Newbie also...questions please.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-15-2003
Newbie also...questions please.
2
Sun, 02-19-2006 - 6:45am

Hello,
My OB discovered the lump on my throat in 2003, a year after my DD was born. My Endo has been monitoring me with bloodwork and more recently neck ultrasounds. BAsically he told me I am borderline hyper and I have a toxic nodule, not cancerous (inside my thyroid, I belive he said). I had my DS in July 04. I had some trouble conceiving both my kids and lost one pregnancy inbetween, before I knew I had thyroid problems. My Endo suggested doing RAI last winter, but I didn't want to give up nursing my son so he said we would just monitor my levels. AFter I finished nursing, my levels went down so we haven't done anything since. However, in January my neck swelled up and was very painful. Endo said my nodule bled and he suggested we just get the RAI overwith. I agreed, but then backed out. Mainly I was afraid (no, terrified) to be apart from my kids for 3+ days AND I was also afraid of "killing off" some part of my body. I inquired about trying drugs or any other methods first, but he said because I'm hyper I'm not really a candidate for the drugs. As of 2 weeks ago, I appear to be back within a somewhat normal range so he said we can continue to monitor it for now and when my kids are a bit older and easier to leave I should consider having this done (he's thinking within the next year or so). AFTER THAT INTRO, THESE ARE MY QUESTIONS:
1) I told Endo we are considering a third and final child. He said if I had RAI I should wait 2-3 months afterwords to try getting pg, but the center where they do the RAI will recommend 1 year waiting. I'm 37 1/2 already so I don't have a bunch of time to wait! What is the recommended time to wait? Not sure if I should suck it up now and get the RAI or not??
2) If we do go ahead and try for a 3rd child, am I putting the unborn child in any risks because I have an overactive thyroid?? I know it may be harder to conceive and keep the pregnancy (which may have been my problem before), but my main concern is causing some harm to my unborn child by me having this thyroid condition. Can I pass something on to him or her??
3) Just exactly how long will I have to be apart from my family after having RAI? Not to mention, I'm an elementary school teacher so I'll have to be away from my job too!

I'm sorry this is so long. There is more I would like to ask, but I think I'll cut it here for now and hopefully someone will get this far in my post and answer. I would really appreciate any light you can shed on this for me!

Thanks much!
Karen

  • Karen
  • Mom to Makenna, Ryan and Jillian Rose
Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Sun, 02-19-2006 - 9:21pm

Hi Karen,


Welcome to our board.


My first reaction to your situation is that it sounds a little like me except for the children.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2004
Sun, 02-19-2006 - 10:46pm

1) I told Endo we are considering a third and final child. He said if I had RAI I should wait 2-3 months afterwords to try getting pg, but the center where they do the RAI will recommend 1 year waiting. I'm 37 1/2 already so I don't have a bunch of time to wait! What is the recommended time to wait? Not sure if I should suck it up now and get the RAI or not??


The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes...