pregnancy

[Guest guest]

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

Hi Chantel,

You and I both share a less common last name. I'm wondering if our

genetic bonus prize comes with some familial ties. My dad's side of

the family's from Maine.

Alana Theriault

Daughter of Theriault and Geraldine

(Yes, it's weird my mom was once Gerry ...wink.)

[Guest guest]

Hi Tori

My name is Suzanne, I am 34 and have SMA type 3. I have three

children. I had several uti's and was anemic during my first

pregnancy. I delivered via c-section (after 18 hours of labor)due to

the position of the baby. While pregnant I could not do the same

physical activities that I could do before the pregnancy. Walking

became very difficult due to the weight gain. I regained function

after my first child as soon as the excess weight came off. My second

and third children were vbac deliveries. I did not have the uti's or

anemia during these pregnancies. I did however, break my tail bone

during delivery with my second child. I feel I declined a bit after he

was born. My third child was MUCH larger than expected. He did get

stuck momentarily. I would have never tried to deliver a baby that

large. Regarding weakness, I am weaker than I was before children

but I feel that there are so many variables it would be difficult for

me to say to anyone that pregnancy made me weaker.

I agree that finding a great OB and discussing anesthesia concerns

are critical. I did the ready or not here I come appointment with the

anesthesia department. However, they lost the consult. It was a real

mess.

>

> Hi, My name is Tori, I am 24 and have SMA type 2/3. I recently joined

> this group and have a few questions. Me and fiance are thinking about

> possibly having a baby after we get married. My main concern is that I

> only weigh about 75 pounds, I was wondering if any SMA mothers were

> about that size when they had their babies and if they had any

> complications. I am also curious if their pregnancy's had any long

> term physical effects, such as more weakness, lung problems, etc.

>

[Guest guest]

Hey ya'll

I too would like to have a family oneday, but my only concern is that I have

scoliosis, and I'm abit afraid that the baby wont have enough room to grow.

anyone else have this concern when you were planning on having a baby?

»-(¯`v´¯)-»†åMmÌå ÄlÈxÄñÃêR»-(¯`v´¯)-»

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: Pregnancy

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

I have to say out of all the women on here and who I've spoken to

elsewhere with SMA, yours is the only tragic story I've heard. Again,

though - I'm sorry for your loss.

Pregnancy

Hi All,

I would like to tell my story for those of you who are thinking about

pregnancy and sma.

There are several women on this

list who have SMA II and who have children. Me, I don't have children

even

though I have been pregnant. I have given birth to a stillborn baby.

I sit in a powered wheelchair and have been sitting all my life. I

weigh about 85 pounds and weighed much the same when I got pregnant. I

am married to wonderful ablebodied man. You can see a photo at

http://personal.inet.fi/koti/taija.heinonen/

In 1995, I got pregnant. It was very much a planned pregnancy. I was

being

monitored by a university teaching hospital all the time during the

pregnancy. At 25 weeks (almost six months) I caught a minor cough and

went

to hospital. Soon, I was lying on the bed, barely able to breath. 12

hours

after being admitted, I lost consciousness due to difficulties in

breathing.

I was put on a respirator. That didn't save our son who died in the

womb,

due to lack of oxygen. I gave birth to him and continued to struggle

for my

own life, with my husband by my side. I stayed 2 weeks unconscious on a

respirator. Gradually, my condition stabilised and I began to regain

consciousness and strength. I spent a total of 2,5 months in hospital,

most

of that time in an ICU. Towards the end of that period, I was weaned

off the

respirator. Physically, I recovered to what I had been. Mental recovery

took

longer, both for me and my husband.

That was back in 1996.

I haven't needed any respiratory assistance since then. My husband and

I, we

are still happily married. I am working in an NGO that supports

disabled

people in the Global South www.abilis.fi I work almost full time and

enjoy

my work tremendously.

