Pregnancy and rA

[Guest guest]

Welcome LaVina to our group. I sent in several articles for you to read

about RA and pregnancy. My first pregnancy brought remission for me,

but my second caused a flare that lasted for most of my pregnancy.

I didn't take anything except ibuprofen during either pregnancy.

Maybe you'll get some feedback from others that took meds during

pregnancy.

a

----- Original Message -----

From: <Beveridge1406@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Friday, November 17, 2000 3:04 PM

Subject: [ ] Pregnancy and RA

> Hello - I am a new e-Group subscriber. What a wonderful place!!

>

> I have been diagnosed with RA for two years. I was dx'd two months

> after my first (and only) daughter was born. I was told that this is

> a typical (female, 29 years old, just after delivery) onset of

> symptoms. I currently take Enbrel (by the way thank you for the note

> on Enbrel registry I hadn't heard about that) and Voltaren and am

> doing quite well with them. My question is: How have people done

> with subsequent pregnancies? Did your symptoms change during your

> pregnancy? After your pregnancy? Did they get better? Worse? I'm

> very worried that my sypmtoms will get worse since it was a pregnancy

> that brought about my RA in the first place. Also what medications

> did you take while pregnant or did you even need to? My Dr. (and my

> OB Dr.)said I could take Prednisone since it doesn't cross the

> placenta.

>

> Thank you for any responses - my husband and I are thinking about

> trying to become pregnant again in the near future and I wanted to

> get some insight from others beforehand.

>

> LaVina Beveridge

>

>

>

> Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, LaVina!

I know it's a big job to tend to your daughter, and I hope you are able to

get some rest and take care of yourself, too.

I'm sorry about your RA diagnosis, but you are wise to try to educate

yourself about your disease. This is a wonderful place to exchange solid

information and compassionate support.

I can't really answer your questions about the effect of RA on subsequent

pregnancies, because I am currently undiagnosed. I have three children (16,

13, 9) and was very healthy until four years ago. So, the pregnancies didn't

seem to have any immediate effect on me, but, then again, I don't believe I

have RA.

I saw that a posted some great information on pregnancy and RA. In

addition to those, I've found a few that discuss the safety of taking

corticosteroids during pregnancy:

http://www.fetal-exposure.nwu.edu/CORTICOS.html

http://www.rxmed.com/monographs/cortico2.html

http://www.transweb.org/reference/articles/drugs/predrisk.html

http://www.mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q46pregnancy.html

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/corticosteroids/corticosteroids5.html

Glad you found us. I hope you like it here.

----- Original Message -----

From: <Beveridge1406@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Friday, November 17, 2000 2:04 PM

Subject: [ ] Pregnancy and RA

> Hello - I am a new e-Group subscriber. What a wonderful place!!

>

> I have been diagnosed with RA for two years. I was dx'd two months

> after my first (and only) daughter was born. I was told that this is

> a typical (female, 29 years old, just after delivery) onset of

> symptoms. I currently take Enbrel (by the way thank you for the note

> on Enbrel registry I hadn't heard about that) and Voltaren and am

> doing quite well with them. My question is: How have people done

> with subsequent pregnancies? Did your symptoms change during your

> pregnancy? After your pregnancy? Did they get better? Worse? I'm

> very worried that my sypmtoms will get worse since it was a pregnancy

> that brought about my RA in the first place. Also what medications

> did you take while pregnant or did you even need to? My Dr. (and my

> OB Dr.)said I could take Prednisone since it doesn't cross the

> placenta.

>

> Thank you for any responses - my husband and I are thinking about

> trying to become pregnant again in the near future and I wanted to

> get some insight from others beforehand.

>

> LaVina Beveridge

[Guest guest]

Hello LaVina,

My name is . I developed RA in my third trimester of my 4th

pregnancy. I was 31. I didn't know what was wrong with me except maybe I

had just gained too much weight and it was too much for my legs and feet.

That was until my hands started hurting and couldn't use them anymore. By

the time my baby was born I could not even hold him to burp him. I finally

decided whether I was losing my mind or not I had to go the Dr. because I

couldn't function anymore. They diagnosed me with RA and Fibro. I have

read a lot of information pregnancy and RA and a lot of people go into

remission when they are pregnant, possibly because of the different

hormones. I would be extremely careful taking anything while you are

pregnant. You know how the rules change on medication and pregnancy. First

they say it doesn't affect the baby and then it does. I will say my prayers

that whatever you decide it will be the right choice.

