Re: Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

[Guest guest]

HI Cat,

I am very sorry for your loss... I too have had many miscarriages 4 to be

exact..

I have systemic lupus, RA, cns lupus, sjorgrens, raynuads, MS & APS>

At the time of my miscarriages i didn;t know i had the blood clotting

problem APS... Wondering if you have been tested for that????? APS stands

for antiphospholid syndrome...Hugs, cathy

From: Cat

Date: 06/09/05 09:38:44

Subject: [ ] Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out last

week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage but

the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each other

(I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but I

am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and it

only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the list.

Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Sad in GA,

Cat

[Guest guest]

HI Cat,

I am very sorry for your loss... I too have had many miscarriages 4 to be

exact..

I have systemic lupus, RA, cns lupus, sjorgrens, raynuads, MS & APS>

At the time of my miscarriages i didn;t know i had the blood clotting

problem APS... Wondering if you have been tested for that????? APS stands

for antiphospholid syndrome...Hugs, cathy

From: Cat

Date: 06/09/05 09:38:44

Subject: [ ] Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out last

week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage but

the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each other

(I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but I

am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and it

only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the list.

Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Sad in GA,

Cat

[Guest guest]

, I was thinking just the same thing while I was reading Cat's

post. I found out about a year ago that I had antiphospholipid

antibody syndrome myself. that's fairly common in lupus patients,

from what I have heard. Fortunately for me this developed after my

childbearing years- I'm a grandma now. Cat, I would sure check with

your doctor to see if he has tested for that. I have to take a baby

aspirin every day because of the clotting thing. I am so sorry for

your loss, and this time of grief that you are going through.

God bless you and yours.

jane

--- In , " cathylupus " <cathylupus@a...>

wrote:

>

>

> HI Cat,

> I am very sorry for your loss... I too have had many miscarriages 4

to be

> exact..

> I have systemic lupus, RA, cns lupus, sjorgrens, raynuads, MS & APS>

> At the time of my miscarriages i didn;t know i had the blood

clotting

> problem APS... Wondering if you have been tested for that????? APS

stands

> for antiphospholid syndrome...Hugs, cathy

> From: Cat

> Date: 06/09/05 09:38:44

>

> Subject: [ ] Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

>

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage

but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each

other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but

I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the

list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, I was thinking just the same thing while I was reading Cat's

post. I found out about a year ago that I had antiphospholipid

antibody syndrome myself. that's fairly common in lupus patients,

from what I have heard. Fortunately for me this developed after my

childbearing years- I'm a grandma now. Cat, I would sure check with

your doctor to see if he has tested for that. I have to take a baby

aspirin every day because of the clotting thing. I am so sorry for

your loss, and this time of grief that you are going through.

God bless you and yours.

jane

>

>

> HI Cat,

> I am very sorry for your loss... I too have had many miscarriages 4

to be

> exact..

> I have systemic lupus, RA, cns lupus, sjorgrens, raynuads, MS & APS>

> At the time of my miscarriages i didn;t know i had the blood

clotting

> problem APS... Wondering if you have been tested for that????? APS

stands

> for antiphospholid syndrome...Hugs, cathy

> From: Cat

> Date: 06/09/05 09:38:44

>

> Subject: [ ] Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

>

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage

but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each

other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but

I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the

list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Cat, I'm very sorry that you lost the baby. I hope you are getting a lot of

support from your husband, family, and friends.

Don't worry, we have many people here with RA, lupus, and other rheumatic

diseases who were able to have healthy children.

The search tool stinks. A " you get what you pay for " situation. You

have to keep clicking " Next " to have it search the next set of messages.

Very cumbersome. We don't mind answering repeat questions.

I am not familiar with any strong association between RA itself and

miscarriage.

As others mentioned, antiphospholipid antibodies are one possibility. I have

a friend who has them but doesn't have lupus or RA or another rheumatic

disease. She had several miscarriages before they realized the problem, but

she now has twins.

Thyroid antibodies are also associated with miscarriage.