Some other background information for you. I have a fair amount of

scoliosis

but I have had spinal fusion when I was young. I have good use of my

hands

and limited use of arms. I can type with 10 fingers but I cannot put a

jacket on by myself and I can barely lift a glass of water. There is no

way

for me to transfer by myself.

My jaw muscles have always been so weak that I eat slowly and only

mushy

foods at that. I believe one reason why my condition deteriorated so

rapidly

that day back in January 1996 was that I was actually malnourished. The

big

tummy was pressing on my stomach and consuming my chewing and

swallowing

muscles. This is why I think you gaining weight is good.

The major reason, though, for what happened was the tummy was also

pressing

against my diaphragm which the only breathing muscle that remains

intact in

SMA.

The likelihood of your child being disabled is probably very small

indeed.

SMA is such a rare disease that if there are no people with SMA in your

husband's family, then it is highly unlikely that he would be a

carrier. And

if he isn't, then your child cannot possibly have SMA.

I am happy to answer any questions you might have.

hugs

Taya

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: Pregnancy

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

My scoliosis is awful, too. Both babies grew outward to the right. They

made room at my expense pain wise, but at least I could breathe!

Re: Pregnancy

Hey ya'll

I too would like to have a family oneday, but my only concern is that I

have scoliosis, and I'm abit afraid that the baby wont have enough room

to grow. anyone else have this concern when you were planning on having

a baby?

»-(¯`v´¯)-»†åMmÌå ÄlÈxÄñÃêR»-(¯`v´¯)-»

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: Pregnancy

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

Heya Tammia,

I had a spinal fusion combined with lukie rods when I was 6 to correct my severe

scolosis. As I got older, the rods shifted a bit so my curvature came back

somewhat. I have a very small torso and I lean to the left. My daughter came

way out to the right side. Don't worry; the baby will make all the room it

need. I swear she rearranged my organs!

Milinovich, SMA Type I

Wife to , Mommy to - 9 Months Old!

http://www.myspace.com/kindrana

http://s174. photobucket. com/albums/ w107/boramir/ ?start=0

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: Pregnancy

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

Yea my scoliosis is aweful too. I have a small torso as well, and it makes me

lean to the right ALOT; my rib almost touches my hip alittle. I had a spinal

fusion when I was 15, the doctors couldn't correct the spine curvature all the

way though. I'm not so much worried anymore, thanks and I think Amy? =]

»-(¯`v´¯)-»†åMmÌå ÄlÈxÄñÃêR»-(¯`v´¯)-»

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: Pregnancy

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

It is great if everyone else has been more fortunate.

The only thing I am trying to convey is that the decision to have children is

not something to be undertaken lightly by any woman - less so for someone with

other medical issues such as ours.

regards

-Taya

from Finland

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: Pregnancy

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

Oh, I couldn't agree more. I actually have advised a few women NOT to

attempt pregnancy. I'm so lucky things went as well as they did - I'm

thankful for that every day. Another thing I feel should be considered

way before conception is baby care and how difficult it can be on a

woman that doesn't fit society's perception of a mother.

Re: Pregnancy

It is great if everyone else has been more fortunate.

The only thing I am trying to convey is that the decision to have

children is not something to be undertaken lightly by any woman - less

so for someone with other medical issues such as ours.

regards

-Taya

from Finland

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: Pregnancy

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

I also totally agree, Taya. I forgot to mention, before I got pregnant, I had

full chek-ups done by my cardiologist, neuologist, and pulmonologist to make

sure I was as physically fit as possible. They were all in agreement that I

could handle a pregnancy; otherwise, I may have made a different choice. I'm

sorry for your loss; I was realistic enough to realize that it may not have had

a happy ending. I am blessed, too, that everything went so well for me.

Thanks for your input!

Milinovich, SMA Type I

Wife to , Mommy to - 9 Months Old!

http://www.myspace.com/kindrana

http://s174. photobucket. com/albums/ w107/boramir/ ?start=0

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: Pregnancy

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

I went through a whole bunch of checkups before the pregnancy and during the

first couple of months. The doctors told me the pregnancy involved major risks

but were unable to define how big. We wanted to have children so we went ahead

with it. Everything went fine for the first six months and I experienced no big

problems. My tummy was big but I was enjoying life. Then out of the blue it all

happened.