M.

----- Original Message -----

From: <Beveridge1406@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Friday, November 17, 2000 2:04 PM

Subject: [ ] Pregnancy and RA

> Hello - I am a new e-Group subscriber. What a wonderful place!!

>

> I have been diagnosed with RA for two years. I was dx'd two months

> after my first (and only) daughter was born. I was told that this is

> a typical (female, 29 years old, just after delivery) onset of

> symptoms. I currently take Enbrel (by the way thank you for the note

> on Enbrel registry I hadn't heard about that) and Voltaren and am

> doing quite well with them. My question is: How have people done

> with subsequent pregnancies? Did your symptoms change during your

> pregnancy? After your pregnancy? Did they get better? Worse? I'm

> very worried that my sypmtoms will get worse since it was a pregnancy

> that brought about my RA in the first place. Also what medications

> did you take while pregnant or did you even need to? My Dr. (and my

> OB Dr.)said I could take Prednisone since it doesn't cross the

> placenta.

>

> Thank you for any responses - my husband and I are thinking about

> trying to become pregnant again in the near future and I wanted to

> get some insight from others beforehand.

>

> LaVina Beveridge

>

>

>

> Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/

> http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/

> Change subscription options:

>

>

[Guest guest]

Rainy - been reading all the past posts - AGAIN!! - see that you're doing

some kind of self research - I was diagnosed 2 months after the birth of my

daughter (my first) - I first felt it about 1 month after her birth and then

it took another month to get a dx.

The reason I got on with this group was to see if anyone had had any problems

after they had had ANOTHER baby - i.e. did they think their RA got worse

after a subsequent pregnancy? Well, I'll be a ble to answer my own question

in about 9 months - I just did a pg test today and it's positive =) Wish me

luck! The only thing I'm bummed about is having to get off the Enbrel

because it has worked to well for me.

LaVina

[Guest guest]

wow congrats!!! i thought i was just reading in one of the posts that ra

diminishes during pregnancy. something about the immune system.

kathy

[Guest guest]

Congrats LaVina!

Keep in mind that even though you have to go off the Enbrel, A LOT of people

who become pregnant go into a sort of remission while pregnant. This is

partly why I think hormones play a big role in RA. Maybe this pregnancy will

put you in permanent remission. We can hope!

~Rainy Sue

> Rainy - been reading all the past posts - AGAIN!! - see that you're doing

> some kind of self research - I was diagnosed 2 months after the birth of

my

> daughter (my first) - I first felt it about 1 month after her birth and

then

> it took another month to get a dx.

>

> The reason I got on with this group was to see if anyone had had any

problems

> after they had had ANOTHER baby - i.e. did they think their RA got worse

> after a subsequent pregnancy? Well, I'll be a ble to answer my own

question

> in about 9 months - I just did a pg test today and it's positive =) Wish

me

> luck! The only thing I'm bummed about is having to get off the Enbrel

> because it has worked to well for me.

>

> LaVina

[Guest guest]

LaVina,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope you go into permanent remission with

this pregnancy. Since the RA was triggered by pregnancy, I will be very

curious to see if you are lucky and go into remission. As I've told you, my

first pregnancy caused remission, and my second caused the disease to worsen and

spread. BUT I may not have RA, I may have PA, and who knows if pregnancy

affects these diseases differently.

Being an RN, I guess you've already checked out the meds you take and their

concerns with pregnancy.

Reading back digests I see you had a recent trip to Hawaii. I've heard it is a

fabulous place, and am glad you were able to enjoy it.

a

----- Original Message -----

From: Beveridge1406@...

Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2001 11:34 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] pregnancy and RA

Rainy - been reading all the past posts - AGAIN!! - see that you're doing

some kind of self research - I was diagnosed 2 months after the birth of my

daughter (my first) - I first felt it about 1 month after her birth and then

it took another month to get a dx.

