Worried and need support...

[ajmom]

I'm 19 weeks pg with my 3rd child. Back in the fall, I was sick with something no one could figure out and my physician ran tons of blood tests. She discovered, by accident, that my thyroid was slightly overactive, so I went to an endocrinolgist who did more extensive blood work and said that, although it was slightly overactive, there was nothing to worry about and everything else was normal. So I got pregnant.

Here I am, almost half-baked, and my OB called last night b/c my thyroid is now more than a little overactive. I made another appt. with the endocrinologist for tomorrow, but it appears that there are some pretty serious implications for having an overactive thyroid during pregnancy.

I feel almost irresponsible for getting pregnant, even though I honestly didn't think I had a serious thyroid problem, according to the endo. I'm afraid that whatever damage this might cause has already been done. Besides, there's a possibilty that, even when I get on regulating meds, I won't be able to BF. My child can have impaired intellectual and physical functioning, thyroid disease, bone or growth abnormalities and no telling what else.

Honestly, I have no for sure answers right now. I'm just worried and scared. I guess we'll see what the future holds...

[candybomiller]

I had a response all typed out, then realized that my "what will be, will be" attitude probably isn't what you need right now.

So... sending you hugs and love. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let us know. And please, keep us updated. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

[EllasMum]

It sounds like you're being closely monitored and well taken care of. Try to just focus on keeping yourself as healthy as you can and try not to let the unknown stress you out too much. These forums are a great place for support and I know everyone will help you out along the way.

Take care - let us know how you are doing.

[SweetTooth]

I know this is much easier said than done, but try not to worry. Have your OB or endrocinologist talked about a maternal-fetal medicine specialist? I'm not sure if they would be able to give you more info, but at least closely monitor you & your baby. Sending positive thoughts your way...

[pampamz]

Sigh, so much easier said than done to say try not to worry, but I agree with PP. It does sound like you are being well monitored and cared for and that is so important when things like this pop up during pregnancy.
Try to get some sleep and hang in there...

[mamalou]

Hugs mama!!

Please don't beat yourself up!

You might consider looking into natural ways of regulating it. Don't know where you live, and as crazy as it might sound to you, I would consider seeing an experienced naturopathic doctor or chiropractor who can often refer you to specialists who don't use drugs or surgery to get to the root of your problem. Of course you can do this in conjunction with your traditional doctors who seem to be on top of it.

Hope you get some reassurance soon.

[mamamayi]

>I feel almost irresponsible for getting pregnant, even though
>I honestly didn't think I had a serious thyroid problem,
>according to the endo.

First of all, it IS NOT your fault. (Now repeat 10 times.) If the doctor thought everything was okay, how in the world can you hold yourself responsible? That statement alone shows how responsible you are.

I wish I had a magic wand and could make all your worry go away and make everything great. I can only offer my prayers and support and HUGS to you. I'm so sorry you are going through this.

[tiapam]

Are you having any symptoms of being overactive? I had full blown symptoms (though not while pregnant) long before my test results showed it, so I don't think it's outside the realm of possibiluty that while your test results are worrisome, your body could actually be doing fine. I hope this is the case with you. I personally think people have their own "normal" range.

What were you sick with before? Some thyroid problmes can be triggered by another illness, or even just stress.

For everyone else reading this, consider this a PSA to get your thyroid tested even if you are not having problems. It is good to have a baseline in case you develop problems later, which many women do. That way you will know what is normal for you.

-Pam

DD - One year old!

[Jenn98]

I agree. It's at least worth a visit to this type of doctor. I was leary of it myself, but when I had an issue "modern" medicine couldn't cure (persistant, chronic thrush) I sought the advice of a more natural minded doc and it was very helpful.

And stay away from all the horror stories on the internet!!!! This can really be said for most pregnancy issues, really! You don't need to be stressing out about all the what-ifs. Educate yourself, becasue as cliche as it sounds knowlegde IS power, but avoid horror stories!!

And hang in there. We all strive our hardest to be the best parents we can. You can't beat yourself up for something like this, which you have ZERO control over. You did your best. That's all we can ask of ourselves as parents.

Hang in there!

[bunnisa]

All I can suggest is that you don't jump to worst case scenarios! I know, easier said than done, right? My best advice is DON'T SEARCH THE INTERNET! :P

With my first, my thyroid tests (during pregnancy) came back high. However, I didn't have any of the symptoms, and found out through some research that TSH etc levels can be affected by pregnancy. Went to the endocrinologist, had more bloodwork done, and the end result was: nothing. My tests came back normal (this was 3 or so weeks after the first test). The midwife was pretty surprised since my first test had come back so high.

However, I was told by her that if my thyroid was overactive, I'd be put on medication, and that was all. She didn't freak me out with tales of impairment/deformities, and said that was unlikely. Don't stress! I'm sure it will all be fine, and I'll bet the endo will reassure you. :) Let us know how it goes!

Bethany
blessed wife and mama to two!

"And children are always a good thing, devoutly to be wished for and fiercely to be fought for."
-Justin Torres

[ajmom]

THANK YOU for all the kind words and support. I work in a chool and our school nurse did some research for me. She reassured me that it's entirely possible that my TSH runs low normally and the pregnancy can often suppress it further, causing it to appear that I have an overactive thyroid when that isn't the case. SHe also told me that the stress in worrying about it will do more harm than anything else at this point, so I'm trying to remain positive!

I go to the endocrinologist today. I feel pretty certain more bloodwork will be done before there are any answers.

I really appreciate all of you taking the time to offer support and suggestions!

[megs4413]

I hope you get some answers from the endo today....

Just to give you some hope....i have underactive thyroid that I had regulated with medication just a few months prior to becoming pregnant with DD. They monitored my thyroid levels periodically and I ended up becoming overactive in the second half of my pregnancy which my endo assured me was a normal consequence of pregnancy. It wasn't caught for a while even though I was not symptomatic. I am not sure why you are concerned about the breastfeeding....the medication I take is safe for baby. I took meds the whole time I was pregnant and for the short time that I gave DD BM in a bottle and she is a happy, healthy, beautiful 13 month old!

Let us know how things go at the endo's today! Big hugs and best wishes!