We won't try again because I went through hell and don't want to go through it

again. And what is more important - I don't want to risk an innocent life that

has no say in the issue.

But before we tried, we did not know what result would be. Neither did the

doctors.

I guess my message for any young gal would be. Do your homework. Have your

medical checkups and visit every expert and get as much info as you can. That

way you can get a guesstimate about the risks. Then you can make a conscious

decision about whether it is a risk you want to take. Then think ahead about how

to care for the baby and who would do it (spouse, PCA...) ......

regards

-Taya

[ROSKAPOSTI] Re: Pregnancy

Hi , thanks for the wonderful info...it was very helpful. You

gave me a lot of hope. Do you have aim, if so what is you screen name

I would like to chat more.

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

If you are pregnant it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before

doing any exercise. There is a warning at the beginning of the instructional,

but the warning is there just as precaution. I feel that any exercise program

should give you this precaution so that your personal doctor can judge what is a

safe exercise program for you personally. I have never heard of any doctor who

did not approve of LifeLift during pregnancy, but I still think it is an

important thing for you to do. I know of many women who have had full doctor

approval to do LifeLift. Several have commented that you hold your breath longer

when swimming and women have been swimming for years during pregnancy, so I

would be very surprised if you did not get approval.

If your doctor wants you to modify LifeLift as you are doing it now there is a

simple way to do it. Most doctors feel it is fine as it is.

Good luck with your pregnancy. How exciting for you.

Take good care,

Rashelle

Harness the Powerful Benefits of Oxygen with LifeLift.

Oxygen burns fat, tones muscles, reduces stress

Breathe in the most efficient way possible with Life Lift!

www.oxygenlift.net. Life Lift is the Original Aerobic Breathing

Pregnancy

Is there any reason not to do LifeLift while pregnant? If so at what

month should you stop? Is there any other exercise that would be safe?

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Welcome! I'm glad to see you here. =)

Pregnancy

Hi, my name is Tania and I live in Toronto, Canada. I am currently 36

years old and was diagnosed with SMA type 2 at the age of 2 years. My

boyfriend and I are considering the possibility of having a baby in the

near future and thus we are in the process of doing lots of research

and investigation in preparation for this. We are scheduled to meet

with the neuromuscular specialist next week to begin the process.

I have been in contact with a wonderful woman who has had 2 children

and who has been very helpful and informative with all the questions I

have asked. She actually introduced me to this group recently and so

we decided to post this in hopes of receiving feedback from other women

with SMA who have had babies and who may give us further insight into

what may lie ahead of us.

We are very positive and hopeful about this exciting journey that we

are beginning and look forward to hearing from others who are willing

to share their stories and experiences.

[Guest guest]

Hi Tania, welcome to the group. I live near you, in Guelph, and have an

11 year old boy with type 2.

Bettylou

tssala wrote:

>

>

> Hi, my name is Tania and I live in Toronto, Canada. I am currently 36

> years old and was diagnosed with SMA type 2 at the age of 2 years. My

> boyfriend and I are considering the possibility of having a baby in the

> near future and thus we are in the process of doing lots of research

> and investigation in preparation for this. We are scheduled to meet

> with the neuromuscular specialist next week to begin the process.

>

> I have been in contact with a wonderful woman who has had 2 children

> and who has been very helpful and informative with all the questions I

> have asked. She actually introduced me to this group recently and so

> we decided to post this in hopes of receiving feedback from other women

> with SMA who have had babies and who may give us further insight into

> what may lie ahead of us.

>

> We are very positive and hopeful about this exciting journey that we

> are beginning and look forward to hearing from others who are willing

> to share their stories and experiences.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Tania,

I am Lucian, 33, living in Mississauga, close to Etobicoke/Toronto.

