Re: Re: New Here , methotrexate baby

[Guest guest]

Jennie,

I'm glad you asked about my daughter's birth. It is an interesting story from a

rheumatologic standpoint. I didn't think I could have more children and with 8

years of hoping for another baby, my husband and I had come to the conclusion

that our son was going to be an only child.

In January, 1995, I was taking methotrexate injections and found out I was

pregnant. I first contacted my rheumatologist who wanted to see my right away.

He wanted me to go to a genetics counselor to determine if it was a viable

pregnancy. I have deep religious convictions and I couldn't imagine terminating

the pregnancy for any reason. I was told that methotrexate destroys rapidly

growing cells and since that's what a fetus is; I probably wouldn't have a

healthy pregnancy or healthy baby. My husband and I wanted God decide the

outcome. I think I hold the record for the most ultrasounds in our town. I was

at the ob/gyn's office alot! I took prednisone during the pregnancy and the

pregnancy hormones actually help with RA. Carpal tunnel syndronme flared up

quite a bit but that was tolerable.

I was afraid that I wouldn't come home from the hospital with a baby. There was

nothing we could do expect pray. The docs couldn't fix it and neither could we.

I had extremely high blood pressure during the entire pregnancy and was

delivered by C-section 5 weeks earlier than her due date. She was scrawny, only

4 lbs. 14 1/2 ounces but her lungs were fully developed and she had NO health

problems. It's a God thing.

My rheumatologist was amazed when I introduced him to . He couldn't

explain it but I can! Again, It's a God thing.

The scariest part was the rheumatoid flare that came afterward. My rheumy told

me to expect it but it came much earlier and stronger than anyone expected. I

had rheumatoid-induced pleurisy 4 days after was born. The ob/gyn was

afraid of a blood clot; it was a frightening 24 hours but steroids brought it

under control. I am an odd duck; my rheumy thinks so, my ob/gyn thinks so and

so does my DH. Again, It's a God thing!

Thanks for reading about my miracle baby.

God bless,

I

xponder70 <xponder70@...> wrote:

Welcome to the group. How long have you been taking Humira? I

started in January and I felt better right away, but now that it's

been more than 5 months I think it's working even better than it did

intially. I am also on methotrexate and prednisone, and folic acid

and calcuim supplements (due to my increased risk for osteoporosis -

bone loss from the prednisone). I am weaning off prednisone and

only on 2-3 mgs alternating doses daily. I'm 33 and was diagnosed

about a year ago, one daughter who is turning 4 in a few hours.

I am curious what medications you were on when you had your daughter

since it was after your diagnosis, and what happened after she was

born with the RA. I'm hoping I can have one more child someday.

Welcome again.

Jennie

> Hi Y'all! I'm almost 40 (yikes!) and I live in Kentucky with my DH

and

> 2 kids; Ricky is almost 18 and is almost 9. Yes, God has a

> sense of humor when he puts 9 years between your children!

>

> I was diagnosed with RA 14 years ago and I'm taking Humira,

Celebrex,

> prednisone and Methotrexate. Even typing it out sounds scary. I'm

not

> responding very well to the Humira but the rheumatologist wants to

> give it a few more months.

>

> I had bilateral knee replacements in December and it's the best

thing

> I've ever done. I would not have said that in January, however. It

> takes about 3 months to feel better; or at least that was my

experience.

>

> Oh well, I've talked long enough. Just wanted to say Hey!

>

> God Bless!

>