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Anyone out there pregnant with rheumatoid arthritis?

elisakorentayerelisakorentayer
in High-Risk Pregnancy

Hey all, 

 I've had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in both knees for 26 years, and I'm now pregnant at 36 years old.  Enbrel has been the only medication that has ever worked, and I'm off it for the duration of the pregnancy.  During the last 13 months of TTC (and a couple of miscarriages), I've been mostly off the Enbrel, and I know firsthand how much pain I am likely to be in if the pregnancy hormones don't do their thing.  

 I'm looking to find other women who are facing similar issues, because no one around me has any concept of the challenges of mixing RA with pregnancy.  And I'd love to have some other people to talk to.

 Thanks!

 Elisa 

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Re: Anyone out there pregnant with rheumatoid arthritis?

  • eirieneeiriene

    I have RA, although it's not Juvenile... just early seronegative run-of-the-mill RA (I was diagnosed at 26; now 30).

     

    I was on Plaquenil and Naproxen or Voltaren at high doses prior to the pregnancy. When we started TTC, I had to go off all of it, and it was hellish. I completely and totally feel your pain.

     

    Since I've been pregnant, the pregnancy hormones have been doing a pretty good job. When it's very humid or very cold (blizzards of 2011, I'm looking at you), my feet would be in total agony. For the most part, I've been taking lots of Tylenol; I'm allowed up to 4 grams (4 extra-strength doses) in 24 hours, and it's been helping, mostly.

     

    I'm 37 weeks and 4 days now--it's not easy being pregnant with RA, especially because you sound more advanced than me, but with lots of rest and judicious budgeting of energy, you will definitely get through it.

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  • salsa_wifeysalsa_wifey member

    I have RA and Sjogrens Syndrome.  I was diagnosed with RA at 19 and I'm now 35.  Personally, my RA has been controlled (when not pg) with a couple Ibuprofen occassionally so I guess I'm one of the luckier ones.

    I had two early m/c which I was told was not related to my high risk RA issues.

    With my pregnancy with DS, I was in remission, which I thought happened to everyone but I guess not.  I guess this makes me breathe a little easier because I had a couple of days with some very minor pain this pregnancy.  I won't go in for my first appt until 7/22.

    image 

    | <a href="http://www.fertilityfriend.com" style="font-size:smaller;" >Ovulation Tracker</a>[url=http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/43ff7d]
    [img]http://www.fertilityfriend.com/ticker/43ff7d/ttc.png[/img]
    [/    RA with Sjogren's Syndrome. Risk of heart block in newborn. Age: DH and I are both 38.
    BFP #1: 11/25/2007, EDD 7/28/2008 - Missed m/c (blighted ovum) 12/6/2007 6w3d, D&C 1/3/2008.
    BFP #2: 4/2008 - Natural m/c at 6w.
    Met with RE in 5/2008 full cycle analysis and SA normal. Not considered high risk for blood clots but prescribed 1 baby aspirin a day precautionary during TTC and Progesterone suppositories during 1st trimester of pregnancy.
    BFP #3: 10/17/2008. EDD 6/23/2009,  Third time's the charm! Healthy baby boy born 6/27/2009 via emergency c-section.
    BFP #4: 6/14/2011. Healthy baby boy born 2/16/2012 via elective c-section.
    BFP #5: 1/15/2014. EDD 9/22/2014.     2/17/14:.We have a BABY!!! Heart rate 167 and measuring on time. 3/10/14 u/s #2 baby measuring perfectly at 12 weeks at heart rate of 166. NT u/s was normal. Maternit21 blood draw on 3/5/14. Results back on 3/19 - Normal.  It's a BOY!!!  4/10/14 at 16 weeks, 3 days discovered baby's heart stopped at 15 weeks, 6 days. D&C 4/11/14.  Pathology results were all normal.  New information on 8/11/14 - blood test revealed 1/3 of babys blood was in mine caused, most likely, by a tear in the placenta from extreme coughing.  Doctor believes this to be the cause of death.  Repeat D&C and Hysteroscopy scheduled for 8/19/14.  My Chart

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  • jnkametzjnkametz member
    Best of luck to you! I have JRA. I feel your pain. I was on such high doses of medications; NSAIDs and steroids that Tylenol is like taking M&Ms for me. I was diagnosed when I was 18mos old. My childhood was challenging to say the least but by the time I became a teenager, it went into remission. However the lingering side effects of being loosey-goosey with my ligaments and tendons, I've had numerous orthopedic surgeries even after remission. I'm in the opposite boat, hoping pregnancy doesn't trigger my JRA to come back. Also being hyper mobile, I'm wondering if that will play a role in how far along I can carry without having complications. And I wonder what auto immune disease will I pass on to my baby. I'm only 7w in, so only time will tell. I wish you and all the others out there the best! Here's to a great and memorable 40 weeks!
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  • mck776mck776 member
    Hey I'm so glad you posted this, I as well have RA. When I found out I was pregnant I has to stop my enbrel. I have been in so much pain,that it makes me nervous. I don't wanna take any thing, but I fear I may have. My doctor said I should go into remission but sometimes it can get worse. I was using a heating pad and did not realize its bad for baby, and stopped. I hope we both go into remission that would be great!
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  • proudtobeazebraproudtobeazebra member
    I was just told to stop TTC until I got genetic counseling, so I've been lurking looking for people in a similar situation - @jnkametz, I also have extreme hypermobility (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), and I'm wondering how your OB/GYN handled it. Did you have to go through genetic counseling? Were there any other things you needed to do before/while TTC? Feel free to PM as well, I'd love to hear more about your experience (if you're comfortable sharing). 

    Diagnoses: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, PCOS
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