CHRONIC ILLNESS & PREGNANCY. WHERE TO START?

[Katy180]

Hi I've posted here before about how I'm a chronically ill woman with many illnesses including EDS-H, Fibromyalgia, CFS & IBS. I'm 32 and have been with my partner for 13 years. We are beginning to think about whether we want to have a baby but I don't really know where to start. It definitely won't be happening until I'm at least 35 but I feel like I need to start speaking to a health professional about the details.

Like, how to manage my pain as I'll have to come of my medication (for which there is a lot of strong opioids). And basically the whole process for someone with my health or lack thereof. I tried to speak to my GP a while ago and she basically said come back when you want to start trying. Which isn't really what I want to hear, to be honest I'm 50/50 whether I want to have kids at all but would love to get as much information as I can so I can make an informed decision.

Is there someone else I should be speaking to? Should I be going to a CASH clinic instead for example?

[MrsFitz17]

I've got RA and a couple of other chronic conditions. I was referred to see an obstetrician to discuss my medication before we started ivf. I'm now 30 weeks and I've been on steroids throughout and my RA hasn't been anywhere near as bad as I expected. Perhaps you could ask your GP for a referral before you start trying? Good luck xx

[Katy180 in reply to MrsFitz17]

Thank you. I think that will be what I do I just never know when to start the whole research bit and seeing doctors. I don't want to get to the point of wanting to try then it take a long time to see doctors and get a plan together then find we have left it too late. I am wondering whether to just speak to my GP now and at least then I'll know a brief plan if I can get referred x

[MrsFitz17 in reply to Katy180]

Sounds like a good idea, it can take ages for referrals sometimes so good to get the ball rolling and if you do need to change or stop any medication you can plan for it. Good luck xx

[Katy180 in reply to MrsFitz17]

Thank you x

[glt01]

Are you under a consultant for any of your chronic illnesses? If you are I would recommend asking them what their opinions are and what can be done to help you if you did decide to get pregnant with regards to pain and symptom management.

If you're not, then I would gently suggest to your GP that you need a referral to an obstetrician prior to getting pregnant as they will be able to discuss all the pain/symptom management options available to you and which will put your baby at the lowest risk. GPs are wonderful at being a master of all specialties but for something specific like this they should be referring you on. Also as you are probably aware you would be under a consultant throughout your pregnancy because of your pre-existing chronic illnesses.

Theres a blog online and a facebook page called girl in the dark glasses, it's a lady who has a number of chronic conditions including ME and she has successfully had a child and is very honest about her experiences through pregnancy and her pain and symptom management and how she was supported by her consultant. It may be of some use to you. Hope this helps! And good luck with whatever you decide x

[Katy180 in reply to glt01]

Thank you that blog sounds excellent. I'm not under anyone really anymore. I used to have a pain management consultant but I've been on the same pain killers for many years now and have been doing ok so they discharged me. I've booked in to speak to a Dr at my local GPs so I'll definitely ask if I need to be referred too. Thanks x

[glt01 in reply to Katy180]

No worries, good luck!x