[pinky35]

in reply to: post RAI one year/pregnancy update #1169818

Sorry Nikki, I never saw your reply. I was seeing a specialist because of my 2 previous miscarriages. In the workup I had done it was determined I had low ovarian reserve (I am 36), so we opted for more aggressive treatment.

[pinky35]

in reply to: pregnancy after RAI questions #1061125

I had RAI in October 2010, and after the 6 month wait started trying again. I may be a little different story because I did use infertility treatments for this pregnancy–but wanted to let you know my endocrinologist fully supported us starting to try again. He was not concerned about the antibody levels at all. I am only 6 weeks right now, and had a scare this week, however we did see the heart beat today, so I feel good for now.

The biggest advice I have is to get your thyroid level checked immediately when pregnant. I was told I didn’t need the first check until about 8 weeks, however at 5 1/2 I had them checked for my routine 3 month follow up. Imagine my surprise when the labs came back at tsh of 17.2! My meds were immediately increased and I’m told it is just going to be constant monitoring to make sure my levels stay at an appropriate place (he would like it between 1-2). I am a bit frightened by such high tsh, but can only hope we can get it fixed quickly before any damage is done! I have unfortunately done too much reading on the effects of being so hypo on a pregnancy and fetus.

Good luck to you! It’s an added challenge, but my endocrinologist is willing to follow me through out pregnancy and provide the support needed to keep my thyroid levels in an acceptable range.

[pinky35]

in reply to: Anyone NOT gain weight after RAI? and VENT #1064882

Hi- Just wanted to let you know I was terrified of the exact same thing. I actually did not lose weight while hyperthyroid, so I was completely paranoid the RAI was going to make me gain big.

I had my RAI treatment on Oct. 1, 2010 (so a little over 7 months ago). I proactively joined weight watchers a week later, and started working out more at the gym as I started feeling better. I am still down about 10 lbs from my weight on the day of RAI. Losing is a struggle, and it is hard to go to WW week after week and not see a loss, or see a gain…but I try to remember the bigger picture. I am feeling healthier, HAVE lost some weight, and hopeful I will start losing more again. I am currently doing a weight training program, so my weight loss has stalled again, but I am building muscle, so I’m ok with it for now. My endo feels the healthy eating/weight watchers has definitely helped me as he says he does typically see SOME weight gain after RAI.

As a side note- this all started when I was dx after suffering 2 m/c’s. I am finally past the 6 month mark and back to ttc again! Seemed the day would never come! Take care!

[pinky35]

in reply to: If you had RAI #1062899

When I went in at 8 or 9 weeks post-RAI they hadn’t changed much. A month later I was in the hypothyroid range.

[pinky35]

in reply to: After RAI when am I safe to be around my baby? #1062931

I too had a difficult time deciding timing. (I have a 2-year-old son and just had RAI in October.) I took all the info I was given by my dr and the radiologist, as well as some online stuff, and just made a plan for myself, stuck to it, and then didn’t look back with a bunch of what-if’s, because it would have driven me crazy! What I ended up doing was this: week 1 I was totally separated from him. My DH took him to a friends house for 4 days and then my Mom flew in and took him on a little mini-vacation to the beach for a few days. Week 2, he came home, but my mom stayed here and did most of the care for him. I gave a few hugs or cuddles, but really minimized my time close to him (I was told limit it to an hour a day). This was the hardest week because he was sick and needed/wanted a lot of snuggles, but Grandma enjoyed them anyway. Week 3, we were back on our own and I did all his care and everything. Perhaps still limited the really close contact a bit, but nothing too bad.

I realize your little one is even younger, so I can imagine it’s even harder for you– Hang in there!

[pinky35]

in reply to: Want to have baby #1063004

Ah- thanks, I see what you’re saying. I’m still new to this–I was hyperthyroid and symptematic, I just chose to go right to RAI instead of trying meds, if that makes sense. I think I misunderstood the question.

[pinky35]

in reply to: Want to have baby #1062999

Hmm, I don’t know about the being on meds and having it controlled before RAI–this was NOT the case for me at all. I was on beta blockers for heart symptoms, but never went on the antithyroid meds. The dose was calculated based on the result of the thyroid uptake scan. I was told the RAI had to be done within a certain timeframe after the uptake/scan or I would need to have are repeat uptake done, since they use the percentage uptake and size (from scan) to figure out the dose.

There definitely was a waiting period, as was mentioned above. I didn’t really have to monitor anything, I had blood draws every 4 weeks–I did feel when it started happening though. Mostly exhaustion and my hair falling out more then usual (nothing dramatic, just more then usual) and weight gain, even though I was still doing weight watchers. I do think sometimes it would have been nice to just get started right away (like is done with surgery), but honestly the few months hasn’t been bad at all (especially considering I have a 6 month wait anyway until ttc).