The reason I got on with this group was to see if anyone had had any problems

after they had had ANOTHER baby - i.e. did they think their RA got worse

after a subsequent pregnancy? Well, I'll be a ble to answer my own question

in about 9 months - I just did a pg test today and it's positive =) Wish me

luck! The only thing I'm bummed about is having to get off the Enbrel

because it has worked to well for me.

LaVina

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/10/2006 6:18:46 AM Central Standard Time,

mchristinad@... writes:

Your disease will most likely come back in a flare soon after the pregnancy

ends. Learn to put the baby down in safe places ( playpen, crib, stroller,

infant seat) and then prepare bottles, get diapers or whatever else you need

to do and then get the baby. It isn't easy but it isn't that hard either.

The hardest thing is to have the thick skin to ignore all bombardment of

messages about how you are doing a disservice to your child by not

breastfeeding,

not carrying the baby 24/7, not doing whatever some other person thinks is the

thing to do.

Thank you so much.i believe i've had RA for many years, just ignored the

signs...Back when i was pregnant with my daughter in 03 i felt great! Then

after she was born i had severe symptoms and did exactly what you say not to

do. I ignored the signals my body was giving me till i could no longer pick up

my 2 month old baby without crying in agony. Shorty after that episode i was

diagnosed with RA, and had to stop breastfeeding. Broke my heart it did, but

was better for us all in the long run. She is now 2 and a half, dosent even

remember.... ok i'm done rambling. hugs

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/30/2006 10:53:45 AM Central Standard Time,

danaeckstein1@... writes:

.. The pain is killing my libido

and it's hard to not get depressed about it which I'm afraid will

affect my ability to conceive. I'm worried that even if we do have a

child I'll be in too much pain to even pick up the baby. Do any of

you have tricks up your sleeves for this no meds situation? like

acupuncture or massage? Were your pain and stiffness symptoms

relieved during pregnancy?

Thanks for your thoughts. My best wishes for relief to all of you.

Dana

Dana i wish you the best of luck with trying to have a baby! When I am

acheing pretty bad...i run water as hot as i can stand it and soak in the

bathtub. Sometimes even refilling the tub to keep the water hot. Somethign

called Aspercreme helps too...rice socks placed in the microwave work as

heating

pads also. We all know its not easy staying upbeat and " in the mood " when you

are hurting all the time. The best advice i can give is dont stress out and

if its meant to happen it will. HUGS

from PA

[Guest guest]

Dana,

a's site has a good group of articles on pregnancy and RA:

http://arthritissupport.info/Rheumatoid Arthritis.html

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

[ ] pregnancy and RA

> What have your RA pain experiences been with trying to get pregnant,

> pregnancy itself, and nursing?

>

> I don't come to this group too often because I mostly try to ignore

> the fact that I have RA, but I'm in need of the group support now.

> In reading your posts, I'm heartbroken by how many of you are in

> such severe straights. I've been feeling sorry for myself, but it

> seems I'm nearly so bad off. Still, I could use some information.

>

> Methotrexate, plaquenil, and celebrex were controlling my symptoms

> just fine, but my husband and I want to have kids. So I've been off

> the methotrexate for 15 months and am now trying to stay off all

> pain medications so we don't jeopardize getting pregnant and the

> baby if we can make one. During this window of no meds and no pain

> I'm aching all over constantly and have pretty severe recurring pain

> in my shoulder and knees. I'm still trying to bicycle and go to the

> gym so I don't completely lose my fitness and I'm supposed to keep

> muscle strength and joint mobility. The pain is killing my libido

> and it's hard to not get depressed about it which I'm afraid will

> affect my ability to conceive. I'm worried that even if we do have a

> child I'll be in too much pain to even pick up the baby. Do any of

> you have tricks up your sleeves for this no meds situation? like

> acupuncture or massage? Were your pain and stiffness symptoms

> relieved during pregnancy?

>

> Thanks for your thoughts. My best wishes for relief to all of you.

> Dana

[Guest guest]

I wanted another child around 6 years ago. I only had the one back

then. I saw an ob/gyn, told her what I wanted, because I was now mid

30s and feeling old, she told me it was possible, that she had a

healthy child at 37, and was pregnant with a third child, but she

said I had to get busy trying to conceieve or get busy fighting the

disease. She wanted me to choose which one and go after it

aggressively.

You may even experience remission during the pregnancy and during

breast feeding, some do.

