Dear Pam,

As a Mother who has had hyperthyroidism through two pregnancies and two years
of nursing my first son, I can understand the frustration with the lack of
information regarding this condition.  I was diagnosed during my first pregnancy
and was placed on PTU (propylthiuracil).  At 4 mos postpartum I went
euthyroid and went off PTU but was placed back on PTU at 9mos PP because I went back
to hyperthyroidism.  My endocrinologist was attempting to talk me into having
radioactive iodine all this time.  She informed me, as did the nuclear medicine
specialists, that I would have to wean completely.  I was devastated!  I
talked to me LLL leader who encouraged me to pump for 2 weeks after the
radioactive iodine.  I was concerned because Dr Hale and other studies did not go along
with this direction.  In addition, I had found studies that questioned whether
or not the radioactive isotope could be permanently found in ovum.  I wanted
to have more children.  I chose not to have the radioactive iodine until after
I was done lactating all of my children.  Because I did my own research my
endocrinologist was not pushing it any longer. I have to preface all of this
with the fact that I was able to remain in relatively good health through this
all.  I was able to be maintained on PTU.  My cardiac issues did not become
severe.  I did not have severe clinical issues that would warrant immediate
treatment.  I became pregnant again and fortunately did not need PTU but I was still
clinically hyperthyroid.  After birth I was hypothyroid for about 2 weeks and
now I have been euthyroid for approximately 10 months.  My suggestion is to
do a lot of research.  Know that she cannot harm her baby by nursing while
Hyperthyroid.  She can nurse while on PTU depending on the dose.  My highest dose
was 150 mg.  Hopefully she can be maintained on PTU until she is done
lactating!  My son was closely monitored by his ped while I was on the PTU to insure
he did not become hypothyroid.  This is done through a blood test.  He saw a
ped endocrinologist to make sure.  She needs a supportive endocrinologist who
understands lactation.  If she would like to speak of line she can email me.

Rebbecca Rosen RN, BSN, CBC

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html