[pinky35]

in reply to: Want to have baby #1062984

Hi–I believe my Grave’s onset was post-baby also, although I wasn’t dx until this past August. I had had 2 miscarriages, and was found to be hyperthyroid, and then dx with Grave’s. After MUCH discussion with both my endo and my reproductive endo, I decided on RAI. It wasn’t an easy decision (esp. knowing I would have to wait 6 months after RAI to try to conceive again and being 35). I felt like the benefits of having it done, rather then being on antithyroid meds during pregnancy, was the best option for ME. The endo’s both felt like having throid replacement during pregnancy, and even being slightly hypo, was much lower risk to mom and baby. I am only 3 months out from treatment, so I can’t speak to actually being pregnant yet- but I am told it will just be a matter of getting the replacement dose situated, and then we can try (after the 6 months that is). I will be followed with (likely) monthly blood draws and seeing the endo throughout pregnancy, as it is common for your body to require more replacement when pregnant- esp. the first trimester when the baby has no thyroid.
3 months out and my body JUST went "hypo", meaning I began having symptoms and then blood draw 2 days ago show all my levels in the hypo range. I was actually very glad to see that, as I can get started on replacement and get to a healthy place finally.
I feel TONS better then I did prior to treatment–like, a different person better. Actually, I didn’t realize how horrible I felt until I felt "normal" again.
Good luck to you!

[pinky35]

in reply to: Time between RAI and pregnancy #1063455

Good advice Ski! Thank you. I was at my endo’s office today for an appointment and will have labwork done in 3-4 weeks before my next one. I will ask at that time about getting a standing order, if possible. The good news is, my heart palpitations have already almost completely vanished, so I’d say I’m getting closer to feeling better!

[pinky35]

in reply to: Time between RAI and pregnancy #1063453

My doctor told me current rule of thumb is to wait 6 months. He did tell me he’s had patients who have gotten pregnant sooner then that, and been fine–but stressed that 6 months is the typical wait period. My reproductive endocrinologist told me that it’s best to wait until my thyroid levels are leveled out. I had my RAI 5 weeks ago, and my thyroid levels haven’t moved at all yet, so I can imagine that could take a while for some.

I am 35 and anxious to get pregnant, but after 2 miscarriages, I am playing this cautious and will wait until I’m told it’s safe to try.

Good luck to you!

[pinky35]

in reply to: RAI tomorrow #1063865

Thanks! It’s done–and so far, can’t believe how easy it was. I miss my boy, but have kind of enjoyed the quiet and getting to just relax all weekend with the house to myself. My palpitations have gotten bad, so I’m looking forward to it "kicking in" and keeping my heart from skipping so much.
Thanks for the support!

[pinky35]

in reply to: RAI set for Sept. 30 #1063875

Just wanted to wish you well. I am also doing RAI- mine is the next day on friday oct. 1. Hope you get to feeling better. My most annoying symptom is the heart palpitations and I am certainly looking forward to seeing an end to those.

[pinky35]

in reply to: Hi- new with a few ?’s #1064104

Hi lch11! Thank you for the response. So sorry for your loss as well. I have a 2 year old son, and I suppose I completely took for granted how easy it was to get and stay pregnant with him! I have my suspicions that this did start back then as I had a visible goiter post-pregnancy. Quite honestly speaking, I had gained a bunch of weight with pregnancy and I thought it was just fat on my neck! Now that I know I do have enlarged thyroid, I really think that’s what it’s been all this time. Anyway, it’s been an emotional rollarcoaster lately–I was certainly heartbroken when at 10 weeks, I found out I was having a miscarriage, followed by d&c. Then to have it all happen again a few months later, and now this diagnosis—it’s all been a bit much to say the least.
I finally found your posts- the search function didn’t work for me to find it so I scrolled back to May to read. I’m glad to hear everything has gone well so far for you. I am so glad I found this board, it’s helping me realize I need to not rush into anything and need to weigh each option carefully. I think the amount of nervousness I have regarding RAI is making things difficult for me right now. I just want to know in the end that I am doing the right thing for me AND for future pregnancy/child.
Thanks again!

[pinky35]

in reply to: Hi- new with a few ?’s #1064102

Thank you Shirley. You give me a lot to think about. I’ll be honest, I hadn’t given surgery much thought, but only because my endo felt RAI was better. The more I read- I have more things I wonder now. I have heard people have needed another RAI some time after the 1st- if that were the case it would push things off further (as far as trying to conceive). My endo gave me a couple of names of reproductive endocrinologists, and I called today but didn’t only left messages. I’m thinking now maybe I should try harder to see one of them first and get their take things. The other two ideas aren’t bad either.
Thank you- I searched surgery posts a bit earlier today and will probably do some more.

[pinky35]

in reply to: Hi- new with a few ?’s #1064100

Thank you so much for your thorough reply! I am going to do the search now–just getting a feel for this board and didn’t even realize there was a search function. I appreciate the input, and the reminder to think for myself. I think I’ve always just listened to the "experts" (the doctor) and did what I was told in health care, so it is so good for me to keep that in mind. I’m hoping I’ll learn more just from reading some other posts on here. Thanks!

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