Guest guest Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 Hi Tara, Several mothers have said that their Samters symptoms improved while pregnant. It is wise to take a break from the medicines and see how you are. I was at my worse when pregnant. I took advair and nasonex as well as several prednisone bursts. My pediatrician was a MD and a naturopath. He assured me that the steroids would not hurt the baby and that it was most important that I breath. He said that they give preemies prednisone in higher doses than they would get cross placenta and it helps them. Both of my children, 6 and 11, are exceptionally healthy, no allergies or respiratory problems at all. They are also going to be taller than me and their father. Later I learned that I had GERD and that the acid was corroding my sinus and lungs. Aciphex has cured me in most ways. So, first avoid the drugs. Second, be sure that you don't have reflux, which is common in pregnancy. And third, if you have to go back on to your prevention medicines, don't worry, it is important to breath. Pam On 1/25/09 9:05 PM, " nayantara_diamond " <nayantara_diamond@...> wrote: > Hello ! > > I am about one month pregnant and as soon as I missed my period and > my pregnancy test was positive, I stopped both my advair inhaler (I > take this as a preventative for asthma) and nasonex nasal spray (to > control the growth of polyps). I have heard that both are > in " pregnancy category c " which means that they might cause birth > defects in the developing fetus.( using advair can cause cleft > palate and using nasonex can slow the growth rate of children and > teens,apart from causing birth defects.) > > My question is this. Has anyone dropped all their medication after > finding out they are pregnant and if so, what 'coping mechanisms' do > they use ? On the other hand I do not want to be miserable > throughout my pregnancy with congestion and stuffy nose (I have had > three nasal polyp surgeries to date) and likelihood of an asthma > attack. Is it safe to irrigate the nose with salt water ? > > Your feedback is greatly appreciated ! > Thanks > Tara > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 I personally think this is a bit ill advised. You need to see your specialists and talk to your OB-GYN before just stopping your meds cold turkey. Winding up really sick or in the hospital is not going to be good for your developing baby. Maybe a taper or substitution would work but just stopping all your meds? My personal opinion is that is not a good plan. Maybe even stopping one at a time for a week, seeing how you do, and then dropping another, while CLOSELY under the care of your doctors -- I would not do this without medical opinions from doctors, more than one doctor. Also you can substitute, not just stop your meds! Most steroid inhalers are pregnancy category B. Rather than just saying you've heard what category things are in, look it up. I've posted a link below in case you can't find it. <<However, ACOG/ACAAI considers it reasonable to continue another types of inhaled steroid during pregnancy if the mother was well-controlled with using that medication.>> <<Other controller medications such as theophylline (category " C " ) and cromolyn, nedrocromil and the leukotriene blocking drugs (all category " B " ) are reasonable to continue during pregnancy if the mother has had good benefit from the medications prior to pregnancy. However, none of these medications would be considered a " first choice " to start during pregnancy.>> http://allergies.about.com/od/allergiesandpregnancy/a/asthmapregnancy.htm http://www.healthcentral.com/asthma/c/question/21122/44640 Lori in NY > > > Hello ! > > > > I am about one month pregnant and as soon as I missed my period and > > my pregnancy test was positive, I stopped both my advair inhaler (I > > take this as a preventative for asthma) and nasonex nasal spray (to > > control the growth of polyps). I have heard that both are > > in " pregnancy category c " which means that they might cause birth > > defects in the developing fetus.( using advair can cause cleft > > palate and using nasonex can slow the growth rate of children and > > teens,apart from causing birth defects.) > > > > My question is this. Has anyone dropped all their medication after > > finding out they are pregnant and if so, what 'coping mechanisms' do > > they use ? On the other hand I do not want to be miserable > > throughout my pregnancy with congestion and stuffy nose (I have had > > three nasal polyp surgeries to date) and likelihood of an asthma > > attack. Is it safe to irrigate the nose with salt water ? > > > > Your feedback is greatly appreciated ! > > Thanks > > Tara > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 Hey Lori, You are right about quitting cold turkey. She already did it though. I agree that close supervision and advice from the doctor is crucial. For example, the breath test (spectrometer with a computer showing candles) can identify weakness that while untested you don't realize. Pam On 1/25/09 11:02 PM, " truelori " <lori@...