Pregnancy

January 21, 2003

Hi Jill,

Sorry I've been so long in responding. My computer is upstairs and I'm in a

bad flare at present - so I come up here very little! Yes, it's true, I had

four babies in ten years with PA. However, as I stated, my symptoms were

relieved while I was pregnant. And so, I was pregnant for almost four of

those ten years! Now that I'm through having babies, I'm not doing so well.

I also home-educate my children - the older ones. I think that people do

what they have to do. If I didn't have to get up in the morning I wouldn't.

I know I would be doing so much worse than I am. I would give in to the

pain. I know this is true, because when my husband is home on Saturdays I

stay in bed most of the day. And I feel AWFUL! I know we all are at

different levels with this disease, and I do have lots of fatigue, but I

just do what I can at those times, and don't do what I can't! My husband,

and children, can be very helpful. I wish you well, and appreciate your

comments! Feel free to email me anytime. I've become quite knowledgeable

of pregnancy as you can imagine!

Cheryl

Re: [ ] Re: Pregnancy

> Cheryl~

> You had 4 babies in 10 years with PA? You're superwoman!! How did you

deal

> with the fatigue? Or was it that bad for you? I have a huge energy

> problem...I used to be one that was on the go all the time. NOT anymore!!

> You've shown me it can be done though. Thanks for providing me with some

> optimism!!

>

> Hugs!

>

> Jill

>

January 21, 2003

I breast fed all four of my babies, and I had one of my worst flares during

one of those times. I breast fed each of them for a year.

Cheryl

Re: [ ] pregnancy

> Very cool, and that makes complete sense. I have also heard about the

breast

> feeding. I hope I am able to do that too when I have a little one.

>

> Thanks for the info.

>

> In a message dated 1/16/03 8:48:11 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> gynot@... writes:

>

> > Anyhow, along with the apparent connection between hormones and PA, she

said

> > there is a theory that antibodies present in the unborn baby (presumably

> > from my husband) may have an effect on symptoms. Whatever the reason, I

was

> > grateful. Also, I would recommend extended breastfeeding to all moms,

and

> > especially those with PA. Not only is it fantastic for mother and baby

> > physically, emotionally and spiritually, but I found the continued

hormonal

> > changes kept my arthritis symptoms at bay, almost entirely, for six

months,

> > while he nursed exclusively. As he nursed less, the symptoms returned.

But

> > we had a wonderful nursing relationship until he was almost 1 1/2, when

I

> > went on plaquenil -- it made my milk taste bitter and weaned

> > himself. Not only that, but it didn't help me a bit. Talk about

> > frustration! Glad to report life is so much better these days. It was

> > incredibly difficult being in so much pain and trying to care for a

toddler

> > -- but well worth it! Good luck to all who are going down the motherhood

> > path. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it ...

> >

> > skana in nova scotia

> >

August 5, 2003

Mel,

I think talking to your Dr. is the ONLY option right now. There are people

who have gotten pregnant on low doses of MTX and had completely healthy babies,

but if you are pregnant STOP TAKING IT NOW and contact your Dr. I am sure you

have already done this. Man, that's a lot to deal with!

In a message dated 8/5/03 1:40:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

celticangyl@... writes:

<< Ok,

I know i have to talk to my doc... BUT... I was on methotrexate 22.5 mg per

week for 3 mos appx and then they took me off due to liver enzymes for one

month, then I've been back on it for 1 month at 7.5 mg per week. I am one week

late on my period and have just taken an HGC blood test. I wonder what my

options are....

Mel

>>

August 5, 2003

,

I took the urine test yest. and it was negative, but the nausea is so

overwhelming right now it's not funny. So I asked for the blood HGC test and the

results will be in tom sometime. I've read a bit online and I should be ok with

the Remicade it's the methotrexate. I'm not due again until this friday to take

the mtx so my results will be here before I take it and I'll hold off until I

know 100%. It sure is alot to deal with, I'm extremely high risk anyway,

borderline diabetic and with all this crap going on with mom! UGH but I believe

I won't be given anymore than I can handle, at least that is what I keep tellin

myself =))) Thanks for the advice =)

August 6, 2003

In a message dated 8/5/03 9:48:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

celticangyl@... writes:

<< I'm not due again until this friday to take the mtx so my results will be

here before I take it and I'll hold off until I know 100%. It sure is alot to

deal with, I'm extremely high risk anyway, borderline diabetic and with all

this crap going on with mom! UGH but I believe I won't be given anymore than I

can handle, at least that is what I keep tellin myself =))) Thanks for the

advice =)

>>

I agree, MTX is the one to worry about. They have not proven yet what

Biologics do to babies, but so far so good. I would NOT take the MTX again,

since it

CAN cause serious defects. Let me know please! I am thinking about you!

