Pregnant and just diagnosed

[minnie]

 Hi - I just found out I'm 6 weeks pregnant and have HT. I have never had hypo symptoms and am still in shock w/ trying to process it all. I haven't even been able to feel any joy over my pregnancy b/c I'm so shocked by the hypo and Hashimoto's diagnosis. My OB ordered a blood panel that included a TSH and my TSH was at 8. I went to an endo on Mon. and just got my complete thyroid panel results. My T4 and T3 are still w/in the normal range it's only my TSH and antibodies that are elevated and pointig to Hashimoto. The Dr. said my antibody count was well over a 1000! I was told that I would need to be on thyroid meds my whole life and would eventually lose my thyroid.
 
I don't know what to think or expect. I just want to know if anybody here has had a healthy pregnancy w/ this condition and what can I expect.
 

[Mo]

Hello Minnie,

Welcome to the board. My Hashimotos was diagnosed when my daughter was about 6 years old so I am unsure if I had Hashi's during pregnancy or not. I know I have had the symptoms for years but never had a diagnoses or even knew about thyroid problems prior to diagnoses. I was told the same thing at diagnoses. I would encourage you to relax and give your self time to research. I am one that personally thinks this disease can be minimized and even reversed which is not with the normal thinking out there. If I were to be in your shoes, I would evaluate some key areas of my lifestyle to see if there are obvious thyroid suppressing components. Check out the main page of this site to slowly learn about this disease. As far as your pregnancy, I can't answer due to lack of personal experience. During my pregnancy, I was very diligent to eliminate caffeine, preservatives and sugar as well as got my rest, etc. All these are important components to thyroid health.

You didn't mention your age and if the doctor has put you on any thyroid medication. I am hesitant to comment on the medication choices for fear of confusing you but I am not a fan of synthetic thyroid meds. I take a natural preparation. If I were to give you one good bit of advice... one that I feel very strongly about... it would be to get a second opinion from a good, natural doctor. People generally don't want to spend the money to go get a consultation to discuss with a knowledgeable natural doctor, their options. I am not a fan of just "going on the Synthroid" for many reasons. But, sometimes it is necessary to do that initially so as to cut down on the stress of learning more about this disease in a hurry. If you weren't pregnant, I would suggest you hold off on meds until you have time to research all your choices but a natural doctor would be best to help you through the best choices for your position. I would go to a health food store and get a couple names of recommended alternative medicine doctors and ask which ones know about the thyroid. Then I would call the offices and ask what they prescribe for thyroid conditions. If they are using natural thyroid preparations like Armour or Naturethroid, they likely have experience in this field. Some doctors (natural) would try diet changes and lifestyle choices first but with a pregnancy, they might choose other approaches. It would be helpful emotionally to know your choices (natural and traditional) and make an informed decision.

Whatever you do, don't panic. You will be okay. I have heard it is a bit more risky to have thyroid problems in pregnancy but I am confident that there are many good ways to reduce these risks.

Please let us know how you are doing. Give yourself some time to learn about this disease and realize that there are answers out there if we seek them.

By the way, it shouldn't take more than $120.00 or so to get a good opinion from a natural doctor since you have your recent test numbers.

Do you live in America? There is a list of doctors on the Armour and Naturethroid websites that you can find the links to on my home page.

I wish you success in finding the right road for your situation. Please remember that part of this battle is keeping your emotions in check. Relaxation is your friend and being calm about this will only help your body with the task ahead of it.

Take care,

Mo (HashiHope)

[minnie]

Thanks for the response! I'm 31 and the endo precribed 50mg of Levoxyl. I have been on it for only 2 days now and plan research all my alternatives meanwhile. I did find a natural dr. referral and they will be squeezing me in today since I'm pregnant. I don't much about this disease yet, but irregardless I'm a firm believer in the ability our bodies to heal and repair themselves. Thanks again for the response!

[Mo]

HI Minnie,

PLEASE keep us updated on your progress. I just know you will be fine! I am so excited you found a natural doctor. I hope you find a lot of hope there. We will be waiting to hear back from you.

Take care!

Mo

[minnie]

Hi Mo, I'm sorry to say that I'm not doing so well. I had a miscarriage and am feeling horrible. I went to the endo today and she said that my med. dose was probably too high. I have been having headaches and my left lymph node is swollen. The good news is I was able to get her to prescribe Armour. Do you think this will help make a difference?