Hi,
What are your thoughts on pregnancy and having RA? Was it a tough decision to have children knowing you have RA? What are the pros and cons?
Thanks for any advice.I have a two year old. Yes he is quite a handful but I wouldn't change any
many of it. I am a single mom-my ex-husband sees him very
sporadically-so the responsibility is totally on me. My RD knows this and
works with me to make life easier. We are both counting down the days
to when my son can climb in and out of the car seat by himself!
RA tends to go into remission during pregnancy. BUT--it will return after
you give birth. So really, for me the big decisions weren't involving
pregnancy but what to do afterwards. For instance-I bottle fed so I could
start my meds back up right away. Otherwise-I don't know how I would
have held and cuddled him.
By the way, what meds are you on? Some of them have to be out of your
system for quite a while before you can even become pregnant.
BeckyI am currently 18 weeks pregnant with RA. My husband and I really
wanted children, and so for us the decision to have children was pretty
easy, but it has been a rough road. I haven't gone into remission
yet and am currently just on 10 mg of prednisone daily. I stopped
taking Enbrel and Plaquenil right before I conceived. I have lots
of morning stiffness and on the bad days it's hard to do anything with
my hands. Luckily, I have a desk job that doesn't require lots of
physical demands and my work hours are flexible so I can take it easy
on days that I'm in a lot of pain. I'm also going in for steroid
injections in my hands next week so that should help a lot.
But despite all this, I'm thrilled to pregnant and can't wait for our
baby to arrive. Like the PP, I will most likely forego breastfeeding as
I'll need to be in good shape to deal with the other needs of a
newborn.
Being pregnant with RA is difficult especially if remission doesn't
happen or if takes a while to occur, so that is something to
consider. And after pregnancy, you'll probably have to make some
adjustments. But for me, it's worth it.
I do worry about passing on my RA to my child, but from what I've read the genetic link isn't that strong.
Best of luck with your decision,
Cindy
P.S. Becky, do you remember how long it took you to go into remission when you were pregnant?
Thank you for your quick responses and insight.
My doctor will only put me on prednisone. He says this is the only safe drug while trying to conceive and while carrying.
BTW, what are your thoughts on other meds during this time.
I am having some problems conceiving due to my age, etc.
That's another story...LOL!
Friends of mine who do have children suggest, I don't have any because of my RA. I know they mean well. I have many fears about becoming a mother. My best bet is to leave it up to God.
I wish you all the luck with your children and do hope they will not inherit any of the aches and pains we go through.
Keep up the good work!
I saw this and could not help but post... I have three kids and I was diagnosed after my last baby... I feel very strongly in my heart that I have a lot of days I would not get out of bed if I did not have too.. My babies. I know that is why God gave them to me to have a reason to go on and I thank him for them everyday.It is not easy and somedays I hurt so bad I loose it (I call it RAGE). I am currently haveing a problem sleeping and one morning last week I woke up at 6:40 on the couch. My 10 year old had turned off the alarm clock, had her brother and sister up and dressed for school. She said Momma I wouldn't wake you up I knew you had a bad night because you were on the couch. I felt so bad but at the same time so blessed to have her.
I would not change it and I say haveing them was the best thing that could have happened to me especially with RA. I have a reason to go on or I would lay down and beg to die..
Best Wishes Jackie
Hey Jackie!
I feel the same way about my kids! If it was not for son... I would lay in the bed all day and sleep my pain & stiffness away... like I did when daughter was in preschool & then when she started school. I just could not find a reason for me to stay up & deal with this pain & stiffness just for me. But I can do it for my son... I know he depends on me 24/7 and I am with him all day everyday. I have not ever once asked someone to watch my kids because I do not feel good or I am having a bad RA day. I do what I need to do and then when hubby comes home they are all his. I need time to recoup for the next day of when I have to tend to my rawdy 1yr old.
I get up with son when he gets up...I sit on the couch and watch Bear in the Big Blue house DVD with him... and do everything I need to do with him before I get on the computer. I also take my naps when he takes naps, which is usually 1 nap a day, unless he is teething then he sleeps alot... he only has 4 teeth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
painrelief - I went into remission with my daughter, did not even have to take meds. But with son I had semi-remission, I had a little stiffness, but no pain or swelling, so I was put on 5mg of pred.
When I was trying for son, I stopped taking all my meds, I just grined & beared it for about 4 months... taking tylenol when pain was bothersome... and I knew right away without going to doc or missing my period I was preggo as I was not hurting anymore nor stiff. The stiffness I did have occurred after the first tri-mester and that is when I was put on pred.
Jackie that is such a sweet story you told about your daughter.
My daughter is like that too. She just turned 12 and she's such a blessing. She's so sensative and understanding...I don't know how I'd manage without her sometimes.
I really think these children are going to grow up being extrememly compasionate people.
I have six children (hence the user i.d. LOL) and we manage pretty well. As others have said, having kids really prevents me from being able to "wallow" in the pain. I just have to suck it up and keep moving, which is good in then end, even when it make me mad at the time. Wow all these great story's- i did not know i had RA when i got preg. but, i know after wards. but, i would not change anything. i love my girl with all my heart. i can not have more because the MTX has done a number on my girl things. good luck! have fun trying for a bundle of joy!!!If it wasn't for the whole DELIVERY thing - I would get pregnant over and over and over and over. i would be a surrogate mom in a heartbeat.............. (if it wasn't for the CHILDBIRTH thing).
ok - yea - it's worth it. Absolutely worth it. I have two girls... 15 and 12. They are little MEs... attitude, and sense of humor. They love me - no matter how much of a dork I am. They help me when I cannot do something.
And - they do dishes.
as far as the genetic thing........... well........... my mom has lupus, and my dad has RA. I was screwed. But I would still wouldnt trade LIFE for not having RA. if it's meant to be - it will be. go forth and procreate!, (or have fun trying!)
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com