I have also SMA but type 3 (Kugelberg Welander), power chair user. I

am married with an able woman and we are expecting a baby at the

middle of October.

We have been also concerned about the risks of conceiving a baby

with SMA. We have been genetically tested at North York General

Hospital. The tests showed that my wife is not a carrier. This is

the best news for partners having SMA. Still they warned us that the

risk of having a baby with SMA is not zero. Our risk is 1/1600,

below zero, so very, very low. Also, they told us that every child

of us will be non-affected with SMA but 100% carriers.

Anyway, in my perspective at this time, having a baby with SMA is

not a real issue. It is a psychological issue of the future parents.

The most important thing as parent is to wish having babies and to

be prepared to love and to raise properly the children, in any

context or condition.

So, continue your investigation and be courageous. Having a baby is

the most wonderful miracle in the world.

Lucian

>

> Hi, my name is Tania and I live in Toronto, Canada. I am

currently 36

> years old and was diagnosed with SMA type 2 at the age of 2

years. My

> boyfriend and I are considering the possibility of having a baby

in the

> near future and thus we are in the process of doing lots of

research

> and investigation in preparation for this. We are scheduled to

meet

> with the neuromuscular specialist next week to begin the process.

>

> I have been in contact with a wonderful woman who has had 2

children

> and who has been very helpful and informative with all the

questions I

> have asked. She actually introduced me to this group recently and

so

> we decided to post this in hopes of receiving feedback from other

women

> with SMA who have had babies and who may give us further insight

into

> what may lie ahead of us.

>

> We are very positive and hopeful about this exciting journey that

we

> are beginning and look forward to hearing from others who are

willing

> to share their stories and experiences.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Tania! Welcome to the group! My name is and I am 29 years old. I

have SMA Type I and I have a beautiful 12-month-old daughter.

Here's some things about my pregnancy that might help you

My pregnancy was very much wanted and planned. If this is something you are

seriously considering, there is a lot to think about.

First: When my husband and I decided that we both wanted a baby, we first had

several conversations about what this would mean for us.

Until the baby was about 2-3, my husband would be the primary care-giver because

I'm physically unable to do a lot for an infant. This is something you both want

to be totally open and honest about. I logically knew that my husband would have

to take care of my daughter but I had no idea how hard my mother instincts would

kick in once my daughter was born. For the first several weeks, it was horrible

for me to be in bed at night because I wanted to be able to get up and check on

her as she slept or when she cried. My daughter was born 9 weeks early (not

because of my SMA but because all the women in my family go into premature

labor) and spent 2 1/2 weeks in the NICU so I'd worry about her at night once

she came home.

When my daughter was a newborn, I could hold her to feed her but I could not

lift her to burp her, change her, or bathe her. It wasn't too long before she

was too squirmy for me to hold onto without fear of dropping her as well. I

mention all of this because it can be a bit of a strain on your boyfriend.

Unlike a relationship where there are two able-bodied people to share the work,

your boyfriend will probably have to do the majority of it depending on your

abilities.

Second: You should have yourself fully checked out by several doctors before

getting pregnant. I met with my neurologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, and a

high risk OB/GYN to discuss the aspect of getting pregnant and how my body could

handle it. Once my main doctors agreed that I was in good enough physical shape

to take on the strain of a pregnancy, I began the daunting task of looking for a

high risk OB/GYN.

This proved harder than I thought because I had several horrible experiences.

I'd highly recommend finding a high risk OB/GYN before you get pregnant. When we

were looking for one, the first two were so negative that I left their offices

scared to death. You have to find one that is willing to support your decision

to have a baby and who is at a hospital that can handle the special care you

will require for delivery. In the end, it is your body, your choice.

If you would like more details about my pregnancy (weight-gain, complications,

etc.) or my delivery/recovery, let me know; I'm happy to share all of my

experiences!

Talk to you soon!

