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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