> wrote: > I personally think this is a bit ill advised. You need to see your > specialists and talk to your OB-GYN before just stopping your meds > cold turkey. Winding up really sick or in the hospital is not going > to be good for your developing baby. > > Maybe a taper or substitution would work but just stopping all your > meds? My personal opinion is that is not a good plan. Maybe even > stopping one at a time for a week, seeing how you do, and then > dropping another, while CLOSELY under the care of your doctors -- > > I would not do this without medical opinions from doctors, more than > one doctor. Also you can substitute, not just stop your meds! Most > steroid inhalers are pregnancy category B. Rather than just saying > you've heard what category things are in, look it up. I've posted a > link below in case you can't find it. > > <<However, ACOG/ACAAI considers it reasonable to continue another > types of inhaled steroid during pregnancy if the mother was > well-controlled with using that medication.>> > > <<Other controller medications such as theophylline (category " C " ) and > cromolyn, nedrocromil and the leukotriene blocking drugs (all category > " B " ) are reasonable to continue during pregnancy if the mother has had > good benefit from the medications prior to pregnancy. However, none of > these medications would be considered a " first choice " to start during > pregnancy.>> > > http://allergies.about.com/od/allergiesandpregnancy/a/asthmapregnancy.htm > > http://www.healthcentral.com/asthma/c/question/21122/44640 > > Lori in NY > > > >> >>> Hello ! >>> >>> I am about one month pregnant and as soon as I missed my period and >>> my pregnancy test was positive, I stopped both my advair inhaler (I >>> take this as a preventative for asthma) and nasonex nasal spray (to >>> control the growth of polyps). I have heard that both are >>> in " pregnancy category c " which means that they might cause birth >>> defects in the developing fetus.( using advair can cause cleft >>> palate and using nasonex can slow the growth rate of children and >>> teens,apart from causing birth defects.) >>> >>> My question is this. Has anyone dropped all their medication after >>> finding out they are pregnant and if so, what 'coping mechanisms' do >>> they use ? On the other hand I do not want to be miserable >>> throughout my pregnancy with congestion and stuffy nose (I have had >>> three nasal polyp surgeries to date) and likelihood of an asthma >>> attack. Is it safe to irrigate the nose with salt water ? >>> >>> Your feedback is greatly appreciated ! >>> Thanks >>> Tara >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------------ >>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Hi Tara, I agree with Lori, There are many many women who take asthma meds ALL through their pregnancy with absolutely no harm to the baby. It is safer TO take your inhaler than not to as your baby needs the oxygen to grow. I took all my meds and my baby was fine...you do need to seek medical advice as you could be putting both your and your baby's life at risk. Best of luck with your pregnancy, Beckytruelori <lori@...> wrote: I personally think this is a bit ill advised. You need to see yourspecialists and talk to your OB-GYN before just stopping your medscold turkey. Winding up really sick or in the hospital is not goingto be good for your developing baby. Maybe a taper or substitution would work but just stopping all yourmeds? My personal opinion is that is not a good plan. Maybe evenstopping one at a time for a week, seeing how you do, and thendropping another, while CLOSELY under the care of your doctors -- I would not do this without medical opinions from doctors, more thanone doctor. Also you can substitute, not just stop your meds! Moststeroid inhalers are pregnancy category B. Rather than just sayingyou've heard what category things are in, look it up. I've posted alink below in case you can't find it.<<However, ACOG/ACAAI considers it reasonable to continue anothertypes of inhaled steroid during pregnancy if the mother waswell-controlled with using that medication.>><<Other controller medications such as theophylline (category "C") andcromolyn, nedrocromil and the leukotriene blocking drugs (all category"B") are reasonable to continue during pregnancy if the mother has hadgood benefit from the medications prior to pregnancy. However, none ofthese medications would be considered a "first choice" to start duringpregnancy.>>http://allergies.about.com/od/allergiesandpregnancy/a/asthmapregnancy.htmhttp://www.healthcentral.com/asthma/c/question/21122/44640Lori in NY> > > Hello !> > > > I am about one month pregnant and as soon as I missed my period and> > my pregnancy test was positive, I stopped both my advair inhaler (I> > take this as a preventative for asthma) and nasonex nasal spray (to> > control the growth of polyps). I have heard that both are> > in "pregnancy category c" which means that they might cause birth> > defects in the developing fetus.( using advair can cause cleft> > palate and using nasonex can slow the growth rate of children and> > teens,apart from causing birth defects.)> > > > My question is this. Has anyone dropped all their medication after> > finding out they are pregnant and if so, what 'coping mechanisms' do> > they use ? On the other hand I do not want to be miserable> > throughout my pregnancy with congestion and stuffy nose (I have had> > three nasal polyp surgeries to date) and likelihood of an asthma> > attack. Is it safe to irrigate the nose with salt water ?