I don't think you should handle this on your own and I think you

should go for it under the care of a good ob/gyn. I sure am sorry I

didn't have another child. but that's just my opinion on the

situation.

best wishes,

Ebony

>

> What have your RA pain experiences been with trying to get

pregnant,

> pregnancy itself, and nursing?

>

> I don't come to this group too often because I mostly try to ignore

> the fact that I have RA, but I'm in need of the group support now.

> In reading your posts, I'm heartbroken by how many of you are in

> such severe straights. I've been feeling sorry for myself, but it

> seems I'm nearly so bad off. Still, I could use some information.

>

> Methotrexate, plaquenil, and celebrex were controlling my symptoms

> just fine, but my husband and I want to have kids. So I've been off

> the methotrexate for 15 months and am now trying to stay off all

> pain medications so we don't jeopardize getting pregnant and the

> baby if we can make one. During this window of no meds and no pain

> I'm aching all over constantly and have pretty severe recurring

pain

> in my shoulder and knees. I'm still trying to bicycle and go to the

> gym so I don't completely lose my fitness and I'm supposed to keep

> muscle strength and joint mobility. The pain is killing my libido

> and it's hard to not get depressed about it which I'm afraid will

> affect my ability to conceive. I'm worried that even if we do have

a

> child I'll be in too much pain to even pick up the baby. Do any of

> you have tricks up your sleeves for this no meds situation? like

> acupuncture or massage? Were your pain and stiffness symptoms

> relieved during pregnancy?

>

> Thanks for your thoughts. My best wishes for relief to all of you.

> Dana

>

[Guest guest]

To respond to you about pregnancy and RA - I am 25 and working with

my rheumatologist (who is FANTASTIC!) on getting off the meds....I

am completely off Celebrex now, (taking 500mg of tylenol 3 times a

day in place of that and it works great!) - on 1 mg of prednisone

but she said we may have to go up a little when i go get pregnant

but she its no need to worry, and sulfasizide (completley safe

during pregnancy) and now just trying to get off methetrexate. I go

back next week to discuss that....I don't know if we can stop it all

together or I have to eased off...She told me I probably could not

breast feed b/c I will need to go back on the meds after birth. Hope

this helps. I wish you the best of luck, and all my prayers are with

you.

>

> What have your RA pain experiences been with trying to get

pregnant,

> pregnancy itself, and nursing?

>

> I don't come to this group too often because I mostly try to

ignore

> the fact that I have RA, but I'm in need of the group support now.

> In reading your posts, I'm heartbroken by how many of you are in

> such severe straights. I've been feeling sorry for myself, but it

> seems I'm nearly so bad off. Still, I could use some information.

>

> Methotrexate, plaquenil, and celebrex were controlling my symptoms

> just fine, but my husband and I want to have kids. So I've been

off

> the methotrexate for 15 months and am now trying to stay off all

> pain medications so we don't jeopardize getting pregnant and the

> baby if we can make one. During this window of no meds and no pain

> I'm aching all over constantly and have pretty severe recurring

pain

> in my shoulder and knees. I'm still trying to bicycle and go to

the

> gym so I don't completely lose my fitness and I'm supposed to keep

> muscle strength and joint mobility. The pain is killing my libido

> and it's hard to not get depressed about it which I'm afraid will

> affect my ability to conceive. I'm worried that even if we do have

a

> child I'll be in too much pain to even pick up the baby. Do any of

> you have tricks up your sleeves for this no meds situation? like

> acupuncture or massage? Were your pain and stiffness symptoms

> relieved during pregnancy?

>

> Thanks for your thoughts. My best wishes for relief to all of you.

> Dana

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/13/2006 2:06:08 PM Central Standard Time,

danaeckstein1@... writes:

Several of you replied to my desperate query about pregnancy and RA.

Thank you for your support and kind wishes. I'm still not pregnant but

at least my inflammation magically disappeared one day and I've been

okay for a couple weeks. It was approximately during ovulation so

maybe the hormones made the difference. I have another dose of

prednisone as a back up for now if I go awry again.

I'm looking forward to more postings about your experiences of

pregnancy and RA.

