Withdrawal of Humira to try for a baby....

[lisacook315]

I'm 29 with RA and currently 8 weeks into withdrawing off Humira. I've had my first flare up and concerned what this May mean for the next 6 months before we can try for a baby. Can anyone share their experiences of pain, how easy it was to conceive and any stories of pregnancy itself? Thank you x

[Hidden]

Hello Isa

One thing you could do is ask the GP to refer you to a PAIN CLINIC, they will educate you in the use of TENS and RELAXATION TECHNIQUES . Also they will assist in the control in medications and how not to overdo working etc.

They may also pass you along the hospital Department line for any treatments that may help you like physio and other Specialities that could help in the reduction of pains etc

Good Luck, with your future plans

BOB

[lisacook315 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I will definitely look into this.

[mistymeana]

Hi Lisa. It might be worth finding a qualified maternity reflexologist in your area. They would be able to help prepare you for conception and support you through your pregnancy. Reflexology has been shown to reduce the pain of childbirth so I'm thinking it might also help the RA pain for you. If it's something you think you might want to try drop me a message and I'll try and help find you a qualified practitioner. Good luck - it'll be so worth it when you get your bundle of joy xx

[lisacook315 in reply to mistymeana]

Thank you, someone else had recommended this too and I have just started to see a reflexologist forntnightly. Anything to help I'll try x

[denvajade]

I just want to wish you well for the future and hope all goes well for a baby. When really good things are going on in our life I think our pain can diminish a little, I hope this happens for you. I had my children before I got RA so have nothing to pass on to you.

[lisacook315 in reply to denvajade]

Thank you, I need to stay positive. I saw a comment on another blog the other day that made me smile:

'Dear Arthritis, I am going to win. I don't know how but I am. You can't have all of me.' x

[Haylo79]

Hi Lisa. Just wanted to share my experience. I have RA (obviously!) & I weaned off my drugs and finally was just on a low dose of Hydrochloroquinne until I conceived (at age 30) & then stopped that once I realised I was pregnant. I was absolutely fine, better even, as I went into a remission and felt the better I think I ever have, all without medication!

My daughter was born and I was fine until I had a six month flare up (which as you know can happen) and the RA was back with avengence :(. I then went back on Methotrexate, sulfasalazine and the Hydrochloroquinne, following steroid treatment. I was on that little mix for two years and last year I decided I wanted to try again for another baby...came off the methotrexate, but stayed on the other two. Had a bad flare up again, eased up with steroid treatment and now the RA is back under control and Ive been off MTX for a year, but I wanted to be well clear of my steroid treatment before getting pregnant (although the quacks say

you can have steroid shots through pregnancy, Id rather not risk it).

However, now all thats is sorted and I feel my body is prepared for fertilization (!), it seems my body disagrees this time as I am not having regular periods and have polycystic ovaries However, I am perservering for the hooe of a brother or sister for my little girl.

Good luck Lisa and keep going for it. Good things come to those who wait! We have a hard time in life and we definitely deserve the happiness a baby brings- my daughter is the best thing thats ever happened to me! X