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Friday, June 22, 2007

My GP's Viewpoint

I saw my GP yesterday and she dealt with a couple of non-IF related issues I have at the moment, which is nice. At least those are out of the way. She and I discussed some aspects of the bloodwork I'd had done in March, and she looked at the various levels and normal ranges. She can't speak to DHEAS or prolactin, but she did talk to me extensively about hypothyroidism.

She, like me, recognizes that I am in the normal range for T4, T3 and TSH. However, she also sees that I am in the low end of "normal." What one scale considers normal, another may not. She called my case "borderline." But, she looked at the rest of my normal results and knowing that I wasn't on any medications when those tests were done, she's very hesitant to mess with my metabolism.

As she said, if (and that's a big "if") she were to put me on any meds just to see if they make a difference, it would only be 0.25 mg of thyroid medication and then I'd have to be monitored ultra super carefully. She is afraid that even that level of medication may do damage quickly and she's not willing to risk that right now.

She also recognizes that I am nearing the end of my rope so to speak. Like I told her, the first time we explored reversal surgery for hubby was four years ago. For four years, we've been dealing with all of this. Does that make me a veteran? I've no idea. Not really I guess, because we haven't pulled out the big guns yet. IVF. Yanno, the BIG guns. She recommended we consider it if it is in our realm of possible options.

We're on the verge of looking more seriously at IVF (with TESE) actually. Hubby and I spoke about it for a little bit yesterday evening. When I see my doc on Monday, I'm going to ask for a referral to at least get started with the whole consultation, requirements, and financial stuff. If I don't explore IVF, I'll kick myself for many, many years to come. I know I will.

Who knows, we may not need to go that route, but if history is any indicator, we'd best be prepared.

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In other news... my boss had her baby. A second girl, Kate, born two days ago at 9 lbs. 7 oz. God bless. What a lucky lady. I wish...

And I've been slack for commentathon. I'll get to a few comments later tonight, I promise. Much love to you all.

8 comments:

decemberbaby said...

A referral to start the IVF process is a good idea. If you're anything like me, it'll be a relief to get some idea of where you can go from here as soon as you're ready.

Anonymous said...

i'm with decemberbaby...i'd get the ball rolling..but that's just me...thinking of you...
peace
shlomit

ultimatejourney said...

I don't know what it's like in Canada, but here in the U.S. it can take some time to get in to see an RE about IVF, then get the testing done, etc. If you're considering IVF, it's a great idea to get things started. Good luck!

Topcat said...

Just wanted to say hi. Hi!! And to tell you that I'm about to start IVF with Tese (or MESA, as they call it down here.) Scared, excited and shitting myself. All at once. Good luck with your option-deciding :)

CAM said...

These are all tough decisions and only you know what will work for you..
we are all here to support you in whatever you need to do!
:)

Tuesday said...

I'm slacking on comments too. I'm not actually part of the game, but I've been tryin'!

You probably have more than me. :)

Aurelia said...

Gil, if you do IVF definitely consider a trial run of thyroid treatment before. A couple of women I know felt dramatically different with a little medication. Have they ever tested you for thyroid antibodies? Yes, it's a blood test, but it's quick and can tell you right away if you need meds, without having to try it.

KarenO said...

"Rather be sorry about the things you did, than the things you didn't do." And nobody will blame you ever for trying to hard to conceive. Well if they do they don't know what they're talking about. :) Do everything you want to in order to reach your dreams...