Hi there! I've been searching for a forum for people with RA and
thought I'd sign on here as I really feel like talking to someone about
my condition. I am guessing this is an American site ... I'm in Cairns,
Australia, so I hope it's okay for me to join in.
I was diagnosed last September when I was four months pregnant!
Yep, my arthritis hit me like a bolt of lightning right in the middle of
my pregnancy. It took weeks before I was properly diagnosed
because the doctors thought it was something to do with the baby
and hormones, etc. Apparently I'm a rare case, as most female RA
patients go into remission when they are pregnant. Anyway, I went
straight onto prednisone and diclofinac (can't spell!) and the rest of
my pregnancy went smoothly with only mild aches and pains. My
daughter was born on February 26 and I've since only been on 5mg
of prednisone as I'm still breastfeeding. I think I have been lucky
because I haven't had any major flare-ups since my first diagnosis,
although I do have pain on a daily basis in my hands, hips and
shoulders. It's very mild and I'm used to it now, and besides, I'd
rather keep breastfeeding as long as I can before going on stronger
meds. However I am starting to worry about possible long term side
effects on me and my baby, although I know I'm on a very low dose. I
have a great rheumatologist who I trust, but there's still a voice in my
mind worrying about the future, especially if my husband and I
decide to have another baby. I don't know anyone else with RA so I'd
really like to chat with others in the same boat.
Thanks for taking the time to read my long post!
There are a lot of knowledgable folks on here. I don't know about the effects of the drugs and pregnancy but you should read the archives. I think I have seen other postings about drugs and pregnancy. And research research research.
You'll really liek it here.
First I would like to say congrats on your baby girl! And secondly, WELCOME!!! We have other members from Austrailia as well as New Zealand, the UK and Canada. This board is for everyone who's lives are effected by RA in some way and we are very happy to have you. Many of the ladies here first experienced symptoms just after giving birth. I am glad that your symptoms arent too terrible.
I like you signiture---I think many would agree that chocolate does make the world go round!!!!
I have a niece named Shannon who lives in Sydney - it's such a lovely name! I live in Wellington, NZ. Hi Shannon, Welcome You will find ALOT of helpful and concerned people here. AHHHH a baby girl congratulations. Pat Hi Shannon, Welcome!!! I am also from Queensland, I have had RA for 3 years now and I got admit since coming here to this thread it makes me feel just that little bit better knowing I am with others who feel the same type of pain and everyone feels like Family!!!!Welcome. I didn't get RA until after my childbearing years so I can't offer any advice on RA and pregnancy but others here certainly can. Congratulations on your baby. How exciting. Hi Shannon,
Prednisone is notrious for giving people mood swings. RA when it's flaring will make you have less control over your emotions. Just call your RA doc and tell them what's going on. Sometimes they can prescribe an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant (usually what they describe very mild). Of course, you might not be able to take those if your breastfeeding. Or ask the pedetrician about it when you go in, explaining you meds. Also, you did just have a baby. You are just as prone as any other woman to postpartum blues. Yes, a good discussion with a doctor just might help. Hormones are trying to reestablish themselves, your body is healing, you have this wonderful baby to take care of and you have RA. Who wouldn't have different moods? But I believe you can get a bit of help with that. Best thoughts. Hi Shannon! Welcome! Congrats on your daughter!
I am also new here; yet, this looks like a great fourm. Can tell the members are very sincere with one another! That's always a good sign!
Take Care! Hopeful
That's a very pretty name. Congrats on you're baby girl. This is a wonderful place to come to as you will find pepole from different part of the world here. We're all trying to cope with this thing called RA and you may ask as many questions as you would like. There's always somebody who can give you an answer or point you in the right direction towards a answer.
Again welcome to our family,
MarisaThank you everyone for your warm welcome!
I'm seeing my GP on Wednesday for my daughter's immunisation
shots (really not looking forward to that) but I'm going to ask her for
more information about prednisone and it's side effects.
Over the past month I have had really terrible mood swings and last
night was the worst... I just went into a rage about nothing in
particular and then five minutes later burst into tears because I
couldn't believe I had gotten so angry. I'm sure this must be a side
effect from the drug because I'm not normally like that. Has anyone
else had bad mood swings?
It's so depressing to think that I need the drug to keep me mobile
and look after my daughter, but that taking it is also making me go
mental! I'm not seeing my rheumatologist again until mid-
August but if my moods get worse, I'm going to try and see him
earlier and perhaps he can prescribe something else.
My husband suggested trying magnets... like magnetic underlay on
the bed, magnet bracelets, that sort of thing. I don't know anything
about how that works (if it works) so has anyone given that a go?
weeks I've been getting a notice saying "link no longer exists" so I'm
glad I had another look tonight.
I am now bottle feeding my daughter which means I can change
medication. I haven't seen my rheumatologist yet but I believe he is
going to prescribe methotrexate. I have been doing some research
on the net and now I'm terrified! The side effects sound worse than
prednisone. I also read that you shouldn't have alcohol while on
methotrexate but I really love my glass of wine with dinner!
My head is full of questions....
Is methotrexate worse than prednisone? Or will it give me a pain-free
life? Do most people have injections or take it orally? Are there
alternatives so that I don't have some powerful drug in my body?
Thanks for your advice.
{By the way, I was given a magnetic bracelet two weeks ago and I've
worn it everyday (just to see if it works) and amazingly my wrist feels
better!}
Hi Shannon,
Welcome to the forum. We are all here for whatever you need. Congrats on the baby girl.
Deb
Shannon, Most of the people on here are on methotrexate. Start a thread with that title and you will get all kinds of feedback. I would say MOST take it with no side effects. Don't be scared.
Hi Shannon and welcome. I'm from California but am writing from Rome
where I'm vacatioonaing with my husband. Please excuse all my
mistakes as I'm trying to figure out how to use a laptop. Plus my
hands are giving me trouble so I miss letters. Congratulations on
your new baby girl. How exciting. I'm a lot older than you (60) so I
can't advise you on prednisone and nursing but others here can.
I'm on 4 mg of prednisone and have been for 2 years in addition
to methetrexate, plaquanil and enbrel. I haven't hd any dire effects
from the prednisone but it's best to get off it as soon as you
can.I haven't haad any emotional probl4ms with my low dose
prednisone but I think others have. I'm wondering if you
have the baby blues. I went through that with both of my babieslong
before I was on prednisone. I imagine your doctor will try other
medications soon. The general game plan is doctors start you on the les
expensiive meds like MTX and plaquanil an prednisone. If they are
not completely sucessful, they give you the more expensive one s like
enbrel, Humira, Remicade. In th US the drug comanies
rule so they want to make sure yo u absolutely need them before they
will authorize them. IT IS POSSIBLE YOU HAVE A mild case
that will go into remission. That happens too.
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