> >3 1/2 years Graves', TED, and PTU. Remission due to SLOW reduction

of PTU

> >(despite an incompetent endo ! ), improved lifestyle, excellent

nutrition,

> >herbs, and looking at the big picture.

> >Pills alone only help the symptoms. We must help our bodies to

heal.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

One more note, ... My doctors do not feel that Graves is the

reason for our infertility. I didn't want you to think that since

we'd been trying for so long, we weren't succeeding because of

Graves. It's just one of those things...

Clair

> > >Hi ,

> > >

> > >Seems a normal reaction for this point in time.

> > >

> > >I agree rushing into a baby is NOT a good idea. You need time to

> continue

> > >learning. Not only the time it takes to learn your own body, but

> the time to

> > >quietly see the patterns among other list and board members. It

> was the

> > >PATTENS that finally cleared up what I needed to become healthy.

> > >

> > >At first, I tended to trust the patients that seemed to

> communicate well,

> > >even though they were still on meds or whatever. But in time I

was

> able to

> > >sort out the success stories , even if those folks were not

great

> typists ,

> > >spellers, wordsmiths. We all have different abilities in this

life.

> > >

> > >BUT... having a wonderful baby IS very possible AND personally,

I

> feel it

> > >is women like you that hold our hope for the future of this

world

> in their

> > >hands. You are intelligent enough to see your desire to hold a

> little one in

> > >your arms, needs to be tempered with patience, in order for the

> adult he /

> > >she will become, to have the best of all things. Health,

> nutrition for the

> > >brain, education... I can see you as a home school mom very

easily.

> > >

> > >You have been given this opportunity to learn more about your

> genes, and the

> > >solutions. This patience now, will give you the ability to avoid

> any of

> > >these problems in your children. Most people with thyroid

> autoimmune genes

> > >never have thyroid problems. This is where the confusion in TSI

> and TPO

> > >readings show that 130% and ? % being 'normal' ! All those

people

> do not

> > >have existing thyroid problems. We do. It took multiple triggers

> to set us

> > >off. Never one thing. ( this is another thing that takes TIME to

> figure out

> > >).

> > >But once we have crossed that line and have thyroid labs begin

to

> get skewed

> > >then we must get our antibody scores way, way down.

> > >

> > >OR ???? Now here is my dilemma. I do not have the funds to get

> antibody

> > >tests. But in my years focusing on this, I have found so many

> triggers. I

> > >have become more sensitive than anyone I have met. I do know my

> triggers. I

> > >refuse to swallow one bit of food that will send me back hyper.

> Even if it

> > >means I must skip a meal.

> > >

> > >I have also worked through MANY mental issues, now that my

Graves'

> and diet

> > >are under control. THIS is the hard part. But I choose to put

in

> the work.

> > >I have another 50 years on this earth, and now find I am

beginning

> a whole

> > >new life. Turns out, it is the life I had always dreamed about,

> but felt

> > >denied.

> > >

> > >To ME, this puts me in a better place than some. Those that

depend

> only on

> > >labs and pills.

> > >

> > >By education myself and charting all I have gone through, I also

> am now on

> > >the smallest dose of Synthroid they make. This works for ME, and

> also can

> > >surpress any possible antibodies that might be lurking. A most

> unusual

> > >approach, and I am not recommending this to anyone. Given access

> to proper

> > >labs, my story could have been completely different. TSI alone

is

> up to $500

> > >now. IF I was going that route, I would want more than TSI and I

> would want

> > >to be checking its possible change. That adds up to quite a bit.

> > >

> > >But the thing is... not having all this available to me, I have

> been forced

> > >to look much deeper than others, and I seem to be doing pretty

> darn well. A

> > >blessing in disguise in my opinion.

> > >

> > >And knowing there are others like me, I stick around in these

> joints. We

> > >know the others with no insurance have a tough row to hoe. They

> WILL be told

> > >RAI is the cheapest choice. They are not told the expensive

> things that may

> > >well come later... including FM. ( sigh ... which is most likely

> improper

> > >thyroid meds and labs... which then leads to lack of exercise,

> poor diet,

> > >depression, the list goes on ) . They then could end up with a

> life not

> > >worth living. Because their income is not going to increase at

> that point.