> > > > Your feedback is greatly appreciated !> > Thanks> > Tara> > > > > > ------------------------------------> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Hello Tara Here is my personal experience. I used both becotide inhaler for my asthma and beconase nasal spray for my polyps and rhinitis thoughout my 2nd pregnancy (all 9 months) and I gave birth to a very healthy baby. He is now 18, 1.90 meters tall and scored very high at the university exam ( 1105th among over a million students) and is top in his class, in the best university in Turkey. (Middle East Technical University) Also, now and then I used ventolin spray for my astma and tavegyl, an antihistamin tablet sold in Turkey over the counter. Good luck in your pregnancy. Motherhood is the best thing I have experienced in my life, among all the other things I did, such as lecturing at the university, being the author of 16 books all published nationally, being the headtheacher of a school, doing live TV shows, etc…. Enjoy your pregnancy and being a mother. It is a miracle… Berna From: samters [mailto:samters ] On Behalf Of nayantara_diamond Sent: 26 January 2009 04:05 samters Subject: Samters and Pregnancy Hello ! I am about one month pregnant and as soon as I missed my period and my pregnancy test was positive, I stopped both my advair inhaler (I take this as a preventative for asthma) and nasonex nasal spray (to control the growth of polyps). I have heard that both are in " pregnancy category c " which means that they might cause birth defects in the developing fetus.( using advair can cause cleft palate and using nasonex can slow the growth rate of children and teens,apart from causing birth defects.) My question is this. Has anyone dropped all their medication after finding out they are pregnant and if so, what 'coping mechanisms' do they use ? On the other hand I do not want to be miserable throughout my pregnancy with congestion and stuffy nose (I have had three nasal polyp surgeries to date) and likelihood of an asthma attack. Is it safe to irrigate the nose with salt water ? Your feedback is greatly appreciated ! Thanks Tara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Pam what an awesome, reassuring, and caring response. Funnily,a year ago I was also diagnosed with gerd, I took nexium for a bit and then gave it up..... I was so sick of overmedicating myself. Its amazing, but the reflux seemed to subside on its own. With the pregnancy I have had no adverse symptoms from dropping my meds yet - I don't even have any nausea and morning sickness - but I will keep a close eye. I am glad to hear about your life experiences and to know that if I really need to, I can get back on the medicines. I will keep you posted...and thanks so much ! Tara From: Pam <pam@...>samters <samters >Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2009 9:35:17 PMSubject: Re: Samters and Pregnancy Hi Tara,Several mothers have said that their Samters symptoms improved whilepregnant. It is wise to take a break from the medicines and see how youare.I was at my worse when pregnant. I took advair and nasonex as well asseveral prednisone bursts. My pediatrician was a MD and a naturopath. Heassured me that the steroids would not hurt the baby and that it was mostimportant that I breath. He said that they give preemies prednisone inhigher doses than they would get cross placenta and it helps them.Both of my children, 6 and 11, are exceptionally healthy, no allergies orrespiratory problems at all. They are also going to be taller than me andtheir father.Later I learned that I had GERD and that the acid was corroding my sinus andlungs. Aciphex has cured me in most ways.So, first avoid the drugs. Second, be sure that you don't have reflux,which is common in pregnancy. And third, if you have to go back on to yourprevention medicines, don't worry, it is important to breath.PamOn 1/25/09 9:05 PM, "nayantara_diamond" <nayantara_diamond> wrote:> Hello !> > I am about one month pregnant and as soon as I missed my period and> my pregnancy test was positive, I stopped both my advair inhaler (I> take this as a preventative for asthma) and nasonex nasal spray (to> control the growth of polyps). I have heard that both are> in "pregnancy category c" which means that they might cause birth> defects in the developing fetus.( using advair can cause cleft> palate and using nasonex can slow the growth rate of children and> teens,apart from causing birth defects.)> > My question is this. Has anyone dropped all their medication after> finding out they are pregnant and if so, what 'coping mechanisms' do> they use ? On the other hand I do not want to be miserable> throughout my pregnancy with congestion and stuffy nose (I have had> three nasal polyp surgeries to date) and likelihood of an asthma> attack. Is it safe to irrigate the nose with salt water ?> > Your feedback is greatly appreciated !