Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group AS and pregnancy

Hi all
I know there are many mothers in KA family (the ones I know so far are Kathy the "earthwoman" and McMom) and I'd like to know what they've been through during the pregnancy..
See, my husband and I want so much to have a baby and to speak the truth, the only reason we postponed it is AS and medications..
I don't know if I can stand all the pain if I stop taking Sulfasalazine and indocid.. Or is there any other medicine that won't harm the baby?

So, to all moms here in KA.... How did you get over the pain? Does NSD or LSD help? Do the exercises help? What about the supplements? Anything you've experienced and found out that it works..

Love and hugs..
Meric

"Dance is a song of the body... Either of joy or pain."
Martha Graham

Hi Meric!

I think it is wonderful that you want to have a child(smile). I wasn't diagnosed as having AS when I was pregnant (My kids were already in college and high school). So I wasn't on any medications except for the vitamins and iron that I took at the time. The back pain I had after delivery was due more to the drugs I took while I was in labor. But my last pregnancy I took no drugs during labor and I felt much better afterwards and I enjoyed everything so much more. (I knew more and was more confident). Any time you would like more details let me know. I hope there is someone you can find to help you with the drug issue better than I've been able to do.

Love - McMom

Hi Meric

i went off all my regular meds while I was trying to get pregnant. I went on prednisone, which has been proven to be safe during all stages of pregnancy and nursing afterwards.I still had very significant pain and took codeine(the odd time), not on a regular basis. I had 2 kids in 2 years. To be honest it wasn't easy. I had very bad flares and needed c-sections due to my fused pelvis and spine, but I had 2 VERY healthy kids. They don't have any medical problems or any mental health problems. They are both very bright and great kids. I would definitely say go for it. It was worth every ounce of pain. Now almost 12 and 14 years later the pain is no better so I don't think having babies will change the course of your AS.

By the way, are those pictures of you dancing?

Take care

Simone

Hi Meric,

I am off all my drugs at the moment and about to start trying for a baby. I had no pain flares until about 8 weeks off the drugs and have had minor pain for the last 3-4 weeks. I don't have any spine or pelvic problems from AS, so I think I am lucky that way, but have pain in knees and elbows, which makes walking and some movements a bit uncomfortable. But I am feeling positive and now just have to fall pregnant. So here's hoping that doesn't take too long.

By the way, I was on methatrexate and plaquenil. I have only taken a couple of Panadol so far (can't take NSAIDs as may cause miscarriage).

Regards,
Elaine

I've had AS forever but just didn't know it way back then. I was one of the lucky ones whose AS went into remission during pregnancy and flared up after delivery. And if I knew everything I know now back then, I'd have still had all those babies and maybe a couple more. I felt wonderful during pregnancy, but it's not a practical way to treat AS.

I did without pain meds during pregnancy, delivery, and breast feeding. That may not be always possible for eveyone, but there are meds that are safe to use during pregnancy. Stretching, and walking helped with stiffness, but this was years ago, and I was in a lot better condition than I am now.

My babies are now 12, 14, 16, & 18. I have always loved kids and I love being a mommy. I'll admit that I'm biased. Babies are loads of fun, toddlers and pre-schoolers are fun, even teens are loads of fun.



Hugs,

Cindy

I am only one; but still I am one.
I cannot do everything.
But still I can do something;
I will not refuse to do the something I can do.
Helen Keller

Hi Simone,
Thanks a lot for your reply.. I guess I'm going to give it a try and stop taking medicines when the remaining two weeks are over. And see if I can live on NSD or LSD..
And no those are not me, that is a collage of my favourite Lois Greenfield photos, you know, the famous dance photographer.. And having learnt Graham Technique by heart, I can say Martha Graham is my favourite dancer..
Love,
meric

"Dance is a song of the body... Either of joy or pain."
Martha Graham

Hi Elaine
So nice to meet you :) And thanks a lot for your reply. I don't have spine problems either but I do have pelvis fusion. I hope I can find a way to ease the pain when I'm off the medication..

And Cindy, thanks to you too

In reply to:

---

Stretching, and walking helped with stiffness

---

I think I'd better start doing my stretchings again.. :)
Love to you all..
Meric

"Dance is a song of the body... Either of joy or pain."
Martha Graham

Hi there,

Although I had problems, I didnt suffer major pain until after the birth of my 1st child (whos now 8). The pregnancy was quite a good one, but typically, I did experience 'alot' of back pain, and had awful trouble with walking.

I'm currently trying for our 2nd child, and have been off all medication for the last 2-3 months. Painwise I'm ok (maybe 'cos the weathers still good?), but stiffness is still a big issue.

It is always best to stop all medication, and have a chat with your GP about alternatives. As said before, many women with AS do actually go into remission during pregnancy, so be positive!

Best wishes to you both, and I look forward to news of your forthcoming pregnancy



Amber

Hi Amber,

And thanks a lot for sharing.. I hope I don't have too much pain because I want so much to keep going to my classes also. But all these messages gave me so much relief, I thought there were no ways for me to have a baby without having awful pain. And maybe LSD will help too.. (a light LSD, not too strict)
Love,
Meric

"Dance is a song of the body... Either of joy or pain."
Martha Graham

Hey Meric! Going to try for a baby eh? That's exciting news!

I was 22 when I first became pregnant. I was very sick the previous 2 yrs. I had been on Prednisone and 15 aspirins a day for almost 2yrs. Although my doctor wanted me to stay on those meds. as many woman have during pregnancy, I refused. I stopped all meds., tobacco, alcohol etc. My only vice during 1st pregnancy was M&M's 2nd pregnancy I was addicted to sour pickles and chocolate chip ice cream . I still can't believe that one!

The good news was. I felt great! and my SI joints were fused at the time. 9 months later I was pregnant with my 2nd child. I did start to have more back pain as sciatica was creeping in, but I still felt great. My knees were not swelling and I just enjoyed the whole pregnancy trip Maybe it's because I was so happy that I didn't feel much pain. The mind is a very strong connection. I always remember saying how I wished I could be barefoot and pregnant for ever.

Now that's a scary thought!

It sounds like your in really good shape and very active now, so I do believe you are ahead of the game. I am out of the loop as far as medications & pregnancy goes these days so I cannot help there. Definitely check with your doctor on that one. Things have changed a lot in 24 yrs .

Good luck to you Meric!

peace
Kathy



"The most beautiful stones have been tossed by the wind and washed by the waters and polished to brilliance by life's strongest storms."