Thursday, July 26, 2012

Apparently my doctor doesn't read my blog...

Remember how I told you I had an appointment with a Thyroid specialist yesterday?  Well it didn't quite go as well as I had hoped but, I suppose, it didn't quite go as bad as it could have either.  Basically one set of my labs came back hyperthyroid and my second set of labs are normal.  Some of the symptoms related to hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease are symptoms that I have.  The doc's "theory" is that I have had Graves' disease for some time but my pregnancies have "calmed" it down to the point of normal thyroid function.  :-/

Then I started asking, "so what does this mean for me and for my pregnancy?"  She said so far the pregnancy is fine and there is nothing to worry about.  As for me, she said we really won't know for sure if I have Graves' disease until after I deliver and that I should try not to worry.  Ha!  Try not to worry?!?!  This was also said after she revealed all of the scary effects of hyperthyroidism. 

And then guess what I did once I got back to work??  Remember what I said the #1 thing NOT to do if you are worried about something???  Google it.

Graves' disease: (according to the Mayo Clinic)
Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). While a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease is the most common cause.

Because thyroid hormones affect a number of different body systems, signs and symptoms associated with Graves' disease can be wide ranging and significantly influence your overall well-being.

Untreated hyperthyroidism in a pregnant mother can cause:
  • Miscarriage
  • Intrauterine growth retardation
  • Prematurity
  • Low birth weight
  • Stillbirth
  • Hyperthyroidism in the fetus or newborn

After my appointment it became very clear that my doctor did not read this post where I admit I am a "worry wart" mother, much to my chagrin.  If she had read my blog she would know sharing with me all of the unpleasant and scary effects of hyperthyroidism would do not one bit of good for me (even though I would have googled them on my own any way).  But alas my lovely doctor has basically told me my thyroid readings are currently normal and I have nothing to worry about AND that whether or not I have Graves' disease is purely hypothetical at this point. 

As I attempt to let all of this go I have full faith that I am in good hands as I continue to get thyroid readings done once a month until I deliver, meet with the Thyroid doc twice more before I deliver and continue on with my amazing OB/GYN docs.  If they say I have nothing to worry about then that is the approach I will take!  I will do my best to not worry

So... how do I not worry??? Anyone have any tips?  Anyone?  Oi.  Hold me closer Tony Danza.

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