Arthritis and planning for a baby

Claire3121

I was diagnosed with palindromic rheumatoid arthritis age 31. Im now almost 36 and desperately want to try for a baby soon. Have been off all my meds since christmas in preperation and am generally feeling like crap with all the pain,lack of sleep. I have a 14 yr old son and just feel like life is passing me by and if I dont do it now,I will regret it. I just hope it gets easier. Anyone else been thru similar?

nicoop

Hi, I am 32 and have RA. I stopped taking my meds in Jan. My joints have just started to hurt again. We have been told to TTC as soon as possible and have been told that the RA should improve with pregnancy. This month will be the first of TTC so fingers crossed we are lucky soon! Good luck

Claire3121

nicoop wrote: »

Hi, I am 32 and have RA. I stopped taking my meds in Jan. My joints have just started to hurt again. We have been told to TTC as soon as possible and have been told that the RA should improve with pregnancy. This month will be the first of TTC so fingers crossed we are lucky soon! Good luck

Thanks,good luck to you too.
Have ben told I have to wait 6 months to get meds out of my system before trying to conceive,so june time.
Yes my rheumatologist said it can either get worse or improve(almost go into remission) during pregnancy.

nicoop

I was told that 3 months was enough time by my consultant. I persume different drugs. We been planning sice Aug08 though. Its a long wait for you though esp. when in pain. Cant you have some steroids in the meantime?

Claire3121

nicoop wrote: »

I was told that 3 months was enough time by my consultant. I persume different drugs. We been planning sice Aug08 though. Its a long wait for you though esp. when in pain. Cant you have some steroids in the meantime?

Yes am able to have steroids if really bad,but also unable to take anti inflammatories but forgot to ask if I can take them whilst trying to concieve or is it when im actually preg

FairyElephant_2

Hiya,
Anti-inflammatories are 'not recommended' whilst you are TTC, but I was told by my Fertility Consultant that they are OK to take occasionally but avoid during any time you might actually BE PG (ie. in the 2WW - so OK to take during your cycle before you OV, but avoid in between OV and your period starting, in case you may be PG).

HTH,

FE

Claire3121

FairyElephant wrote: »

Hiya,
Anti-inflammatories are 'not recommended' whilst you are TTC, but I was told by my Fertility Consultant that they are OK to take occasionally but avoid during any time you might actually BE PG (ie. in the 2WW - so OK to take during your cycle before you OV, but avoid in between OV and your period starting, in case you may be PG).

HTH,

FE

Thank you:beer:

pollyanna18

Hi, I have had RA for 9 years and have been trying to conceive for 7.
On round 2 of IVF at the moment but have continued taking my meds throughout. It may depend on what you are on?? I was told however to change from ibuprofen to paracetamol as ibuprofen carries a risk of miscarriage and as i miscarried after my first bfp through ivf i'm not taking any chances. Hope that helps in some way.
PS cortisone injections and or heat pads can really help if you are feeling lousy!

Claire3121

pollyanna18 wrote: »

Hi, I have had RA for 9 years and have been trying to conceive for 7.
On round 2 of IVF at the moment but have continued taking my meds throughout. It may depend on what you are on?? I was told however to change from ibuprofen to paracetamol as ibuprofen carries a risk of miscarriage and as i miscarried after my first bfp through ivf i'm not taking any chances. Hope that helps in some way.
PS cortisone injections and or heat pads can really help if you are feeling lousy!

Thank you. Yes the heat pads do help,plus I have a microwavable bunny which comes in handy. Am suffering today painwise and paracetamol dont even touch it...may aswell have a few sweets for the good they do:rolleyes:
I was taking methotrexate injections,then switched to tablet form.
BTW good luck with your IVF

pollyanna18

Thanks, fingers and everything else crossed as well!
Just remembered something that may also be of use. I was prescribed a rub on cream called caspaicin i think. Its active ingredient is something from peppers or chillies and can be used on sore joints. If I'm feeling really rubbish out it comes, but you have use it sparingly as its kind of warm ( and you have to make sure you wash your hands carefully after use!!!)
HTH Pollyanna

PS I was never prescribed methotrexate because i was TTC, so your circumstances are slightly different. I am on sulphasalazine which you can safely take pre conception - maybe worth asking if there's anything else suitable to keep your symptoms at bay.

poly1

pollyanna18 wrote: »

I was told however to change from ibuprofen to paracetamol as ibuprofen carries a risk of miscarriage

The reason you were told this is because Ibuprofen is actually an anti-inflammatory (not a pain killer) and is not recommended for use in pregnancy either. Whereas paracetamol is a pain killer and not an anti-inflammatory and is safe to take whilst TTC and whilst pregnant.