Knee problems & pregnancy

[Janeye]

Hi

I don't know if anyone out there has been in a similar situation but could do with some support if possible. I had a synovectomy on my knee about 3 years ago which was great but have been having on/off flares over the last 6 months or so. The last few weeks has suddenly become a whole lot worse and I need crutches to get around. The big issue is that I'm 3 months pregnant so there's not much that can be done apart from a joint injection which is due on Thursday. I'm feeling very frightened about how I will cope with a new baby (I have a toddler as well) if I keep getting these problems.

This is probably a stupid question but has anyone been in a similar situation and does anyone know if there is any possibility of having any form of surgery when pregnant if it were to come to that? I feel completely helpless and alone as no one can help me.

Thank you for listening.

[Beverley-NRAS]

Hi janeye,

sorry to hear that you are having problems during your pregnancy. I have put a link below to the section on our website about pregnancy and RA. I hope it helps you:

nras.org.uk/pregnancy-and-p...

Regards and best wishes for the pregnancy

Beverley ( NRAS Helpline )

[farm123]

I'm sorry I cannot help you as through all my pregnancies symptoms were very much improved and for a while after but really kicked off shortly after my last child. You can only take one day at a time and be guided by your GP and rheumy. Hopefully the joint injection will give you some relief. Once breastfeeding is finished (had to give up early on my last because of symptoms returning) other treatments can be tried. Farm

[Janeye in reply to farm123]

Thank you. I was improved during my last pregnancy too when I got to about 16 weeks. I'm hoping with the injection and my hormone surge things will calm down. As you say, a day at a time.

I managed to breastfeed for 4 months with my first, would have loved to have done longer but the joints wouldn't allow. Hopefully I can do as well with the next. Did you take any meds when you breastfed?

[Janeye in reply to Janeye]

Thank you. I was improved during my last pregnancy too when I got to about 16 weeks. I'm hoping with the injection and my hormone surge things will calm down. As you say, a day at a time.

I managed to breastfeed for 4 months with my first, would have loved to have done longer but the joints wouldn't allow. Hopefully I can do as well with the next. Did you take any meds when you breastfed?

[farm123 in reply to Janeye]

Sorry I really cannot remember as it was 13 years ago. May have been some paracetamol, definitely no RA meds. Farm