Back to the RE!

Last week Greg and I headed back to the RE! We went back a little earlier than originally planned after I got some abnormal test results from a routine physical. I had the physical back in October, and a month later I received results of the lab work in the mail. The results showed my thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was high. The paper said the normal range was 1-4.0, and mine was 7.4.

I didn't know what this meant, so I called my PCP right away. They took over a week to get back to me, despite calling repeatedly. In the meantime, I did a lot of Googling and read things about increased risk of miscarriages. So, I called my OB's office (the results were forwarded to her). The OB said that, because my free T4 was normal, I didn't require treatment. But this conflicted with everything I read online. When my PCP's office finally called me back, they also said I didn't need to be treated.

So I decided to make an appointment with the RE, and I am so glad I did! He was very surprised that I was not being treated. He confirmed what I read about miscarriages and also said a high TSH can cause birth defects. So, he ordered another TSH test and said he is (most likely) going to put me on meds. He wants to see my TSH below 2.5. So, I have to get the blood work done, start the meds, wait four weeks, and then get more blood work to see if the meds are working. And, once I get PG again, he will up the dose of the meds. So I'm glad we decided to go see him a bit earlier than planned, because this might take some time.

He also said that, although my cycle is back, the fact that I am still nursing could contribute to my IF by causing high prolactin levels. So he's also testing me for that. If it's normal, we might be able to start IUIs once my thyroid is under control, (but he has to do more research on clomid + nursing). Otherwise, I will have to wean DD before TTC.

Greg and I are not exactly sure when we want to go back for IUIs. Our goal is to have our children about three years apart, which would mean getting pregnant in August or September. But, we all know that you can't exactly plan when you get pregnant! I got my cycle back about 9 month ago, and we have been "not trying but not avoiding" with no success, so we are assuming we'll need to do IUIs again. The RE said he will do the exact same thing he did when I got pregnant with Lily, (which means 50mg clomid CDs 3-7) and follie checks starting on CD 9, so hopefully I will respond the same way, but you never know.

We may start as soon as March or April, or wait until after Lily's birthday. I'd really like Lily to be potty-trained before another baby arrives, but I would hate to keep waiting and then have a hard time getting PG. Hmmm....Well, in the meantime, we'll think about it and enjoy life!