I would like to know what you guys think about this?
After having my son 2 years ago, I started having major problems. Weight gain, tired, dry cracked skin, constipation and so on! So I wen't to the doctor and they did some testing because I also felt a lump in my throat. All they found was a nodule, not a goiter but just a nodule. My bloodwork came back in the normal range. That doctor would not help me, but the one I am seeing now started me on .125 synthroid and it has helped me tremendously.
Well, yesterday when I wen't to see him he mentioned that the nodule in my neck feels like it wen't away, and sinse my bloodwork is normal he wants to slowly take me off the meds.
I am pregnant again, my baby is due in July, and he wants to start lowering my dose before the baby is even born. I am really upset because I don't want to feel horrible all over again. I think I'll be finding a good endocronologist soon!! Maybe, to get a second opionion. Thyroid disease runs high in the family. My sister has it, my grandma, and my aunt pat that just passed away had it too!
I think that making a change while you are pregnant is NOT the way to go and the doctor should reconsider the ramifications of making hormonal changes while someone is pregnant. This could cause problems for you and the baby. If your tests are "normal" then what is the problems.
GENERALLY speaking, if you are on meds and your labs are normal, when you go off of meds your labs will be lower than normal, or just low-normal, and either way, this is not good if you are pregnant, since pregnancy increases your need for thyroid hormones.
Emily, please don't change your medication dose or regimen before you speak with an Endo. You might want to telephone interview Endo candidates to discuss how your condition flared up during pregnancy initially and how they feel you should proceed.
Find a good doc with knowledge of thyroid & fertility who is willing to watch you closely through your pregnancy. -- you may even get referrals from your OB/Gyn. And, as your pregnancy progresses, watch for symptom changes. They may signal that you need more blood tests and potential dosage changes.
Just so you guys understand my bloodwork has always showed up as normal.(even before the doctor put me on synthroid) I am the one who pushed the issue with the doctor to start me on meds. My sister happens to have thyroid disease but it shows in her blood work. The only reason I think the doctor thought it was necessary to put me on synthroid was to shrink the nodule.
He claims that the nodule is shrinking, and he feels that because my blood work is in the normal range that we should start slowly lowering my dose and get me off entirely. All he did was feel my neck, and said "its going away". Bolony!! You can see that the right side of my neck is still larger than the left side. I am not impressed with this doctor anyways. I think he just wants to get rid of me entirely because hes not comfortable on the thyroid subject. I will be finding a endo! Trouble with them is their all booked for months around here.
I have enough refills to get my synthroid to last me through my pregnancy. My doctor always forgets how many refills he gives me, so he wrote up 6 more refills, but he wants to see me soon to start lowering my dose. I think I'll just keep having the refills and I am not going to bother going back to him!! I am prabably better off!
Thanks for the advice <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif">
Emily
Emily, have you ever had blood tests for thyroid antibodies? It is a frequent cause of hypo symptoms (and sometimes creation of nodules) even before the thyroid blood levels leave the normal range.
There have been studies that taking 200 mcg of Selenium a day can slow and sometimes even stop the antibodies. But I would discuss this with your OB/Gyn before starting it during pregnancy. See Page 2 of the Information Archive thread for more details...
AFTER your pregnancy, if you see an Endo and can prove that you have no antibodies and your other levels are normal (and you have no symptoms), you may want to try lowering your dose under a doctor's care. But I wouldn't change a thing for now since you've shown a tendency to post-partum thyroiditis.
It's definitely worth seeking a good Endo, even if there's a wait list. You should at least have updated diagnostic tests of the nodule (which, in my opinion, they should have been checking and measuring every 3-6 months).
Artful,
Do you mean getting checked for hashi's? I am pretty sure they have checked everything.
Yes, I agree that they should keep a closer eye on the nodule! It needs to be looked at! That is why I am going to go see an endo!
Thanks for everything. I appreciate responses. This board is so helpful!
I've learned alot from this board!! <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif">
Emily
Ok just wanted to update you guys on whats going on. I finally found an endo. They are so hard to come by where I live. I have to drive one hour each way but thats ok!!! <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif"> I feel relieved that I am going to see one. It won't be until June 11th but atleast its before my baby is born, and I have enough medicine left until then. I am in a better mood today because I really had a hard time finding an endo!
Thanks for all advice!!
