High TSH

So I got the results on Friday of my blood work and I got a very unwelcome surprise. My TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) was very elevated at 7.79 (normal range 0.5-4.5). I talked to the nurse and she said that Dr. T wants me to get started on a medication called "Synthroid" immediately.

I am very nervous about this b/c thyroid issues can possibly be lifelong. And Synthroid is a medication that I could possibly need to take for the rest of my life. My TSH indicated I have hypothyroidism. Dr. T seemed to think it was either thyroid disease from my family history (an Aunt had hyperthyroidism resulting in a thyroidectomy) or hypothyroidism related to postpartum changes. Apparently having a baby can sometimes mess up your hormones (go figure!). So I'm hoping it is just postpartum hypothyroidism and not thyroid disease. I would hate to require Synthroid for the rest of my life. I hate requiring to take medications every day. I feel healthier the less meds I take. I am currently only on Centrum Silver (a multivitamin) and Folic Acid (a supplement to reduce the chance of neural tube defects).

According to Dr. T I should be able to cycle in September still, but I need to take Synthroid for a full month, have my TSH redrawn, and get results within normal limits. I went to see my primary care physician today to see about having my TSH redrawn (just want to confirm that my TSH is indeed elevated). Much to my dismay she forced me to tell her that I was having IVF for family balancing. She was SOO judgmental! I could tell that she was opposed to the idea. Even though she naturally had a boy then a girl. MUST BE NICE! Stupid doctor. Makes me want to change PCPs! I'm already nervous about the WHOLE process, and now add concern for my thyroid to the list... the last thing I needed was to get judged by my doctor. Ugh. But she did order the re-draw of my TSH and other thyroid levels. She also ordered a thyroid ultrasound to check for nodules (not even going to write the "C-Word". Hopefully those will all be normal and nothing else gets in the way with my September cycle!

I'm SOO excited about the thought that in a little over a month, I will (hopefully) have a little girl embryo (or 2?) on ice waiting to get cozy in my belly!!!! I'm trying to remain optimistic and I think it IS going to happen!!!

My next step with preparing for IVF is to get my sonohysterogram (SHG) done next Monday (Aug 15). Wish me luck!!!