> Thanks> Tara> > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 I just read the posts from the others. I must correct myself and say that all the information in my email was gleaned on the internet and not based on hearsay or speculation. My asthma was dormant for the longest time until 2008 when I had three episodes in Jan, May, and June respectively. That's when I wanted to get back on a preventive, and with doctors consent I got back on advair. Since I have been fairly healthy otherwise I thought I may be able to do without it, at least for the first trimester. As for nasonex, I switched to it from flonase a year ago since My ENT said nasonex was the safest during pregnancy. But its the articles on the internet that still cast a shadow of doubt, which is why I made this decision to quit. I had definitely meant to see the allergist, just did not know when I would get an appointment.... and ENT specialist if need be. I will definitely do that soon. Like I mentioned I thought "days" were crucial in the first trimester, thats why I took the extreme measure. Thankyou for all your valuable inputs ! Will keep you updated.... Tara From: Bannister <beckyb256@...>samters Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 5:17:45 AMSubject: Re: Re: Samters and Pregnancy Hi Tara, I agree with Lori, There are many many women who take asthma meds ALL through their pregnancy with absolutely no harm to the baby. It is safer TO take your inhaler than not to as your baby needs the oxygen to grow. I took all my meds and my baby was fine...you do need to seek medical advice as you could be putting both your and your baby's life at risk. Best of luck with your pregnancy, Beckytruelori <loritruelori (DOT) com> wrote: I personally think this is a bit ill advised. You need to see yourspecialists and talk to your OB-GYN before just stopping your medscold turkey. Winding up really sick or in the hospital is not goingto be good for your developing baby. Maybe a taper or substitution would work but just stopping all yourmeds? My personal opinion is that is not a good plan. Maybe evenstopping one at a time for a week, seeing how you do, and thendropping another, while CLOSELY under the care of your doctors -- I would not do this without medical opinions from doctors, more thanone doctor. Also you can substitute, not just stop your meds! Moststeroid inhalers are pregnancy category B. Rather than just sayingyou've heard what category things are in, look it up. I've posted alink below in case you can't find it.<<However, ACOG/ACAAI considers it reasonable to continue anothertypes of inhaled steroid during pregnancy if the mother waswell-controlled with using that medication.> ><<Other controller medications such as theophylline (category "C") andcromolyn, nedrocromil and the leukotriene blocking drugs (all category"B") are reasonable to continue during pregnancy if the mother has hadgood benefit from the medications prior to pregnancy. However, none ofthese medications would be considered a "first choice" to start duringpregnancy.>>http://allergies. about.com/ od/allergiesandp regnancy/ a/asthmapregnanc y.htmhttp://www.healthce ntral.com/ asthma/c/ question/ 21122/44640Lori in NY> > > Hello !> > > > I am about one month pregnant and as soon as I missed my period and> > my pregnancy test was positive, I stopped both my advair inhaler (I> > take this as a preventative for asthma) and nasonex nasal spray (to> > control the growth of polyps). I have heard that both are> > in "pregnancy category c" which means that they might cause birth> > defects in the developing fetus.( using advair can cause cleft> > palate and using nasonex can slow the growth rate of children and> > teens,apart from causing birth defects.)> > > > My question is this. Has anyone dropped all their medication after> > finding out they are pregnant and if so, what 'coping mechanisms' do> > they use ? On the other hand I do not want to be miserable> > throughout my pregnancy with congestion and stuffy nose (I have had> > three nasal polyp surgeries to date) and likelihood of an asthma> > attack. Is it safe to irrigate the nose with salt water ?> > > > Your feedback is greatly appreciated !> > Thanks> > Tara> > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2009 Report Share Posted January 26, 2009 Hi Tara, I forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS! I wish you the very best with your prgnancy, birth and beyond and hope that it all goes very well for you. The group is always here to bounce ideas off. i'd love to know how it all goes for you. Best wishes, BeckyNayantara Diamond <nayantara_diamond@...> wrote: I just read the posts from the others. I must correct myself and say that all the information in my email was gleaned on the internet and not based on hearsay or speculation. My asthma was dormant for the longest time until 2008 when I had three episodes in Jan, May, and June respectively. That's when I wanted to get back on a preventive, and with doctors consent I got back on advair. Since I have been fairly healthy otherwise I thought I may be able to do without it, at least for the first trimester. As for nasonex, I switched to it from flonase a year ago since My ENT said nasonex was the safest during pregnancy. But its the articles on the internet that still cast a shadow of doubt, which is why I made this decision to quit. I had definitely meant to see the allergist, just did not know when I would get an appointment.... and ENT specialist if need be. I will definitely do that soon. Like I mentioned I thought "days" were crucial in the first trimester, thats why I took