Kimmy dear....our prayers are lifted for her and for the baby and for you

as hard as it is, especially with the hyperthyroid combined with the pregnancy throwing her emotions on the rollercoater, yet staying as calm as possible is so important for her now.
I am praying that God will impart that calm to her

Kimmy

I think we all need to sit down and have a chat with that grandchild of yours. I'd like to remind him/her of a quote I once saw: "If Mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

I hope her doc will be able to help.

Continued prayers for you, mom, and baby.

So true, Kathy!!! And, trust me, when she/he gets here and old enough to understand, I'm gonna give PROOF how much mamaw loves him/her...even then.

Thank you guys, so much.

Today...

Well, today we went for more bloodwork and she walked all through the hospital without getting out of breath really bad, crying or anything. Now, we went to the pharmacy after that and she said, "hurry, mommy, I need to sit down." Not perfect by a long shot but so much better!

Then...

We get home and the phenergan from last night must've worn off because she started the crying with upset in stomach, etc. Well, she took 1/2 of her phenergan and tummy feels so much better, but it's sedative effect is a MARVELOUS bonus for her! YIPPEE!!!

She just said, "oh, mom, I ALMOST feel normal except for the weakness."

Thank you so much for the prayers that WE FEEL THE COMFORT FROM.

You all are a blessing to me right now. I'm reading the posts to my daughter as well and she's so appreciative.

Much love and thanks,

KD

I'm not remembering all of it, so forgive me...

We saw the specialist today. We have ALOT of questions answered. It's scary, a relief, just a combination of alot of things.

Jessica not only has hyperthyroidism, but she has Grave's Disease AND a thyroid goiter which is three times larger than the average thyroid...at 19 years old...and 3 months pregnant. Her thyroid levels are also three times again what they should be.

It's going to be rough. It's scary in that the baby can be affected because her levels are completely WAY up there. The scariest part was the complete shock on the dr's face that she was three months pregnant and had never miscarried.

He said that usually a woman can show hyperthyroidism early on due to the hormones in the uterus. This is not the case with Jess. It has complicated it greatly.

Her levels are three times higher than those of high normal thyroid tests. This answers so, so, so much in regards to her itching, her emotions and agitation, double-vision, exhaustion...goodness just so much. He said she's had this for a while, and she became this emotional firecracker at about 14-15. It makes so much sense. So, in that way, she's relieved. She looked at me and said, "So I'm not crazy? I thought I had a bad personality disorder or something." God love her.

She will have to take HIGH doses of PTU for now and be watched closely...her and the baby. She'll have to be watched for hepatitus and some other things; the baby for tachycardia which might be indicative that blood flow is compromised for the baby.

There are the obvious concerns outside of that...miscarriage, early birth, low birth weight, hyperthyroidism for baby at birth, etc. Also, he said with the levels she has, if we can't get them regulated and it's affecting the baby, she very well may have to have surgery during pregnancy.

I have to stand on the fact that it will be alright...it's a miracle this baby was conceived and is still in-urtero with Grave's, add that she was on the pill, are there any odds even to that???

Thank you all for your love, prayers and care.

KD

I want to correct something. She's not taking high doses of PTU; they appear to be starting doses. Jess misread when she was reading.

KD

I certainly can understand your mixed feelings with so much going on for her right now. I can't imagine the worry she must feel. Just from the way you've written the post, KimmyDawn, it sounds as if your daughter is in good hands with this Specialist she saw today. That is a very good thing. I'm so sorry she's having to deal with this at such a time in her life. Will be keeping you all in my thoughts.

hugs for you both.

Thank you, Lara. Yes, her OB came HIGHLY recommended and helps with our local community pregnancy center (which oldest daughter is a director of volunteer services). He's a very spiritual man, who has strong beliefs and faith. He's not taken a vacation in seven years because he won't leave his patients. He hasn't brought a partner yet, because he can't find one who believes as he does to trust his patients with completely. He's so reassuring to her. He's a kind and wonderful dr. and man.

He's talked with her in a very soothing tone each time he's seen her...letting her know that it will all be OK. He'll be there for her night or day.

He recommended the endo. He said he's a very smart man who will help her.

I firmly believe she's in excellent, God-guided hands.

I've read more about the Grave's disease and it just answers more and more...her erratic behavior which there was no calming or controlling at times, the "verocious" appetite (she'd be sick as all get out and cry HARD that she was so hungry, a hungry "that no one can understand"). It just answers so much and she appears just a bit calmer knowing there's a cause and there's a hope for a calming of it.

She's a strong young woman. Even with the physically brought on anxiety, agitation and erratic behavior, she's handling all this so well...doing what she needs to do. She listened to the concerns, and stated them like, "OK, I have this to do and I'm going to do it."

She took her first 50mg. PTU pill tonight and said the taste in her mouth was horrible afterward. I don't like the side effects to the drug...well, the potential ones. I have concerns there. However, even the common side effects only happen in 1 out of 100 cases.

We found out that Grave's Disease happens in only 5 out of every 10,000 people. That there are no drugs approved for her to take during pregnancy at this point. PTU is the safest because it doesn't appear to cross the placenta.

Mama's got to help her girl at this point probably more than I've had to since she's been an infant...and I will.

Love and thanks,

KD

Kimmy,



Seems you are going to have a busy six months. The best way, and I am sure many have said this, take one day at a time. Looks like Jess maybe taking a lot of bed rest. You can tell though she has a good caring mom beside her.

My prayers are with you all.

Darlene

dear Kimmy

I am praying especially for the baby to be protected from the drug, and for it to be very effective for your daughter with minimal side effects

Dont forget those dark leafy green veggies, especially broccoli, plus things like blueberries, avocados etc that my friend who has Grave's in remission has recommended. Also total avoidance of iodised salt etc

Her doctor sounds like a perfect guy to be caring for her now. May God continue to give him wisdom and direction in her treatment.

KD

That grandchild of yours sure is determined. I can see what you mean about it being a scary relief.

I hope the treatment works and hope her condition won't cause any harm to mom or baby. It doesn't look like she has much choice in the matter, and it's certainly no one's fault.

It's nice to know she has such a caring doc - and a dedicated mom.

Continued prayers for your family.