Even certain medications taken for RA can increase your chance for

miscarriage.

How long have you had RA and what are you taking for it?

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

[Guest guest]

Cat, I'm very sorry that you lost the baby. I hope you are getting a lot of

support from your husband, family, and friends.

Don't worry, we have many people here with RA, lupus, and other rheumatic

diseases who were able to have healthy children.

The search tool stinks. A " you get what you pay for " situation. You

have to keep clicking " Next " to have it search the next set of messages.

Very cumbersome. We don't mind answering repeat questions.

I am not familiar with any strong association between RA itself and

miscarriage.

As others mentioned, antiphospholipid antibodies are one possibility. I have

a friend who has them but doesn't have lupus or RA or another rheumatic

disease. She had several miscarriages before they realized the problem, but

she now has twins.

Thyroid antibodies are also associated with miscarriage.

Even certain medications taken for RA can increase your chance for

miscarriage.

How long have you had RA and what are you taking for it?

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

[Guest guest]

Cat,

I am so sorry for the troubles you are having starting your family. I am a

nurse, retired from an infertility practice and my doctors would suggest where

there have been 2 or more miscarriages would be to see a specialist in recurrent

pregnancy loss and also possibly to have a genetics consult. Some times,

losses result from things that are easily tuned up once they are diagnosed. If

either of these things are possible, it might help you or reassure you about

your situation

Kathy Schark

Hamden CT

kschark@...

[Guest guest]

Cat,

I am so sorry for the troubles you are having starting your family. I am a

nurse, retired from an infertility practice and my doctors would suggest where

there have been 2 or more miscarriages would be to see a specialist in recurrent

pregnancy loss and also possibly to have a genetics consult. Some times,

losses result from things that are easily tuned up once they are diagnosed. If

either of these things are possible, it might help you or reassure you about

your situation

Kathy Schark

Hamden CT

kschark@...

[Guest guest]

Cat,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep you, and your hubby in my

prayers. Hugs, Tawny

--- In , " Cat " <catherine_groen@b...>

wrote:

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out

last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage

but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each

other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but

I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and

it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the

list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

[Guest guest]

Cat,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep you, and your hubby in my

prayers. Hugs, Tawny

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out

last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage

but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each

other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but

I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and

it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the

list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I too am a lurker but I wanted to reply. First, let me say how

sorry I am at your loss--I too had two misses before having a

beautiful baby girl 20 years ago. I had RA for 6 years prior to my

first pregnancy and at that time I was on standard medication of

what is now called " ALEVE " . No one knew at that time the reason for

the 2 miscarriages.

MY third pregnancy was great! No spotting, no morning sickness, big

weight gain :0), C section for footling breech. I'm telling you

this so you'll know that there is hope -- don't give up! I know how

frustrating and disappointing it is for you and I'll keep you in my

prayers.

Hugs,

Lori

--- In , " Cat " <catherine_groen@b...>

wrote:

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out

last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage

but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each

other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but

I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and

it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the

list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I too am a lurker but I wanted to reply. First, let me say how

sorry I am at your loss--I too had two misses before having a

beautiful baby girl 20 years ago. I had RA for 6 years prior to my

first pregnancy and at that time I was on standard medication of

what is now called " ALEVE " . No one knew at that time the reason for

the 2 miscarriages.

MY third pregnancy was great! No spotting, no morning sickness, big

weight gain :0), C section for footling breech. I'm telling you

this so you'll know that there is hope -- don't give up! I know how

frustrating and disappointing it is for you and I'll keep you in my

prayers.

Hugs,

Lori

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out

last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage

but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each

other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but

I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and

it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the

list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

[Guest guest]

Oh yea, , I am currently taking 10mg of Prednisone and 3x500mg of

Azulfadine EN Tabs twice a day. I had been taking a reduced dose of

Celebrex prior to becoming pregnant but since my husband and I were

planning this, I stopped the minute I thought I was pregnant at about

3 1/2 weeks (just had that feeling). Both my OBGYN and my Rheumy

said the Azulfadine was ok but I have done a little more research and

am now questioning whether I should stop taking it before we start

trying again. What do you know about it?