Milinovich, SMA Type I

Wife to , Mommy to - 12 Months Old!

http://www.myspace.com/kindrana

http://s174. photobucket.com/albums/w107/boramir/?start=0

Pregnancy

Hi, my name is Tania and I live in Toronto, Canada. I am currently 36

years old and was diagnosed with SMA type 2 at the age of 2 years. My

boyfriend and I are considering the possibility of having a baby in the

near future and thus we are in the process of doing lots of research

and investigation in preparation for this. We are scheduled to meet

with the neuromuscular specialist next week to begin the process.

I have been in contact with a wonderful woman who has had 2 children

and who has been very helpful and informative with all the questions I

have asked. She actually introduced me to this group recently and so

we decided to post this in hopes of receiving feedback from other women

with SMA who have had babies and who may give us further insight into

what may lie ahead of us.

We are very positive and hopeful about this exciting journey that we

are beginning and look forward to hearing from others who are willing

to share their stories and experiences.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Tania,

It's great to see you here; this group is an immensely valuable resource,

offering perspectives from all sides of the situation. I apologize for not

being in touch as I have encountered some bizarre health issues lately (a

topic for a separate e-mail), and am finally getting a handle on things and

heading down the road of recovery. I will send you my cell phone number

privately; call anytime and I'll be glad to help in any way possible.

Furthermore, several of the women on this list have gone through pregnancy

and childbirth, and have incredible stories to share. More importantly, all

will be honest with you, not strictly providing sugar-coated scenarios,

thereby letting you know what your future may hold in store. Keep in mind,

having a child while living with SMA is not an easy task, but, as long as

you are willing to deal with anything that may come along, it is not

impossible. It takes a strong determination, an incredibly supportive

medical team, and, yes, even intervention from a higher power. But the

experience is worth it, and the end result is priceless!

Amy M. Marquez

" You can go on living, or you can go on dying.the choice is yours! "

Pregnancy

Hi, my name is Tania and I live in Toronto, Canada. I am currently 36

years old and was diagnosed with SMA type 2 at the age of 2 years. My

boyfriend and I are considering the possibility of having a baby in the

near future and thus we are in the process of doing lots of research

and investigation in preparation for this. We are scheduled to meet

with the neuromuscular specialist next week to begin the process.

I have been in contact with a wonderful woman who has had 2 children

and who has been very helpful and informative with all the questions I

have asked. She actually introduced me to this group recently and so

we decided to post this in hopes of receiving feedback from other women

with SMA who have had babies and who may give us further insight into

what may lie ahead of us.

We are very positive and hopeful about this exciting journey that we

are beginning and look forward to hearing from others who are willing

to share their stories and experiences.

[Guest guest]

,

Very well said! I had the chance to talk with Tania over the phone and

she's on smart lady. =)

I can't believe is one already!!!

Re: Pregnancy

Hi Tania! Welcome to the group! My name is and I am 29 years

old. I have SMA Type I and I have a beautiful 12-month-old daughter.

Here's some things about my pregnancy that might help you

My pregnancy was very much wanted and planned. If this is something you

are seriously considering, there is a lot to think about.

First: When my husband and I decided that we both wanted a baby, we

first had several conversations about what this would mean for us.

Until the baby was about 2-3, my husband would be the primary

care-giver because I'm physically unable to do a lot for an infant.

This is something you both want to be totally open and honest about. I

logically knew that my husband would have to take care of my daughter

but I had no idea how hard my mother instincts would kick in once my

daughter was born. For the first several weeks, it was horrible for me

to be in bed at night because I wanted to be able to get up and check

on her as she slept or when she cried. My daughter was born 9 weeks

early (not because of my SMA but because all the women in my family go

into premature labor) and spent 2 1/2 weeks in the NICU so I'd worry

about her at night once she came home.

When my daughter was a newborn, I could hold her to feed her but I

could not lift her to burp her, change her, or bathe her. It wasn't too

long before she was too squirmy for me to hold onto without fear of

dropping her as well. I mention all of this because it can be a bit of

a strain on your boyfriend. Unlike a relationship where there are two

able-bodied people to share the work, your boyfriend will probably have

to do the majority of it depending on your abilities.