October 6, 2003

Hi and CONGRATULATIONS!!

I have a 9 month old baby and believe that my older sons autism was

caused by vaccines too.

I visited Dr. Amy Holmes (before she retired) while I was pregnant

and she said no vaccines for the baby. She also said NO dental work

for me (the Mom) while pregnant or breast feeding (including teeth

cleaning because I have amalgams.

We have not done any vaccines as of yet. We may do some after our

baby is 3 years old (it's a BIG maybe!)

Anyway, our baby (boy) is doing really great - but so was our older

son at this point. It's a huge worry, but I try to enjoy my baby and

not dwell on anything negative.

I wish you lots of luck (and a baby that is a good sleeper!)

Jules, and Shanes Mom

> Hello, I'm Zeb's mom and I just found out I'm pregnant. I truly

> believe Zeb's autism is caused from multiple things such as his

> prematurity and early vaccines in his fragile state, his frequent

> ear infections and medications and then further vaccines. I'm still

> concerned for the new baby. I will definitly do the vaccines

> differently and less antibiotics and probiotics if we have to do

> antib. Is there anything else you all recommend. I tried to do

> everything just perfect with Zeb's pregnancy and things went bad.

Is

> there any enzymes of vitamins other than the usually I should take?

> Thanks ALisha

October 6, 2003

And, my baby was diagnosed with ear infections at 6 weeks old. His

Ped. insisted he needed antibiotics. That was Thursday, I gave no

antibiotics and found a new dr. by the Monday - low and behold, the

ear infections had cleared up all by themselves.

Follow your instincts,

Jules

> > Hello, I'm Zeb's mom and I just found out I'm pregnant. I truly

> > believe Zeb's autism is caused from multiple things such as his

> > prematurity and early vaccines in his fragile state, his frequent

> > ear infections and medications and then further vaccines. I'm

still

> > concerned for the new baby. I will definitly do the vaccines

> > differently and less antibiotics and probiotics if we have to do

> > antib. Is there anything else you all recommend. I tried to do

> > everything just perfect with Zeb's pregnancy and things went bad.

> Is

> > there any enzymes of vitamins other than the usually I should

take?

> > Thanks ALisha

October 6, 2003

Alisha,

If it were me and I had it to do over again, I would take EFA's before,

during and after (especially if you're going to breastfeed) pregnancy.

EFA's are essential fatty acids and they are " essential " for so many things

for the fetus, especially brain development. They are so important they are

now added to baby food and baby formula! Your doctor probably doesn't know

anything about them and if asked, would probably tell you not to take them

or you don't need them, etc... but you do need them and so does your

developing baby! You can read more about efa's (a.k.a. fish oil) at

www.nordicnaturals.com . It is the same as eating a big meals of fish

without the risk of getting mercury from the seafood. Others may have more

sources of information where you can read more. Just do a google search on

essential fatty acids/pregnancy/fetal brain development. Good luck with

your pregnancy! KIM

Pregnancy

> Hello, I'm Zeb's mom and I just found out I'm pregnant. I truly

> believe Zeb's autism is caused from multiple things such as his

> prematurity and early vaccines in his fragile state, his frequent

> ear infections and medications and then further vaccines. I'm still

> concerned for the new baby. I will definitly do the vaccines

> differently and less antibiotics and probiotics if we have to do

> antib. Is there anything else you all recommend. I tried to do

> everything just perfect with Zeb's pregnancy and things went bad. Is

> there any enzymes of vitamins other than the usually I should take?

> Thanks ALisha

>

October 6, 2003

if you have amalgams i would seriously consider selenium as per my

page

http://members.tripod.com/mueller_ranges/links/as_links.html

a hair test would be useful

be careful of vitmain doses exceeding the rda.

i would post what you normally take.

also how long is it since the first pregnacy?