[LaurelM]

#1070294

Hi,

I was on Methimazole when I became pregnant with our 2nd. I was switched to PTU but was able to stop taking it about 7 weeks into the pregnancy. My 2 1/2 yr old daughter is healthy and happy. Right now she is singing ‘Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Moo Moo’ at an ear shattering volume. We were not planning on becoming pregnant at that time. We did want a 2nd baby but mother nature presented her ahead of our schedule. Personally, if I were contemplating another pregnancy, I would want to be off the ATDs. I would also consider that stabilization after the RAI can take some time. There are varying recomendations on how long to wait to try for pregnancy after you have it done. Have you considered a thyroidectomy? With surgical removal, you might have a speedier time reaching and staying at normal levels on replacement hormone. I also understand that replacment hormone is easier to manage the correct thyroid levels than ATDs during pregnacy. I recommend that you find a really good high risk OB/GYN prior to trying to conceive and ask these questions.

Other things to consider, women can have a worsening of GD in the 12 months postpartum. I was 8 months postpartum with our first when I was finally diagnosed. I jokingly say my 1st pregnancy triggered the GD and my 2nd put me in remission. If your thyroid has been removed (via RAI or thyroidectomy), this is a less likely scenario. You will still likely need to have frequent thyroid level checks in the year postpartum.

Regardless of what you finally choose, be aware that you will need to be monitored more closedly during your pregnancy to ensure the proper thyroid levels and to monitor the baby’s development . Ideally, you will be under the care of an endocrinologist and a high risk OB/GYN or maternal/fetal specialist.

The vast majority of women who have had their thyroid levels stabilized (by any of the 3 treatment options) prior to becoming pregnany can have a healthy pregnancy but the risk of complication is still somewhat elevated from the general population.

Best wishes,
Laurel

[jtb2727]

#1019235

Hi

I know people have posted similar topics on the discussion board – but I am concerned about my particular situation and would appreciate some guidance. I’m 24 years old and was diagnosed with Graves about 4 months ago. My husband and I were hoping to start a family within the next year. With this in mind, I had trouble deciding between medications and RAI for treatment and because I was taking too long deciding – I decided to start medication and start feeling better so I could make a sound decision. I started PTU about 2 months ago and my thyroid levels have already responded and are within normal range. While I’m feeling a lot better, I am torn between staying on the medication (knowing that is a Class D drug for pregnancy and could be harmful to the baby) OR having RAI for treatment.

My concerns with RAI are that getting pregnant will be more difficult and/or impossible following this treatment. I know women have gotten pregnant following RAI, but I’m still hesitant to believe it will work for me. I have had symptoms similar as seen in endometreosis (although I haven’t been formally diagnosed), and it worries me that I already have a "strike" against me in this sense.

Has anyone stayed on PTU knowing they wanted to get pregnant and had a successful pregnancy? Are there any women that have Endometreosis/Graves who have had this RAI treatment and have been successful getting pregnant? Are there any women who have had difficulty getting pregnant following RAI?

I would greatly appreciate any guidance/advice you may have. Thank you!

[Author]

Posts