Second: You should have yourself fully checked out by several doctors

before getting pregnant. I met with my neurologist, cardiologist,

pulmonologist, and a high risk OB/GYN to discuss the aspect of getting

pregnant and how my body could handle it. Once my main doctors agreed

that I was in good enough physical shape to take on the strain of a

pregnancy, I began the daunting task of looking for a high risk OB/GYN.

This proved harder than I thought because I had several horrible

experiences. I'd highly recommend finding a high risk OB/GYN before you

get pregnant. When we were looking for one, the first two were so

negative that I left their offices scared to death. You have to find

one that is willing to support your decision to have a baby and who is

at a hospital that can handle the special care you will require for

delivery. In the end, it is your body, your choice.

If you would like more details about my pregnancy (weight-gain,

complications, etc.) or my delivery/recovery, let me know; I'm happy to

share all of my experiences!

Talk to you soon!

Milinovich, SMA Type I

Wife to , Mommy to - 12 Months Old!

http://www.myspace.com/kindrana

http://s174. photobucket.com/albums/w107/boramir/?start=0

Pregnancy

Hi, my name is Tania and I live in Toronto, Canada. I am currently 36

years old and was diagnosed with SMA type 2 at the age of 2 years. My

boyfriend and I are considering the possibility of having a baby in the

near future and thus we are in the process of doing lots of research

and investigation in preparation for this. We are scheduled to meet

with the neuromuscular specialist next week to begin the process.

I have been in contact with a wonderful woman who has had 2 children

and who has been very helpful and informative with all the questions I

have asked. She actually introduced me to this group recently and so

we decided to post this in hopes of receiving feedback from other women

with SMA who have had babies and who may give us further insight into

what may lie ahead of us.

We are very positive and hopeful about this exciting journey that we

are beginning and look forward to hearing from others who are willing

to share their stories and experiences.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I KNOW!!!!!!

It went by so quickly!

Milinovich, SMA Type I

Wife to , Mommy to - 12 Months Old!

http://www.myspace.com/kindrana

http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w107/boramir/?start=0

Pregnancy

Hi, my name is Tania and I live in Toronto, Canada. I am currently 36

years old and was diagnosed with SMA type 2 at the age of 2 years. My

boyfriend and I are considering the possibility of having a baby in the

near future and thus we are in the process of doing lots of research

and investigation in preparation for this. We are scheduled to meet

with the neuromuscular specialist next week to begin the process.

I have been in contact with a wonderful woman who has had 2 children

and who has been very helpful and informative with all the questions I

have asked. She actually introduced me to this group recently and so

we decided to post this in hopes of receiving feedback from other women

with SMA who have had babies and who may give us further insight into

what may lie ahead of us.

We are very positive and hopeful about this exciting journey that we

are beginning and look forward to hearing from others who are willing

to share their stories and experiences.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

[Guest guest]

Why are you quitting Zoloft? Just curious, seems like a good time to take it. Scream at them, then go up the chain of command and then kiss up to the receptionist/booker so that if there is an opening you can get in right away. September, are you kidding me? Time for a ziploc bag of regurg put on someone's step again.

Sandy

>> Thanks for the suggestions and the info everyone.> > My doctor decided to bow out and is sending me to my GI specialist for> this instead. Mind you, he was the one who originally said "spasms?> that's not normal" about a decade and a half ago. I think he's since> come around. I'm the girl who, when they tried to do a 24-hour reflux> test to me, had instant spasms. They couldn't even set the thing up> properly. The only good thing about spasms? Your heart rate and blood> pressure go through the roof (actual physical proof that something's> going wrong).> > Of course the appointment I have with my GI is for SEPTEMBER. Excuse> me while I scream into a pillow. And then start harassing people by phone.> > I'm so incredibly. fed. up. with this right now. Of course, that might> be the withdrawal symptoms from the Zoloft talking. I could seriously> stand up in my cubicle right now and scream my head off...except it> would trigger a spasm.> > On a separate note...> > For women with A out there who've had children, how did you deal with> being pregnant (morning sickness), getting through labour, etc? My> father and husband are both very worried that I'll do irreparable> damage to myself (if I survive). I'd love to give them some positive> information. Like that I won't die.>