Cat

....

>

> Even certain medications taken for RA can increase your chance for

> miscarriage.

>

> How long have you had RA and what are you taking for it?

>

>

>

> Not an MD

>

[Guest guest]

Oh yea, , I am currently taking 10mg of Prednisone and 3x500mg of

Azulfadine EN Tabs twice a day. I had been taking a reduced dose of

Celebrex prior to becoming pregnant but since my husband and I were

planning this, I stopped the minute I thought I was pregnant at about

3 1/2 weeks (just had that feeling). Both my OBGYN and my Rheumy

said the Azulfadine was ok but I have done a little more research and

am now questioning whether I should stop taking it before we start

trying again. What do you know about it?

Cat

....

>

> Even certain medications taken for RA can increase your chance for

> miscarriage.

>

> How long have you had RA and what are you taking for it?

>

>

>

> Not an MD

>

[Guest guest]

Lori,

It is nice to hear " success " stories and to know that it is not

impossible so thanks. Did they ever look into the causes of your

miscarriages or did you just keep trying eventually to be blessed with

a healthy baby? Also, how did you deal with the fear and anxiety

during the third pregnancy after the two losses? Even in my second one

I felt guilty because I wasn't letting myself be as excited as everyone

else expected me to be (most didn't know about the first loss). Just

when I thought I had passed the danger zone and let myself start to be

excited it happened so I know next time will be much worse.

Cat

[Guest guest]

Lori,

It is nice to hear " success " stories and to know that it is not

impossible so thanks. Did they ever look into the causes of your

miscarriages or did you just keep trying eventually to be blessed with

a healthy baby? Also, how did you deal with the fear and anxiety

during the third pregnancy after the two losses? Even in my second one

I felt guilty because I wasn't letting myself be as excited as everyone

else expected me to be (most didn't know about the first loss). Just

when I thought I had passed the danger zone and let myself start to be

excited it happened so I know next time will be much worse.

Cat

[Guest guest]

I've read that the consensus is that sulfasalazine is thought to be safe

during pregnancy. On the other hand, it is a folic acid antagonist (MTX is

another). Since folic acid is so important to the proper development of the

baby, there are questions about whether sulfasalazine and all other folic

acid antagonists should be avoided. At the very least, if you continue the

sulfasalazine, you would want to discuss with your physician about how much

folic acid to take.

I'll send more articles about this.

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] Re: Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

> Oh yea, , I am currently taking 10mg of Prednisone and 3x500mg of

> Azulfadine EN Tabs twice a day. I had been taking a reduced dose of

> Celebrex prior to becoming pregnant but since my husband and I were

> planning this, I stopped the minute I thought I was pregnant at about

> 3 1/2 weeks (just had that feeling). Both my OBGYN and my Rheumy

> said the Azulfadine was ok but I have done a little more research and

> am now questioning whether I should stop taking it before we start

> trying again. What do you know about it?

>

> Cat

[Guest guest]

I've read that the consensus is that sulfasalazine is thought to be safe

during pregnancy. On the other hand, it is a folic acid antagonist (MTX is

another). Since folic acid is so important to the proper development of the

baby, there are questions about whether sulfasalazine and all other folic

acid antagonists should be avoided. At the very least, if you continue the

sulfasalazine, you would want to discuss with your physician about how much

folic acid to take.

I'll send more articles about this.

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[ ] Re: Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

> Oh yea, , I am currently taking 10mg of Prednisone and 3x500mg of

> Azulfadine EN Tabs twice a day. I had been taking a reduced dose of

> Celebrex prior to becoming pregnant but since my husband and I were

> planning this, I stopped the minute I thought I was pregnant at about

> 3 1/2 weeks (just had that feeling). Both my OBGYN and my Rheumy

> said the Azulfadine was ok but I have done a little more research and

> am now questioning whether I should stop taking it before we start

> trying again. What do you know about it?

