New to the group

[Guest guest]

Hello fellow Baltimoron! (Though I moved 17 years ago.) If you want to

get pregnant before achieving remission, you would need to be on PTU

rather than on Tapazole because of its crossing over to the baby. Since

you've already started with Tapazole, it might be best to stick with it.

Make sure you're monitored regularly: at one month to be sure you're not

experiencing any of the deleterious side effects of ATD's and then every

6-8 weeks, having your endo reduce your meds by minimum increments, that

is, no more than 5 milligrams at a time. Doing this, you might well

achieve remission within 18-24 months. It took me 14 months and my endos

do not sound as on top of things as yours is.

I'm so sorry about your miscarriage. Remember that your hormones are

going to be really out of whack for a while, not to mention what Graves

does to one's psyche. It took a few months on ATD's till I was over the

worst of it (rage, anxiety, etc.). If your husband isn't aware of this,

gently inform him so he'll be prepared.

You don't mention how old you are. Caroline from Australia (check out the

archives under ) had a subtotal thyroidectomy as she

wanted to " fall pregnant " and didn't want to wait till she achieved

remission on ATD's. Her story is happy and encouraging if you choose to

go that route. But what you're doing is good. Take your time to explore

your options while regaining your health on ATD's. ATD's are one of the

least invasive options available. Tapazole, while precluding pregnancy,

is easier to take than PTU since PTU needs to be taken, at the beginning,

3x/day at regular intervals. Also, I think I recently learned from this

list that one's thyroid levels tend to be more consistent on Tap than

PTU. PTU does have its upsides too should you find yourself needing to

take it.

Anyway, welcome. You found the right place for info. Take care, Fay

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[Guest guest]

Hi Densua

Welcome to the group. It's great that you could find us. I hope that you can

feel supported here (I'm sure you

will).

I'm sorry about your miscarriage. I can imagine you must be going through a lot

of emotions at present with the new

diagnosis of GD and hyper to cope with also. I hope you are taking things easy

for awhile. At least until your

thyroid levels have stabilised (which could take a few weeks or more). I guess

your 11 month old keeps you on your

toes!

As Fay has already told you my story may help a bit. In a nut shell - I started

trying to fall pregnant in Nov 1998.

I miscarried in 1999 x 2 and was diagnosed hyper & GD in May 2000. At 39yrs old

I felt I needed a 'quick fix' as I

wanted to have at least 2 babies (I have one son who is now 19yrs old). My endo

recommended a sub total

thyroidectomy. Which I had in Oct 2000. I fell pregnant in Nov 2000 and had very

little trouble with stabilising my

thyroid levels. My baby boy was born in Aug 2001 and is beautiful. I am now

pregnant again, due in Set 2002. And my

GD has been in remission since after the operation.

There were some ups and downs. My decision was based on research, support,

others opinions and prayer. Also in

Australia RAI is usually only done if thyroid cancer is suspected. If I was

younger I would chosen to continue on

the meds to try for remission as surgery or RAI are permanent and your thyroid

gland is so important to the

efficient functioning of your body. Taking replacement medication for the rest

of your life is adequate but not

preferable.

There have been others here who have had beautiful babies while on PTU. Debbie

has already answered you. Also

I. had a baby boy last year. You should be able to find her posts in the

archives.

It is great you are researching. Getting well so that you can be there for your

11 month old and for a new baby is

the most important thing at the moment.

Take Care

Caroline

[Guest guest]

Hello.

I am new to the group. I am 6 months post op. I had lap RNY on June

4th. Everything is going great. I have lost 75 lbs. and have 25 to

go. My husband and I plan to try to have another baby next year

sometime. At a recent support group meeting, someone asked me if I

was actually serious about having a baby after surgery. Has anyone

else had to deal with negative reactions? I have been asked why I

would ever think of having another child when I already have to

healthy boys. Is it actually that risky to have a baby now?

Lee