[adenure]

#1059093

I know that we’re all patients and not doctors, but what do you all think? My endo. is back in the office tomorrow, so I’m hoping to talk with him soon about my scan and my latest labs. I’ve been off methimazole 3 weeks after being on 5 mg. daily for 7 weeks. My TSH is 1.17 (.35-4.0 normal) My Free T4 is .91 (.81-1.54 normal). My scan numbers (10 days off methimazole) were 19% at 4 hours and 34% at 24 hours. So, is this residual methimazole keeping me normal? My endo had said when I had to stop the meds. that I could be normal from 2 weeks to 2 months. So, I guess it could be. I really wish this were post partum. One nuclear doctor said definitely Graves (the one after the 4 hour scan); he said if it were postpartum it would be less than 4%., but the other nuke dr. and 2 endo’s saw “patchiness” in the scan and didn’t say 100%. Ugh. I want an answer. My surgery date is June 12th- not sure if we’re going to go forward with that or not. I guess I’ll have to talk with my endo and figure it all out. The scan also showed some nodules on one side, but they didn’t sound too concerned- the doctor thought doing an ultrasound would be a good idea. My resting heart rate has been normal- around 62 when I’m calm and resting. I don’t feel too badly for the most part. I don’t know what to make of it all.

Alexis

[Kimberly]

#1172091

Hi Alexis – You have quite a complex case trying to sort out Graves’ vs. PPT, and honestly, anyone here would be doing you a disservice to even speculate on your labs and scan.

Hopefully, with your endo back in town, you will be able to get some expert guidance on next steps very soon.

Please keep us posted!

[adenure]

#1172092

Thanks- We’ll see what happens I guess.

Alexis

[catstuart7]

#1172093

Why does surgery have to be so soon? Since you are normal right now maybe just let things ride for a bit?

[adenure]

#1172094

I talk to my endocrinologist tomorrow. My concern is that if I go hyper again (bc I have Graves), I won’t be able to get back to normal levels bc I can’t take ATD’s. I took 5 mg. of methimazole daily and my liver enzymes shot through the roof within 7 weeks. They are normal now, but my endo. doesn’t want me to go back on them. I get an ultrasound tomorrow of my liver to make sure all is well. I know surgery is safest when we’re in normal range, so I’m hoping for a diagnosis so I know what to do. They’re monitoring my TSH weekly to see if I end up inching my way towards hyper again. I don’t know. I really don’t. I would love for this to be postpartum caused, but I’m not sure anyone’s convinced it is nor are they 100% convinced it’s Graves (minus 1 nuclear doctor). I’m just confused, tired, and want an answer.

Alexis

[catstuart7]

#1172095

Alexis, have you heard about how they can use iodine directly to cause your thyroid to shut down before surgery? That is one liver safe option that’s out there though I don’t know how common its usage is. Maybe that could buy you some time? I’m tired too…I hear ya.

ETA: Just read the other thread, looks like you already know about the iodine drops. Seems like the complicating factor is the breastfeeding for a lot of these decisions so it comes down to what feels right for you and the baby.

[bellatini]

#1172096

Wishing you the best! Let us keep us updated!

[Author]

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