>

> Cat

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I had heard that too about the folic acid and asked my

rheumy. He said it shouldn't be a problem. My obgyn looed it up in

her pregnancy & prescriptions book and it didn't say anything about

it so we assumed all was ok. I did take the prenatal vitamins with

high amounts of folic acid though and had been taking over the

counter prenatals prior to conception.

I think I have decided to stop taking it the next time we try based

on all of the articles you have posted and the other research I have

done. I am willing to try anything right now and eliminate all risks

when possible. Even if it means more discomfort, pain and potential

joint damage in the short run it is worth it to me in the long run to

have a healthy family.

Cat

> I've read that the consensus is that sulfasalazine is thought to be

safe

> during pregnancy. On the other hand, it is a folic acid antagonist

(MTX is

> another). Since folic acid is so important to the proper

development of the

> baby, there are questions about whether sulfasalazine and all other

folic

> acid antagonists should be avoided. At the very least, if you

continue the

> sulfasalazine, you would want to discuss with your physician about

how much

> folic acid to take.

>

> I'll send more articles about this.

>

>

>

> Not an MD

>

> I'll tell you where to go!

>

> Mayo Clinic in Rochester

> http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

>

> s Hopkins Medicine

> http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

>

>

> [ ] Re: Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

>

>

> > Oh yea, , I am currently taking 10mg of Prednisone and

3x500mg of

> > Azulfadine EN Tabs twice a day. I had been taking a reduced dose

of

> > Celebrex prior to becoming pregnant but since my husband and I

were

> > planning this, I stopped the minute I thought I was pregnant at

about

> > 3 1/2 weeks (just had that feeling). Both my OBGYN and my Rheumy

> > said the Azulfadine was ok but I have done a little more research

and

> > am now questioning whether I should stop taking it before we start

> > trying again. What do you know about it?

> >

> > Cat

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I had heard that too about the folic acid and asked my

rheumy. He said it shouldn't be a problem. My obgyn looed it up in

her pregnancy & prescriptions book and it didn't say anything about

it so we assumed all was ok. I did take the prenatal vitamins with

high amounts of folic acid though and had been taking over the

counter prenatals prior to conception.

I think I have decided to stop taking it the next time we try based

on all of the articles you have posted and the other research I have

done. I am willing to try anything right now and eliminate all risks

when possible. Even if it means more discomfort, pain and potential

joint damage in the short run it is worth it to me in the long run to

have a healthy family.

Cat

> I've read that the consensus is that sulfasalazine is thought to be

safe

> during pregnancy. On the other hand, it is a folic acid antagonist

(MTX is

> another). Since folic acid is so important to the proper

development of the

> baby, there are questions about whether sulfasalazine and all other

folic

> acid antagonists should be avoided. At the very least, if you

continue the

> sulfasalazine, you would want to discuss with your physician about

how much

> folic acid to take.

>

> I'll send more articles about this.

>

>

>

> Not an MD

>

> I'll tell you where to go!

>

> Mayo Clinic in Rochester

> http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

>

> s Hopkins Medicine

> http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

>

>

> [ ] Re: Miscarriage & RA - Help w/Info

>

>

> > Oh yea, , I am currently taking 10mg of Prednisone and

3x500mg of

> > Azulfadine EN Tabs twice a day. I had been taking a reduced dose

of

> > Celebrex prior to becoming pregnant but since my husband and I

were

> > planning this, I stopped the minute I thought I was pregnant at

about

> > 3 1/2 weeks (just had that feeling). Both my OBGYN and my Rheumy

> > said the Azulfadine was ok but I have done a little more research

and

> > am now questioning whether I should stop taking it before we start

> > trying again. What do you know about it?

> >

> > Cat

[Guest guest]

Most of the research I have done says Sulfasalazine and Prednisone in

Pregnancy is safe.

Abby

[Guest guest]

Most of the research I have done says Sulfasalazine and Prednisone in

Pregnancy is safe.