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I think the email to the receptionist and daily calls/emails to beg are in order. Eventually it is easier to accommodate than not to!! September is WAY too far away!!!

take care

dawn

Re: pregnancy

Why are you quitting Zoloft? Just curious, seems like a good time to take it. Scream at them, then go up the chain of command and then kiss up to the receptionist/booker so that if there is an opening you can get in right away. September, are you kidding me? Time for a ziploc bag of regurg put on someone's step again.

Sandy

>> Thanks for the suggestions and the info everyone.> > My doctor decided to bow out and is sending me to my GI specialist for> this instead. Mind you, he was the one who originally said "spasms?> that's not normal" about a decade and a half ago. I think he's since> come around. I'm the girl who, when they tried to do a 24-hour reflux> test to me, had instant spasms. They couldn't even set the thing up> properly. The only good thing about spasms? Your heart rate and blood> pressure go through the roof (actual physical proof that something's> going wrong).> > Of course the appointment I have with my GI is for SEPTEMBER. Excuse> me while I scream into a pillow. And then start harassing people by phone.> > I'm so incredibly. fed. up. with this right now. Of course, that might> be the withdrawal symptoms from the Zoloft talking. I could seriously> stand up in my cubicle right now and scream my head off...except it> would trigger a spasm.> > On a separate note...> > For women with A out there who've had children, how did you deal with> being pregnant (morning sickness), getting through labour, etc? My> father and husband are both very worried that I'll do irreparable> damage to myself (if I survive). I'd love to give them some positive> information. Like that I won't die.>

[Guest guest]

Jacquie,

Who is your GI doctor? Does he have a lot of experience with

achalasia? It seems rather odd that they would make you wait so long

if you are pregnant. I wmaybe would look for another GI doc.

Also, I didn't know that there was a connection with spasms and high

blood pressure and increased heart rate....do you have actual

documentation of this or were you agitated when you were at the

hospital when the spasms came on? Just curious about this. I have high

blood pressure but I have never noticed an increase in heart rate or

BP when I have spasms. Next time I get a spasm, I'll have to check my

blood pressure and see...

I hope you get into the GI doc soon, but if not, maybe take a nice

deep calming breath and call another one. If you let us know where you

are, someone could probably recommend one to you!

Sandi in No CA

>

> Thanks for the suggestions and the info everyone.

>

> My doctor decided to bow out and is sending me to my GI specialist for

> this instead. Mind you, he was the one who originally said " spasms?

> that's not normal " about a decade and a half ago. I think he's since

> come around. I'm the girl who, when they tried to do a 24-hour reflux

> test to me, had instant spasms. They couldn't even set the thing up

> properly. The only good thing about spasms? Your heart rate and blood

> pressure go through the roof (actual physical proof that something's

> going wrong).

>

> Of course the appointment I have with my GI is for SEPTEMBER. Excuse

> me while I scream into a pillow. And then start harassing people by

phone.

>

> I'm so incredibly. fed. up. with this right now. Of course, that might

> be the withdrawal symptoms from the Zoloft talking. I could seriously

> stand up in my cubicle right now and scream my head off...except it

> would trigger a spasm.

>

> On a separate note...

>

> For women with A out there who've had children, how did you deal with

> being pregnant (morning sickness), getting through labour, etc? My

> father and husband are both very worried that I'll do irreparable

> damage to myself (if I survive). I'd love to give them some positive

> information. Like that I won't die.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jacqui,

As for the pregnancy question you had, I can tell you the following:

I got my achalasia when I was in my teens and at age 24, just 2.5 year after my first open Heller myotomy, our first son was born. I tried to give birth the natural way at home, but as he was too big (yep, despite my achalasia I was able to get real big kids) I needed to get a caesarean. Our second boy was born about 3.5 years later and also was born wit caearean, because he was too big.