> > >

> > >Then I continue meeting so many nice people with Graves', it

> becomes a sort

> > >of obligation on my part, since I HAVE found so many triggers

etc.

> > >

> > >Please also realize that right now, your thyroid level is

> affecting all of

> > >your thoughts and emotions. It is very slow and supple, thus it

> all seems

> > >very real. Never make any decisions unless you know you are at

> YOUR thyroid

> > >set point.

> > >

> > >Writing extensive journal entries now, will give you much

insight

> LATER,

> > >concerning the unbelievable affect thyroid hormone has on our

> mind. I know

> > >it seems REAL. Don't panic... this too shall pass. ( though it

may

> get worse

> > >for a bit)

> > >Get labs done.

> > >Research BRT. ( block and replace therapy)

> > >Replacement hormone takes eight weeks to take affect.

> > >

> > >And listen to me next time I tell you hypo will happen. LOL ! (

> BG )

> > >

> > >You WILL have a wonderful baby... babies ?... and you will do a

> great job.

> > >You are already doing the job !

> > >

> > >-Pam L -

> > >3 1/2 years Graves', TED, and PTU. Remission due to SLOW

reduction

> of PTU

> > >(despite an incompetent endo ! ), improved lifestyle, excellent

> nutrition,

> > >herbs, and looking at the big picture.

> > >Pills alone only help the symptoms. We must help our bodies to

> heal.

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Clair,

Thanks so much for your message. I am not sure if I will have problems

conceiving or not yet. If I do, I'm inclined to let it be. But really my

question relates to when it is wise to start trying if just started on PTU,

given my current status. It would seem from the answers I've received, it

would be best for me to wait until I'm stable on a low dose of PTU, which

will probably take months (now on 200mg, and symptoms are minimal). My

doctor returned my call, and said I should wait until after I see him next

(about 5 weeks), and then we'll see if I should start. I'm worried that my

antibodies will cause a problem with the baby, even though I think they

weren't very high (TSI 198 and TPO >70). My reading up has made me nervous

about getting pregnant. I don't want to get into a problem if I can avoid it.

Sounds like it has been a difficult time for you in trying to conceive. It

can be very frustrating and painful. I am wishing you and your husband much

success!

At 06:10 PM 6/30/2003 +0000, you wrote:

>,

>

>My Graves relapse was diagnosed close to 2 years into trying to

>conceive a child. I stopped trying right away and started on PTU

>(safer in pregnancy). When my FT3/FT4 came back into normal range I

>started trying again. Because my husband and I have had a hard time

>conceiving, we were also under the care of a Reproductive

>Endocrinologist who we'd been doing various fertility treatments

>with. We were told that as long as my thyroid was relatively under

>control (some fluctuations are to be expected), I could try to

>conceive with little risk. Of course, I must see a doctor familiar

>with treating Graves in pregnancy and because of this as well as a

>few other things (including a full term loss which was the result of

>a negligent doctor and not my Graves which was in remission at the

>time), my pregnancy is in the " high risk " category. Practically

>speaking this just means I will be seeing the doctor more often than

>the average pregnant woman.

>

>At this time, I am 8 months into treatment (block and replace). My

>TSH is starting to rise and my FT3/4 have been in the normal range

>for quite a few months. We've been trying naturally for about 4-5

>months. In January we will be going forward with IVF should we not

>get pregnant before then. My RE sees every single lab report I get

>about my thyroid and communicates with the doctor treating me for

>Graves. And both seem to think there should be little complication.

>

>If I were you, I'd consider talking to an OBGYN or RE who has

>experience with this type of thing to get their input about it. But

>I think you should be OK.

>

>Clair

[Guest guest]

Hi -

You aren't on a high dose of PTU so that's good. Five weeks isn't a long

time to wait before you start trying. But at 37 you want to be aggressive

about getting pregnant.

