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Date: 10.01.2010
From: JJ

Subject: Hi! Is this finally a place to share experiences?

I have been hunting all over the internet to find RA mums' experiences of pregnancy and labour. I've had RA since I was 16 (now 31), have just finished my first trimester and found I have have to have consultant-led ante natal care and birth and really want to know what sort of complications they might be expecting. I'm open to hearing the best and the worst - I;m going into this with eyes wide open and am not scared - just want to be in the know.

Also available for general chat - having been an RA patient for almost as long as I was not one!

Thanks in advance
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Date: 10.01.2010
From: Verity

Subject: Re: Hi! Is this finally a place to share experiences?

Hi JJ! Congratulations by the way! Im 24 and have had RA for about 18 years now. I don't have kids now but am hoping to in the next 5 years or so. Im concerned as to whether my body can take it and obviously terrified of coming off the meds. Have you had to plan with the docs since conception? Sorry if its private, Ive just never had the chance to speak to someone in your position now!
Thanks!
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Date: 11.01.2010
From: sandra lowe

Subject: Re: Hi! Is this finally a place to share experiences?

hi jj, I was dignoased with RA when my first baby was about 4months old mind you was complaining with pains in knees in my teens but was said it was growing pains, i went on to have 2 more children after that but wasnt on any meds other than painkillers, but found that the flare ups went away while pregnant but was ten times worse about 6 weeks after the birth. Now bear in mind all are different with our RA so dont get to worried as that was 29years ago and things have changed. When are you due?
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Date: 12.01.2010
From: JJ

Subject: Re: Hi! Is this finally a place to share experiences?

Hi both, thanks for your replies.
I'm due in July and came off meds to try for a baby last July (2009). Thankfully I came off during a good period and was dreading becoming very ill - but it didn't happen! I was on three different DMARDs, plud loads of Ibuprofen and now I only take Iron - not even paracetamol for RA pain. I've been amazed.

It's still there but I don't feel much worse than I was while on the meds. we concieved in October, and I haven't noticed much change - not better, but not drastic. I'm still hoping to be pain free soon though! My old rheumat. had been telling me every year since I got married what I'd need to do when trying to conceive/pregnant, so we just went ahead (told GP though). I saw new rheumy in Dec, and declared I was pregnant and drug-free. he made an appointment to check up on me in June, but said not to bother if I feel fine.

I had first antenatal appointment last week and was told I have to stay under consultant AN care and have the baby in hospital, at a consultant led unit, even though I said my hips were fine. I've since discovered that this is standard for anyone with RA. Wish I'd know before I started dreaming of a water birth!

Sandra - did you have straighforward births with your second two?

I'm aware that the flare up a few weeks after birth is normal, as hormal levels get back to normal. If it's bad, and I have to go back on meds, I won't be able to breastfeed, but we'll take that as it comes.

Phew - think that's enough for now. Verity, I'm happy to chat, I've found it really hard to find anyone who's been through it! And Sandra, If you have any tips, they'd be welcome. Your experiences might have been a while ago, but both RA and pregnancy/labour are still inherently the same!

Thanks again :)
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Date: 14.01.2010
From: sandra lowe

Subject: Re: Hi! Is this finally a place to share experiences?

hi JJ My births were fine no problems just make sure you have someone with you while in labour so they can explain difficulties you have like lifting legs and holding them yourself (which was a problem i had as wrists and hands are stiff so would need some help) You find other ways to do things with baby that you cant do like lifting them up, will go into that if that will be a problem for you, im only to glad to be of any help in the furture, all the best in pregnancy and keep us imformed of your progress
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Date: 14.01.2010
From: JJ

Subject: Re: Hi! Is this finally a place to share experiences?

That's really reassuring - thanks Sandra. I'll certainly keep you up to date :}
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Date: 14.01.2010
From: Verity

Subject: Re: Hi! Is this finally a place to share experiences?

Hi Sandra, thats one of the things im most concerned about if we do decide to have babies - Lifting them up. I can't carry heavy amounts at all. So there are definately acknowledged ways aroound it?
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