The next step...Graves Disease options

Hi ladies, I just wanted to share where we are up to...well, we finally got in to see the endocrinologist on Friday...she was lovely and we feel good being under her care. She gave us a plan going forward and managing the Graves Disease, fertility issues. She has put me on PTU medication to manage the thyroid function and I'll keep having constant blood tests to monitor etc. She said we should be able to resume trying early next year hopefully. That's good news. We'll try naturally a few months, then return to IVF Ithink.

The bad news that made us feel a bit stressed, was that she said my thyroid antibodies are very high, and they increase my miscarriage risk, even if my thyroid function is normal. She said there is nothing we can do about that. So I guess when I do fall pregnant again, either through a natural miracle, or IVF, we will just have to hope that it stays this time. I'll be having clexane injections for the antiphospholipid syndrome too...as well as the thyroid medication (which has a very slight risk to the baby). So I just sohope itdoes work out. I can't imagine the pain of losing another baby.

Sometimes I find people are a bit dismissive of my fears and worry, which can be hard, but I think they just dont understand.
So that's the latest.

I'm glad that you have some confidence in your specialist, and it is good that she has given you the green light to keep trying. With everything that you have been through, of course you will be worried and very concerned, even fearful of what may happen, I think it would be abnormal if you were not! While at least you now have a handle on what was making things not work out, naming 'it' does not make the fear go away.

I really hope that the medication and care that you are getting will bring you a long pregnancy and a healthy baby - it is much deserved.

Best wishes
FG

Thanks FG- I really appreciate your support. I hope so too

Well, that sounds quite positive - I'm glad you've got a plan.

So, is there *really* nothing you can do for thyroid antibodies? I only ask because, after my molar preg, I was told there was nothing I could do to get my hormone levels down, which may well have been the case. But I went on a big green tea-heaps of water-detox-exercise thing. Did it actually help? Who knows. Did I feel like it was helping? Definitely. And I sort of have to wonder whether that psychological aspect had physiological effects. It might have just been coincidence. But it gave me a feeling of being in control, which definitely kept the stress levels down, which keeps the stress hormones down...

That's today's advice from Dr Bean :) I bought my degree online for $5.

well Dr bean ;) funny you should say that, because I have today been in touch with my naturopath who has recommended some supplements i can take, which can perhaps reduce my antibodies...and will at least make me feel like i am doing something! And you are right, mentally that does help.
Thank you

possums that's wonderful! I had to go google graves disease after seeing your signature :redface:

Hey Possums,

Glad to hear that there is a plan and you are moving forward.

I'm keeping everything crossed for you.

Hugs
Sue xxx