[jiboosmom]

#1062458

Emily,

I talked to my perinatologist and my endo about this. Apparently, PTU is recommended if you are Breastfeeding and won’t be a problem to the baby as long as the dosage is not too high. My Endo gave me the option of allwoing the graves to go untreated while breastfeeding or only partially controlling the graves with a low dose of PTU (as long as the symptoms weren’t bothering me too much).

I hope that helps. I would definitely talk to your Endo. Best of luck! I hope you are able to continue BFing. It is such a wonderful gift to you and your baby.

Congratulations on your new addition!

Susan

[ely2009]

#1018058

brief summary…I was dxed in April 2009, put on methimazole and responded fairly quickly. By October, my endo began weaning me…slowly. In June 2010 I was taking 2.5mg every other day when I became pregnant. Went off meds, but was checked every 4 weeks and my levels stayed "normal." Unfortunately, for other reasons I had a tough pregnancy. But now I’m holding a beautiful 4 week old baby girl.

My endo warned me that post-partum was a likely time to become hyper again. I knew at 3 weeks after that my symptoms were returning; I don’t feel terrible, just not great. Bloodwork confirms I am hyper again.

I am breastfeeding and doing research on PTU vs. methimazole. I always thought meth. was an absolute NO with BFing, but am finding research that it can be done with low dose and careful monitoring. I will transition to bottles before I’d go back to that bad "hyperworld" but would like to continue BFing for some time if possible.

Questions?
If I responded so well to meth. before, will that be the case again? Or do chances decrease each time? Would I likely do as well on PTU? But what about the liver damage stuff? Anyone with experiences breastfeeding on anti-thyroid meds?

I haven’t actually talk to my endo or ped yet, just got results from nurse. I’m trying to prepare myself for what may happen.

Thanks.

I’m sorry to be back (no offense), but I am so thankful for this resource.

Emily

[Ski]

#1062459

As for the risks, whether you’ll be able to use methimazole (or PTU) effectively again, I believe the chance of it being effective for you is the same the second time around, but you should be aware that the most dangerous side effects (low white blood cell count, liver damage) are most likely to occur when you start (or re-start) taking the meds. One successful course of ATDs does not mean that the side effects will forever pass you by ~ apparently the risk is the same every time you go from NOT taking them, to taking them, and I believe the span of time in which they are most likely to come up is the first 6 weeks or so (could be a shorter period of time, I’ll check my notes tonight and post again). So don’t panic, but do take care and be vigilant about the symptoms of those side effects.

The odds of full remission, in other words, a remission of symptoms without taking meds that lasts for at least a year, do get lower for each successive course of ATDs, but as you know, if it’s possible to maintain your levels using a very low dose of ATD, you should be able to manage that (in the absence of the worst side effects) with your doctor’s help.

Sorry to hear your symptoms have returned, but congratulations on that beautiful baby girl!! Enjoy her, I certainly hope you are successful in finding a way to continue BFing, it’s so important for both of you. If it doesn’t work out, try not to blame yourself. I know you only want the best for your baby, and you’ll figure this out. ” title=”Very Happy” />

[LaurelM]

#1062460

Hi Emily,

I don’t know if you can find my old freaking out posts when faced with the breastfeeding issue. They are on the old bulletin board.

I was 8 months post-partum & breastfeeding when I started Methimazole. My endo knew I was BF and was supportive of my continuing to do so. My baby’s Dr checked with a pediatric endo at our well respected area children’s hospital. They agreed that the benefits far outweighed any risks for us. We did set up a schedule to have our baby’s thyroid levels checked. That part was no fun as it does involve a heel stick.

Both PTU and Methimazole are listed as medications usually compatible with breastfeeding according to the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cg … ;108/3/776

I can’t say that my experience can be applied to everybody. They may factor in the size/age of the baby and the size of the dose when considering their advice. I don’t know but I was started on a moderately large dose and tapered down rapidly.

My ‘baby’ is now in Kindergarten and doing great.

Hope that helps some.

Laurel

[ely2009]

#1062461

Thanks..went to endo today to talk to her. My levels are actually in the "normal" range, just not in my perfect spot. Blood pressure and HR are normal. She suggested that since I’m not feeling terrible, that I have bloodwork again in 2 weeks to see what’s happening – that’ll be 4 weeks from previous bloodwork. If I need to then (or before then if I choose), she’ll start me on a low-dose of PTU (50 mg/2 xs day). She explained that generally during preg ang BFing, the theory is to make mom comfortable and keep baby safe – mom usually doesn’t feel "perfect," but the disease is controlled.

I think I’d feel MUCH better if I slept more than 3 hours at a time. ” title=”Smile” />

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