Very high TSH, little help from doctor

green3710

I had my thyroid removed before getting pregnant, but I made sure my levels were in range before conception (TSH 1.5). At 12 weeks my TSH had reached 18. My OB had told me to go see my primary care doctor so he could adjust my medication, but the primary care doctor told me to go see the OB. I increased my medication slightly in the mean time. I went back to the OB at 15 weeks my TSH was 41.5, FreeT4 was 1.08. (I am currently 17 weeks) It took the doctor 2 weeks to get back to me with my abnormal results. I am very scared that my elevated TSH will have an impact on my child. My OB refuses to increase my medication and told me to go see a specialist. I am currently trying to get into a specialist but they book 6-8 weeks out, even for urgent matters. I have asked to be placed on cancellation lists but I am afraid that the problem will only get more serious while I am waiting to get help. I plan on increasing my medication in the mean time, but I am so frustrated with the lack of medical support I have had. It is like no one wants to be liable. 

I am really scared that my baby will have mental retardation, cardiac issues, or hundreds of other complications that occur with poorly controlled thyroid levels. I would really appreciate other's experiences with abnormal thyroid levels during pregnancy. And if someone could calm my fears that would be great. 

scubakate

My MFM doc told me that by 12 weeks, the baby is using their own thyroid so it is less of a big deal if my levels are off for the baby, just my own well being.  I hope someone can get you in sooner!  Fx for you.

rivers714

You need to see an endocrinologist. But pp makes good points- I'm interning with one mow

ladyteach0505

I vote new OB asap given the fact that they're taking they're sweet ass time getting back to you about something that is upsetting you. I don't know much about thyroid, but I do understand the frustration of no one wanting to touch a pregnant woman without OB clearance.

ZMSheppard

I've had hypothyroidism since I was 18, and I'm now almost 27. My levels have steadily increased so far throughout my pregnancy. However my OB and endocrinologist do not seem concerned. They assure me that as long as I take my medicine I will be alright. My OB mentioned that hypothyroidism could cause creatinism in the baby which could cause low IQ. In June my endocrinologist said that my thyroid would lead to fertility issues and that we would struggle to conceive. Well, we stopped the pill in August and got pregnant that month. Just keep taking your medicine as directed but I would also find a new OB that has a little more urgency and definitely look for an endocrinologist.

claudizzleriffic

I too would really encourage you to find a new OB and push to see someone ASAP about getting your medication increased.  As a PP wrote, I believe the baby will be able to produce some of its own hormones after First Tri, but your levels are still high and high enough that you need to be taking stronger medication!
I mean, my midwife was concerned when the doctor wouldn't up my dose when I was at TSH 5.7 so she encouraged me to keep seeing a doc (at a walk-in clinic) and eventually I got a dose that helped me get down to preferable levels.  However, that was only TSH 5.7...not TSH 41!
It really blows that there isn't more urgency being exhibited by those you have gone to.... but keep on pushing for it and see different people.  Best of luck!

KER9171

Find an endocrinologist that will see you ASAP.

catieann

As an OB Physician Assistant, pregnant with my own, and also having hypothyroidism.. I will tell you it's absolutely ludacris that no one will regulate your TSH until you get into an endocrinologist for care. My office and my own PCP regulate hypothyroidism all the time in pregnant women. Though it would be prudent to establish with Endo, I would find new doctors. Im sure with a TSH that high you feel horrible!

robotgal

That is horrible. My OB started me on meds until I could get in to see an endocrinologist (6-8 week wait in my area). So sorry you're having to deal with this!