Thanks,

Dana

Dana i wish you all the luck in the world with getting pregnant. I didnt

find out i had RA till after the birth of my 2nd child. looking back i've had

symptoms for years and just blew it off to being overworked. Good idea of

keeping a backup of prednisone just in case. HUGS

http://www1.myspace.com/julz2kidz

[Guest guest]

Several of you replied to my desperate query about pregnancy and RA.

Thank you for your support and kind wishes. I'm still not pregnant but

at least my inflammation magically disappeared one day and I've been

okay for a couple weeks. It was approximately during ovulation so

maybe the hormones made the difference. I have another dose of

prednisone as a back up for now if I go awry again.

I'm looking forward to more postings about your experiences of

pregnancy and RA.

Thanks,

Dana

> >

> > What have your RA pain experiences been with trying to get

> pregnant,

> > pregnancy itself, and nursing?

> >

> > I don't come to this group too often because I mostly try to ignore

> > the fact that I have RA, but I'm in need of the group support now.

> > In reading your posts, I'm heartbroken by how many of you are in

> > such severe straights. I've been feeling sorry for myself, but it

> > seems I'm nearly so bad off. Still, I could use some information.

> >

> > Methotrexate, plaquenil, and celebrex were controlling my symptoms

> > just fine, but my husband and I want to have kids. So I've been off

> > the methotrexate for 15 months and am now trying to stay off all

> > pain medications so we don't jeopardize getting pregnant and the

> > baby if we can make one. During this window of no meds and no pain

> > I'm aching all over constantly and have pretty severe recurring

> pain

> > in my shoulder and knees. I'm still trying to bicycle and go to the

> > gym so I don't completely lose my fitness and I'm supposed to keep

> > muscle strength and joint mobility. The pain is killing my libido

> > and it's hard to not get depressed about it which I'm afraid will

> > affect my ability to conceive. I'm worried that even if we do have

> a

> > child I'll be in too much pain to even pick up the baby. Do any of

> > you have tricks up your sleeves for this no meds situation? like

> > acupuncture or massage? Were your pain and stiffness symptoms

> > relieved during pregnancy?

> >

> > Thanks for your thoughts. My best wishes for relief to all of you.

> > Dana

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Which drugs do you have to be off and for how long before it’s safe to get pregnant? I can’t remember and if I ask my doctor he’ll think I’m planning something, which I am not... Yet.

Am on orancia, methotrexate, azulfidine, prednisone.

Thanks!

Gwen

[Guest guest]

Hi Callie, I took 3 doses of p'nil when I was newly pg, I stopped it b/c of GI

side effects, I might restart after I have this baby. I'm 31w and didn't really

start a semi remission until around 25w or so. I'm still on Enbrel monthly and

daily pred. After delivery I " ll probably go back to weekly Enbrel to ward off a

post partum flare, and keep up low dose pred while I breastfeed. Feel better

and congrats!

[ ] pregnancy and RA

I am in my second trimester, and I am considering taking my meds

again.

I am on a simple routine of plaqeunil. I am curious, has anyone taken

it when you were pregnant? And also, did you continue through

breastfeeding?

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[Guest guest]

Thanks for the advice, I will talk to my doctor about it. I am 18

weeks now and having terrible flares. I guess I am not the lucky one

who has a remission during pregnancy. I am kinda depressed about it,

i suppose that is lack of sleep more than anything. I am not even

half way finsihed. It's gonna be a long long preg.

\-- In , " krisanna80 " <krisanna80@...>

wrote:

>

> To respond to you about pregnancy and RA - I am 25 and working with

> my rheumatologist (who is FANTASTIC!) on getting off the meds....I

> am completely off Celebrex now, (taking 500mg of tylenol 3 times a

> day in place of that and it works great!) - on 1 mg of prednisone

> but she said we may have to go up a little when i go get pregnant

> but she its no need to worry, and sulfasizide (completley safe

> during pregnancy) and now just trying to get off methetrexate. I go

> back next week to discuss that....I don't know if we can stop it

all

> together or I have to eased off...She told me I probably could not

> breast feed b/c I will need to go back on the meds after birth.

Hope

> this helps. I wish you the best of luck, and all my prayers are

with

> you.

>

>

>

>

> >

> > What have your RA pain experiences been with trying to get

> pregnant,

> > pregnancy itself, and nursing?

