Benson's Thyroid Problem

Our doctor informed us last week that Benson has a very serious thyroid problem. The blood work they took at his 10 day check up showed his thyroid levels were very abnormal. The thyroid produces two hormones T3 and T4 and the production of those hormones effect the production of the hormone TSH. His T3/T4 level was .47 and should be between .91-2.16. His TSH level was a 333 and should be a 4. Low thyroid levels in adults is not uncommon and does not normally cause permanent damage. However, in babies low thyroid levels is very uncommon and very, very serious. If untreated low thyroid levels do not allow the brain to develop and cause mental retardation.

Our doctor did follow up blood work to confirm his thyroid levels and started Benson on thyroid medication as a preventive measure. Our doctor called us back the next day to let us know that the follow up blood work confirmed his levels were off the charts and it was critical for us to keep giving Benson his medicine. The blood lab also sent back recommendations as to how best treat the problem. They included more blood tests and seeing a specialist, a pediatric endocrinologist.

Yesterday we drove to Spokane to see Dr. Kishiyama, a pediatric endocrinologist at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. He was great, very informative and so reassuring. He did confirm that Benson has Congenital Hypothyroidism which means he was born with it (congenital) and that his thyroid does not produce enough T3/T4 hormone (hypothyroidism). He thinks it is most likely that Benson doesn't have a thyroid or if he does it is not working at all. He also confirmed that if left untreated it can lead to mental retardation but also said that as long as it is caught within the first 6 weeks of a babies life and the baby is put on medication the outcome is great.

With Benson it was detected as soon as it could have possibly been and he started taking medication right away. Dr. Kishiyama said Benson should not have any developmental delays and should live a healthy, normal life! He is hoping that Benson's thyroid levels will be within the normal range within 3 weeks.