Pesky little thyroid.

Let me start by saying that I didn't do well in the Endocrinology portion of Nursing class. The whole negative feedback system is just confusing and makes me go cross eyed. Hence, I'm not going to attempt to describe what is going on with my Thyroid. All you need to know is that mine is probably broken and as previously mentioned, needs to be properly diagnosed and fixed.

I have known for almost 2 years that I have a goiter on my right thyroid gland. You're probably imagining something huge but mine can only be felt by the doctor. I had a fine needle biopsy done to ensure it wasn't cancer and went on my merry little way since at the time, my labs were not abnormal. Not so anymore. Now, I have Hyperthyroidism. That is not an opinion or subject of debate. My lab levels post pregnancy confirm this clearly. The concern is why and how best to treat it.

The test I need is a radioactive i 123 exam. I'm scheduled to swallow said radioactive iodine Tuesday to evaluate for Graves Disease. I have many of the symptoms including a headache for the last month and increasing migraines which I haven't had in almost 7 years since stopping eating wheat. Important to note that Celiac's disease is an autoimmune disorder which puts you at risk for other autoimmune disorders such as... Graves Disease. Joy.

Why all the drama and cold facts? Because it helps me deal with more emotional aspects of this issue. There is research to support that i 123 can be contaminated with a much longer radioactive material i 131. Some say you can continue to breastfeed after 4 days following i 123 but there is an absolute contradiction to i 131 because it can be excreted in your bodily fluid for months. I was prepared to quit breastfeeding at 6 months to have the tests done but as I've become more symptomatic and my labs askew, I'm all but forced to have the test done now. I've done research and soul searching and this just the way it has to be. I'm at peace knowing formula isn't poison but I feel robbed of my breastfeeding experience with Emily. A shame since it's been going so well!

On the upside. Since going off my breastfeeding/hyperthyroid diet of 3-4,000 calories a day, I've dropped 8lb in 2 weeks and finally fit in my favorite pre-pregnancy jeans. Small consolation but I'll take it.

Bluebonnet Pictures

This is probably the best picture I have out of 127. See the nice spot where you can take pictures? Yeah. She wanted nothing to do with that. I have some of her in the car playing with the sunroof that are better! I might try again later this week or better luck next year!