Flare? Pregnant...

[Julia2009]

Hi all, I haven't been on for a while as I've been clear of symptoms. I last saw rheumatologist back in July 2016 and I'd been a week clear of symptoms. I haven't had any symptoms since then up until a week ago. Conclusion from rheumatologist was that he didn't know if I had RA or any inflammatory arthritis as my symptoms were up and down and my tests were all quite low results.

Sunday I found out I'm pregnant, yay!! About 6weeks pregnant. I'm worried my hormones have brought my symptoms back as both my wrists are painful and difficult to bend and generally getting me down and it's only been a week.

I was due to see rheumatologist in Nov 2016 but I didn't go as we moved last summer to a differentcounty. Now concerned I have to start the whole process again with new GP and new rheumatologist.

Any advice?? Is it RA? Is it hormones?

[oldtimer]

Usually in pregnancy, RD gets better - something to do with the higher levels of hormones.

So it might be something that you did and have forgotten about that put extra stress on your joints. These things do happen...I'm aching all over today, but did some gardening yesterday so that's why.

[andyswarbs]

Progesterone steadily increases as you go through pregnancy. Along with that any pain should reduce and reduce. Once the baby is born your progesterone will drop back to normal levels within hours, bringing pain and inflammation back. Either way I would google progesterone cream and pregnancy and see what others have experienced with it and see whether it is something you might find useful.

[Gnarli]

Hi Julia 2009

First of all, many congratulations! What an exciting time for you. I reckon it's time to talk to your GP and ask for referral asap. I wish you all the very best for the future

Jan

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS]

Hi Julia

Congratulations! Old Timer is right, in that many people experience a relief of symptoms, a sort of temporary remission during pregnancy, but this is around 3/4 of women, so you could be one of the 1/4 for whom this doesn't happen. Worth getting that referral sorted soon. It could be that you didn't have a form of inflammatory arthritis, or maybe you did, but it went into a period of remission. Either way, worth getting the opinions of a rheumatologist. If it is RA, you will need their advice on how best to manage that during your pregnancy.

Kind regards

Victoria

(NRAS)

[Julia2009 in reply to Victoria-NRAS]

Thank you Victoria. If it continues I may go back to the doctor again and see about getting a referral. No idea if it's RA or not really. Confused as much as the last rheumatologist!