Re: Trying to have a baby???

[Guest guest]

Cassandra: don't give up yet. There are the biologics, which you don't seem to

have tried yet and they can be miracle drugs for many. Others will have to

respond on the pregnancy issue but I think there are some issues there with the

biologics - maybe all of the immunosuppressants but they can tell you how they

got thru it.

You are too young to be suffering this much. Keep trying . . . . . At least try

to get thru the wedding and walking down the aisle (assuming it's to be that

type of wedding) and then take it one step at a time. You have a lifetime ahead

of you.

Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

Hives for that long could be an indicator that something else is causing them.

The biggest culprit I have found is laundry detergent and softeners. I would

wash anything that comes in contact with your skin in just warm water for a

couple of weeks and wear those clothes and see if the hives leave.

Celeste

[Guest guest]

Celeste: I had hives for darn near that long as well, it is called chronic

urticaria and is much more common then you might think. Mine was caused by

sulfasalazine. I was on prednisone and 3 different antihistamines for 2 1/2

months before they started to let up. It is a response of the immune system

gone haywire. Anyway it is a very frustrating condition for both the patient

and the doctors and only time really does the trick. There are some very

interesting articles on it on line. Just do a search on " chronic hives " or

urticaria (the medical name).

Deanna

[Guest guest]

My rheumy told me sulfasalazine is OK w/ pregnancy. But that most women feel

better when pregnant. Then they often feel worse after. These are of course

generalizations, but that is what I was told. But you know I really am

skeptical about taking any of the arthritis drugs w/ preg. as many have not been

sufficiently studied, particularly for the long-term. Of course MTX is a NO-NO.

But biologics- no data- haven't been around long enough. I developed PsA after

having my 4 yr old and would like to have another child but in reality probably

not the smartest move as there are days when I have a hard time caring for me.

It's a gamble- maybe pregnancy could put you into remission- maybe not.

Personally I am not sure the gamble is worth it. But I already have a child-

perhaps easier for me to say that. Whatever you choose- my advice is this-

knowledge is power.

Well wishes

in MN

[Guest guest]

I have been told that some women actually have a decrease in auto immune disease

symptoms while pregnant.  Ask your gyn/ob.  Patty

[Guest guest]

Hi Kasey,

From what I have heard getting pregnant while on Plaquenil is a no no too. Most

of these drugs for this disease either might (not enough studies done yet) or

will (studies to provide the data) damage a fetus. For me, the choice was easy,

my two children were already grown when I was diagnosed and I was done with the

whole having a family issue. But I can fully understand your wanting to have a

family.

This is something to sit down and really discuss, not only with your rheumy but

with your future husband too. Write down all the questions and concerns you have

(both of you) so when you see the rheumy you will have them with you. I know it

is possible to have children with PsA. My old rheumy in Texas was seeing a

patient while I was there that was having her second child. She wasn't on

anything to treat her disease though. And she had to have a lot of help after

wards due her disease flaring badly after giving birth. Something else to think

about is will you have enough help after having the baby in the event you flare

after.

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding my dear! Do yourself a favor though and

delegate things to friends or family. Stress can have an adverse effect on your

pain levels. Most of us here can testify to that fact LOL. Relax and have a

wonderful time!

Gentle hugs,

Dalene

[Guest guest]

Hi Kasey, I was in the same situation a little over 3 years ago. I took a low

dose of prednisone throughout my whole pregnancy and my son does have some food

allergies but otherwise is extremely healthy. His allergist thinks the food

allergies are mainly from what I ate during breastfeeding and the fact

autoimmune issues run in families. He believes he would have them regardless if

I took prednisone or not. Ask your OB and/or rheumy about it. It was a life

saver!

Good Luck!