Abby

[Guest guest]

Dearest Cat,

Please let me first say I am so sorry to the depths of my soul

for your loss. I too, had a loss- at 19 weeks. It was my first

pregnancy -after 8 years of trying...

It sounds more like you had a fetal demise and the only reason I'm

making a distinction is that a " miscarriage " at this late date

(second trimester) would most likely be caused from incompetent

cervix or issues with the placenta; whereas a " demise " obviously has

to do w/ issues with the baby or it's environment. Second trimester

demise is a hallmark of LUPUS. Are you sure you don't have lupus?

(I do.)

And also obviously some meds DO in fact contribute to fetal loss -

namely, Methotrexate. In fact it is used to CAUSE miscarriage or

abortion in first trimester!

I was a Maternity Nurse (in fact was the Head Nurse on the evening

shift for years)- not that this makes me expert, but if you ever want

to talk...please just email me, then we can exchange phone numbers if

you like.

Love,

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage

but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each

other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but

I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the

list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

[Guest guest]

Dearest Cat,

Please let me first say I am so sorry to the depths of my soul

for your loss. I too, had a loss- at 19 weeks. It was my first

pregnancy -after 8 years of trying...

It sounds more like you had a fetal demise and the only reason I'm

making a distinction is that a " miscarriage " at this late date

(second trimester) would most likely be caused from incompetent

cervix or issues with the placenta; whereas a " demise " obviously has

to do w/ issues with the baby or it's environment. Second trimester

demise is a hallmark of LUPUS. Are you sure you don't have lupus?

(I do.)

And also obviously some meds DO in fact contribute to fetal loss -

namely, Methotrexate. In fact it is used to CAUSE miscarriage or

abortion in first trimester!

I was a Maternity Nurse (in fact was the Head Nurse on the evening

shift for years)- not that this makes me expert, but if you ever want

to talk...please just email me, then we can exchange phone numbers if

you like.

Love,

> I'm 29 years old and I was 17 weeks pregnant when we found out last

> week that I lost my baby. My husband and I want to start a family

> more than anything in this world. This is my second miscarriage

but

> the last time I didn't make it this far into the pregnancy. I

> thought we were in the clear. It's so frustrating and sad and I

> don't even know where to begin with coping with the loss. My

> tendency is to try and research and gain as much information as

> possible. The doctors say there is no proof about a connection

> between RA and miscarriage but I was wondering about everyone's

> personal experience. You guys are always so supportive of each

other

> (I'm a lurker) but I have also noticed that a lot of questions get

> posted repeatedly and that must get frustrating for the frequent

> posters. I thought maybe I would try to search previous posts but

I

> am having a hard time. This is my first group and I mainly

> read the postings that are emailed to me and only occasionally

> respond to posts. Can anyone help me search the messages on

> miscarriage and RA? I try to search on the word miscarriage and it

> only lets me search the most recent messages at the end of the

list.

> Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Sad in GA,

> Cat

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/19/2005 10:51:13 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,

its_all_in_my_details@... writes:

I was a Maternity Nurse (in fact was the Head Nurse on the evening

shift for years)- not that this makes me expert, but if you ever want

to talk...please just email me, then we can exchange phone numbers if

you like.

Love,

I would encourage you, Cat, to utilize as a resource and support, as

well as this list, during this difficult time. I, too, had a miscarriage and

it's difficult. I am in graduate school again and am studying mental health and

chose to use miscarriage as a topic to help me with my grieving process as a

way to cope. I learned a lot not only about the physical aspects and all but

also the psychological aspects and the potentials for depression not only

immediately after but even 6 months down the road from the miscarriage,

especially if one has a history of depression. There is a follow up appointment

for

postpartum checks but not for miscarriages and it wouldn't be a bad idea I've

learned. It's considered such a " common occurrence " (in a first trimester

that is) that it is taken in stride by the medical profession but to each

individual, it has such meaning and often grief, even if the pregnancy was

unplanned.

As I said, please email and/or talk to and others. I will be thinking

of you. I was on Methotrexate.

Abby