the extreme measure. Thankyou for all your valuable inputs ! Will keep you updated.... Tara From: Bannister <beckyb256 (DOT) co.uk>samters Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 5:17:45 AMSubject: Re: Re: Samters and Pregnancy Hi Tara, I agree with Lori, There are many many women who take asthma meds ALL through their pregnancy with absolutely no harm to the baby. It is safer TO take your inhaler than not to as your baby needs the oxygen to grow. I took all my meds and my baby was fine...you do need to seek medical advice as you could be putting both your and your baby's life at risk. Best of luck with your pregnancy, Beckytruelori <loritruelori (DOT) com> wrote: I personally think this is a bit ill advised. You need to see yourspecialists and talk to your OB-GYN before just stopping your medscold turkey. Winding up really sick or in the hospital is not goingto be good for your developing baby. Maybe a taper or substitution would work but just stopping all yourmeds? My personal opinion is that is not a good plan. Maybe evenstopping one at a time for a week, seeing how you do, and thendropping another, while CLOSELY under the care of your doctors -- I would not do this without medical opinions from doctors, more thanone doctor. Also you can substitute, not just stop your meds! Moststeroid inhalers are pregnancy category B. Rather than just sayingyou've heard what category things are in, look it up. I've posted alink below in case you can't find it.<<However, ACOG/ACAAI considers it reasonable to continue anothertypes of inhaled steroid during pregnancy if the mother waswell-controlled with using that medication.> ><<Other controller medications such as theophylline (category "C") andcromolyn, nedrocromil and the leukotriene blocking drugs (all category"B") are reasonable to continue during pregnancy if the mother has hadgood benefit from the medications prior to pregnancy. However, none ofthese medications would be considered a "first choice" to start duringpregnancy.>>http://allergies. about.com/ od/allergiesandp regnancy/ a/asthmapregnanc y.htmhttp://www.healthce ntral.com/ asthma/c/ question/ 21122/44640Lori in NY> > > Hello !> > > > I am about one month pregnant and as soon as I missed my period and> > my pregnancy test was positive, I stopped both my advair inhaler (I> > take this as a preventative for asthma) and nasonex nasal spray (to> > control the growth of polyps). I have heard that both are> > in "pregnancy category c" which means that they might cause birth> > defects in the developing fetus.( using advair can cause cleft> > palate and using nasonex can slow the growth rate of children and> > teens,apart from causing birth defects.)> > > > My question is this. Has anyone dropped all their medication after> > finding out they are pregnant and if so, what 'coping mechanisms' do> > they use ? On the other hand I do not want to be miserable> > throughout my pregnancy with congestion and stuffy nose (I have had> > three nasal polyp surgeries to date) and likelihood of an asthma> > attack. Is it safe to irrigate the nose with salt water ?> > > > Your feedback is greatly appreciated !> > Thanks> > Tara> > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2009 Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 Hi! I have been pregnant 3 times in the last 5 years (she writes as she plays playdough with a 1, 2, and 3 year old). Here is what my doctor told me. -Continue to irrigate -Switched me from Advair to Pulmocort -Switched me from Nasonex to Rinocourt Aqua -Continued singular -Did 2 short rounds of prednisone with baby #3 because the polyps were coming out my nose. All three kids are perfect! Well, maybe not perfect, but they try. I do have to tell you that pregnany worsened my symptoms. All of the hormones promote growth. I was scheduled for surgery when I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd. It's tough but as least you don't have to deal with the crazy smells bothering you. At least I didn't; my sense of smell was gone throughout pregnancy. Another positive is that you have so many wierd things going on with your body that the Samters seems more like a very minor irritation. Good luck! Christy > > Hello ! > > I am about one month pregnant and as soon as I missed my period and > my pregnancy test was positive, I stopped both my advair inhaler (I > take this as a preventative for asthma) and nasonex nasal spray (to > control the growth of polyps). I have heard that both are > in " pregnancy category c " which means that they might cause birth > defects in the developing fetus.( using advair can cause cleft > palate and using nasonex can slow the growth rate of children and > teens,apart from causing birth defects.) > > My question is this. Has anyone dropped all their medication after > finding out they are pregnant and if so, what 'coping mechanisms' do > they use ? On the other hand I do not want to be miserable > throughout my pregnancy with congestion and stuffy nose (I have had > three nasal polyp surgeries to date) and likelihood of an asthma > attack. Is it safe to irrigate the nose with salt water ? > > Your feedback is greatly appreciated ! > Thanks > Tara > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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