The pregnancies were nice, though I really had to deal with terrible morning sickness. As I got the wrap done, it was impossible for me to vomit, thus not being able to get rid of the sickness. So I had day sickness instead of morning sickness -LOL-. But that's only the first 3 months, after that things usually get better and so they did in my case.

I am glad we choose to have the boys when we did. If I had to do it all over again, I would make exactly the same choises. In my opinion achalasia is absolutely no reason not to try to get children. You will absolutely not die from having kids while having achalasia!!!

I know many other achalasian women who had their kids, after being diagnosed and sometimes after having surgery. Nobody ever had serious trouble because of it.

There is one thing though that I wouldn't try anymore: I wouldn't try to give birth the normal way anymore after having the myotomy done with wrap. This as I learned from Dr. Schulz in Germany that putting pressure on the wrap, thus damaging it. In case of a myotomy with wrap he always advises a caesarean.

Hope to have been of help here and wishing you good luck with convincing your family (there really is no reason for them to worry when you get pregnant).

Love,

Isabella

pregnancy

Thanks for the suggestions and the info everyone.My doctor decided to bow out and is sending me to my GI specialist forthis instead. Mind you, he was the one who originally said "spasms?that's not normal" about a decade and a half ago. I think he's sincecome around. I'm the girl who, when they tried to do a 24-hour refluxtest to me, had instant spasms. They couldn't even set the thing upproperly. The only good thing about spasms? Your heart rate and bloodpressure go through the roof (actual physical proof that something'sgoing wrong).Of course the appointment I have with my GI is for SEPTEMBER. Excuseme while I scream into a pillow. And then start harassing people by phone.I'm so incredibly. fed. up. with this right now. Of course, that mightbe the withdrawal symptoms from the Zoloft talking. I could seriouslystand up in my cubicle right now and scream my head off...except itwould

trigger a spasm.On a separate note...For women with A out there who've had children, how did you deal withbeing pregnant (morning sickness), getting through labour, etc? Myfather and husband are both very worried that I'll do irreparabledamage to myself (if I survive). I'd love to give them some positiveinformation. Like that I won't die.

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Hi

My daughter has had two lovely children - Meghan two years after her myotomy - and like your family we were all really worried about how she would cope - my biggest worry was actually giving birth - if the strain could do any damage to her surgery!! We took medical advice and she was told that giving birth naturally would not affect her surgery. Which actually differs from another post has suggested.

However, I can only tell you off my daughter's experience.

I am not saying her A was brill all the way through - towards the end she had little space and at the beginning nausea was severe - but mine was - she could not be sick !! But it was not difficult for her at all - and it was the only occasional heart burn etc.

She had both children naturally - and I was there at both births - no after effects for her A at all.

And her children are 3 year and 14montns now. And she is doing really well.

So go for it but take advice from your surgeon if you are worried.

pregnancy

Thanks for the suggestions and the info everyone.My doctor decided to bow out and is sending me to my GI specialist forthis instead. Mind you, he was the one who originally said "spasms?that's not normal" about a decade and a half ago. I think he's sincecome around. I'm the girl who, when they tried to do a 24-hour refluxtest to me, had instant spasms. They couldn't even set the thing upproperly. The only good thing about spasms? Your heart rate and bloodpressure go through the roof (actual physical proof that something'sgoing wrong).Of course the appointment I have with my GI is for SEPTEMBER. Excuseme while I scream into a pillow. And then start harassing people by phone.I'm so incredibly. fed. up. with this right now. Of course, that mightbe the withdrawal symptoms from the Zoloft talking. I could seriouslystand up in my cubicle right now and scream my head off...except itwould

trigger a spasm.On a separate note...For women with A out there who've had children, how did you deal withbeing pregnant (morning sickness), getting through labour, etc? Myfather and husband are both very worried that I'll do irreparabledamage to myself (if I survive). I'd love to give them some positiveinformation. Like that I won't die.