> >

> > I don't come to this group too often because I mostly try to

> ignore

> > the fact that I have RA, but I'm in need of the group support

now.

> > In reading your posts, I'm heartbroken by how many of you are in

> > such severe straights. I've been feeling sorry for myself, but it

> > seems I'm nearly so bad off. Still, I could use some information.

> >

> > Methotrexate, plaquenil, and celebrex were controlling my

symptoms

> > just fine, but my husband and I want to have kids. So I've been

> off

> > the methotrexate for 15 months and am now trying to stay off all

> > pain medications so we don't jeopardize getting pregnant and the

> > baby if we can make one. During this window of no meds and no

pain

> > I'm aching all over constantly and have pretty severe recurring

> pain

> > in my shoulder and knees. I'm still trying to bicycle and go to

> the

> > gym so I don't completely lose my fitness and I'm supposed to

keep

> > muscle strength and joint mobility. The pain is killing my libido

> > and it's hard to not get depressed about it which I'm afraid will

> > affect my ability to conceive. I'm worried that even if we do

have

> a

> > child I'll be in too much pain to even pick up the baby. Do any

of

> > you have tricks up your sleeves for this no meds situation? like

> > acupuncture or massage? Were your pain and stiffness symptoms

> > relieved during pregnancy?

> >

> > Thanks for your thoughts. My best wishes for relief to all of you.

> > Dana

> >

>

[Guest guest]

This is Callie,

for some people it diminishes. However, for people like me we still

have to try and managae with it throughout our pregnancy. It's rough.

So blessed to those who get the break!!

>

> wow congrats!!! i thought i was just reading in one of the posts that

ra

> diminishes during pregnancy. something about the immune system.

>

>

>

>

>

>

kathy

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My name is Callie. I had the same questions and so I started this

topic, and reading over the last logs it seems it's hit or miss.

Generally the people that have responded have had to continue some mild

treatment, but are managing ok. So far, I haven't read an overwhelming

amount of women who had gone into remission unfortunately. As for me, I

am 18 weeks, and I am having full blown flares. It's been really hard

to manage, but I guess we just suck down the tylenol and bear it. It is

worth it in the end. I wish you luck, keep us all posted!

>

> Hi, I got diagnosed with RA a year ago eventhough i have tried to

> live my life as normal as possible, but the pain can be overwhelming

> at times. I have had to switch medications many time and right now i

> am learning as much information about this illness as possible. Does

> anybody know of a real good book with information on how to deal with

> this.

>

> I am 30 years old and i really would like to have children in the

> near future. I've never had children before and I don't know how this

> illness affects pregnancy, how do you deal with the strong

> medications and the pain while pregnant. has anybody experienced

> this...thanks

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I am 12 weeks pregnant right now, I was diagnosed with

RA in January, so I decided to have another child

before I went on any medication. I am still waiting

to see if my body will go into a remission. My hands

and feet are starting to get better, but my wrist has

been out of commission for the past four weeks, which

makes it hard to take care of my one year old. I

haven't really heard of too many people going into

remission, but I am still hopeful. I wish you all the

best.

-J

--- calliecgirl <calliecgirl@...> wrote:

> Hi,

> My name is Callie. I had the same questions and so I

> started this

> topic, and reading over the last logs it seems it's

> hit or miss.

> Generally the people that have responded have had to

> continue some mild

> treatment, but are managing ok. So far, I haven't

> read an overwhelming

> amount of women who had gone into remission

> unfortunately. As for me, I

> am 18 weeks, and I am having full blown flares. It's

> been really hard

> to manage, but I guess we just suck down the tylenol

> and bear it. It is

> worth it in the end. I wish you luck, keep us all

> posted!

>

> >

> > Hi, I got diagnosed with RA a year ago eventhough

> i have tried to

> > live my life as normal as possible, but the pain

> can be overwhelming

> > at times. I have had to switch medications many

> time and right now i

> > am learning as much information about this illness

> as possible. Does

> > anybody know of a real good book with information

> on how to deal with

> > this.

> >

> > I am 30 years old and i really would like to have

> children in the

> > near future. I've never had children before and I

> don't know how this

> > illness affects pregnancy, how do you deal with

> the strong

> > medications and the pain while pregnant. has

> anybody experienced

> > this...thanks

> >

>

>

>

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