Hi, I'm hoping some others with any experience, insight or just a plain old opinion to help me decide how to treat my newly diagnosed thyroid disorder.
I'm 27 years old, married, no kids. I was just diagnosed with Graves disease which is the cause of my hyperthyroidism. I have a very mild case in terms of labs and numbers, however, I am very sensitive to the symptoms of the disease and thus feel crappy. We had planned to begin TTC in October after waiting for the "right time" until this came along and now I've been strongly advised against getting pregnant until this is resolved. Clearly my plans are being hampered by life and life just laughed at me for planning.
Here are my choices:
1. Wait and see for a few months before deciding to see if my levels return to normal (which is unlikely). Risk of wasting time and being right where I am today.
2. Treat for 6 months to one year and hope for remission, in which case I get to keep my thyroid but I have to wait to get pregnant. Risk of wasting time and being in the same position I am today - the meds may not put me in remission. However, 40-60% of people with Graves enter remission after one year and the doctor thinks I have a higher chance since my case is currently mild.
3. Have my thyroid surgically removed and can get pregnant a few weeks after. Risks of general surgery. Will have to take a pill every day for the rest of my life and a scar on my neck. Won't have a thyroid, but also won't have to wait to start a family.
4. Take radioactive iodine to zap my thyroid, wait 6 months and then can get pregnant. No scar and fewer risks than surgery, but still have to take a pill every day. I won't have a thyroid. I will have to wait 6 months to TTC.
I have very mixed feelings on all of this. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