They don't know very much about autoimmune disease and pregnancy. Some

doctors believe that if you test negative for a couple of antibodies then

you don't have an immune problem regarding pregnancy. And your infertility

is then unexplained. I think this is garbage because since you already have

one autoimmune disease you are at risk for another and the immune testing

that they do for pregnancy isn't established. In other words, they probably

don't have tests for them so they can't know what the problem is. This is

not something to worry about unless you can't get pregnant soon.

There are several ladies on this board who have had successful pregnancies

on PTU and their children are fine. They have not had additional problems

getting pregnant. I did have immune issues (had to fight about that with

the fertility specialist who referred me to a rheumatologist. The

rheumatologist thought I was completely reasonable and recommended

treatment-it worked!). Again, this isn't something to worry about now. But

if your Day 3 FSH is under 10 (mine was) and you're still not getting

pregnant after a few months, you should pursue it even if your doctor tells

you that autoimmunity isn't a problem. Anyhow, this is much more complex

than I've gone into here and, if you want, I'll go into it further if you

have problems.

One site that I found very helpful while I was trying to get pregnant and

that I find wonderful now (they have a board on parenting multiples) is

www.inciid.org. They have many boards that are moderated by physicians.

Sometimes it takes some time for the doctors to answer.

Good luck in your quest to have children. I originally didn't want to have

children after I found out I had Graves'. I changed my mind and am so happy

I did. There is nothing I've done that brings such joy (some pain too). I

don't care much anymore for all the awards and degrees stuffed in boxes that

I worked so hard for.

Goodness! I'm blabbering. Sorry about that.

Take care,

dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24)

> At 10:39 PM 6/29/2003 -0700, you wrote:

> >Hi -

> >

> >Have you had problems becoming pregnant so far?

>

> Hi ,

> I'm sorry to hear that it was a struggle for you to have a family. But

glad

> it all worked out!

>

> I haven't started yet. Was planning to start in April, and then the

Graves'

> was picked up on a blood test.

>

> If I'm getting you right, I should wait until I am stabilized on a lower

> dose. I was thinking that since my T4 and T3 were at high normal to begin

> with and my symptoms are very mild or absent at 200 mg, I might not have

to

> wait, and would be wasting time needlessly. I am worried about the

> antibodies affecting the fetus, and not sure if they usually drop shortly

> after taking the PTU. So my question is about timing, as well as risks. I

> will ask my doctor these questions, but I wanted to hear from the group as

> well, especially since I'm in search of a doc I have more trust in.

> Thanks again,

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks so much for your very helpful post! I didn't realize there could be

specific immune problems that could affect pregnancy, nor of course that

there would be treatment for it, nor who to go to (a rheumatologist). I

will check back if I have trouble.

Gratefully,

P.S. FSH is OK now.

At 11:14 PM 6/30/2003 -0700, you wrote:

>Hi -

>

>You aren't on a high dose of PTU so that's good. Five weeks isn't a long

>time to wait before you start trying. But at 37 you want to be aggressive

>about getting pregnant.

[Guest guest]

Hi -

You'll want to see a reproductive immunologist if you happen to have

problems once your thyroid levels are back on track. There aren't any here

in Fresno but we have a really good rheumatologist who handles autoimmune

disease.

Take care,

dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24)

> Hi ,

> Thanks so much for your very helpful post! I didn't realize there could be

> specific immune problems that could affect pregnancy, nor of course that

> there would be treatment for it, nor who to go to (a rheumatologist). I

> will check back if I have trouble.

> Gratefully,

>

> P.S. FSH is OK now.

[Guest guest]

Goodness, all these specialists. Thanks for letting me know, !

Pam B -- just had my first NMT session. Too early to tell, of course. But

it was interesting!

Yvonne -- I have to second what Pam advises: get thee to the MD (please).

Then to the ND, if you so choose. We hope you get your symptoms under

control soon.

At 03:00 PM 7/1/2003 -0700, you wrote:

>Hi -

>

>You'll want to see a reproductive immunologist if you happen to have

>problems once your thyroid levels are back on track.