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Lupus, RA & Spinal Probs

Kramer2009Kramer2009
in High-Risk Pregnancy
I need back & neck fusions from an accident I was in years ago, they haven't done it b/c it will restrict my movements too much, & I'm too young, I also have lupus & RA anyone have any of these conditions? I'm  seeing in a lot of forums peoples dr's are doing c sections b/c of them, anyone have to deal with any of these?
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Re: Lupus, RA & Spinal Probs

  • K8ENC28K8ENC28

    I was diagnosed with lupus after my daughter's birth in late 2008.  Never knew I had it but after I was diagnosed it all made sense when we put together my symptoms. I did have a c-section because I developed severe precclampsia and had to deliver at 32.5 weeks. Are you pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the near future?

    I'd like to have another baby myself but I was told I'd need to be on blood thinner injections the next time again as well as having some echocardiograms because I have the Anti-Ro antibody.  It makes me tired just thinking about it but I do love my daughter and would love another if its possible. They also mentioned possibly seeing an endocrinologist at the beginning of the pregnancy to make sure my thyroid levels were alright.  If you have questions feel free to ask!

     

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  • RevJGRevJG

    I have a variation of Lupus and am in the middle of my second pregnancy (we didn't know my diagnosis with the first).  My Lupus affects my connective tissue, specifically skin and I have insane flare ups of rashes/hives.  I didn't have to do blood thinners or heparin, but I have a VERY high Anti-Ro antibody count and so starting at 16 weeks I have echocardiograms every 2 weeks (an ultrasound that focuses on the heart-the baby is at risk of developing a congenital heart block, which is a defect in the electrical impulse of the heart).  I had a c-section with my first and I am sure that the Lupus (again, unknown) at the time contributed in some way but I labored for 48 hours and pushed for 3, so it wasn't like it was an automatic c/s.

    This time around I am classified as high risk, and although it is 10 times as many doctor's appointments, I definitely feel as though everyone is on top of my condition.  Lupus, as with any autoimmune disorder, presents so differently in each person that it is hard to know specifically how you will be affected. 

     

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  • Kramer2009Kramer2009
    I am prego, 13 weeks yesterday. I am just seeing a lot of people that have this are being told to have a c-section to try to reduce having a flare from stress of labor. I go to the dr. so i am going to talk more in depth with her tomorrow... i know i have a lot of time to figure it out, i'm just a perpetual planning & like to have a game plan for everything~ LOL
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  • 2dogmom2dogmom member

    I have a varying diagnosis of RA and AS (ankylosing spondylitis - inflammation and fusion on the spine).  My prgnancy was hard on my body but in the end I did not need a c-section.  I had pre-term labor starting at 26 weeks, but they were able to keep it under control with terbutaline and strict bedrest. 

     One thing you may want to look into is the concept of advanced placenta age.  My doc wanted to induce me at 38 weeks b/c people w/ auto-immune diseases tend to have their placentas age faster, which isn't great for baby at the end.  Sure enough, I was induced at 38 weeks and my doc said the placenta looked like it was 42 weeks.  That was just me and my doc but I've heard others talk about it on here too.  GL!

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  • Sunnyinseattle1Sunnyinseattle1

    Wow, thanks for posting this......

     

    I have Fibromaylgia. I wonder if a scheduled c-section is going to be better for us.

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  • ButterBean13ButterBean13 member
    I have AS also... and my OB is watching me like a hawk because of the complications that auto-immune stuff can cause.  He is watching out for the aging placenta issue, and because of that he is planning on inducing me as early as possible.  Hopefully I won't have to have a c-section.  I've never heard about having a c-section to avoid flaring.... I'll have to look into that.  I'm still on Enbrel, so maybe that will prevent some of the complications.
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  • comfortablecomfortable member
    I don't have Lupus (although the doctors thought I did).  Anyhow, I hadn't heard of this before about having a c-section.  I've had a [failed] spinal fusion - I have titanium in my back which compensates for the fusion failure.  I have a spinal cord stimulator - b/c of it, I am really hoping I don't end up with a c-section because of the placement of the device.  Thank you for posting this as it has made me think of questions I need to ask my doctor.  I hope you find out more.  Do you mind sharing the forums where you were reading about this?  I'd be interested in taking a look.  Thank you & best of luck to you.
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  • sickles06sickles06
    I was diagnosed with RA in June of 2009 and after 3 drs I found out I was pregnant in Feb- now still going through testing to make sure I dont have lupus I stopped all my meds and currently in severe pain. I am 33 wks and just went for my wkly sono and the baby isnt moving alot and the fluid in the placenta i dropping, I hope to make it to at least 36 wks but we'll see. I start going twice a wk as of tues. I have scheduled my c section and dont worry too much your doctor will let you know if a c section is the right choice for you. Hope all goes well and try to stay positive. :)
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