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    having kids

    I am 29 years old and was diagnosed with MS 8 years ago. As I get closer to approaching my thirties I naturally feel the "clock ticking." For those woman that have had children while having MS, I'm asking for your thoughts on it. How did you do while being pregnant? How did you do after giving birth? Would you recommend that I have kids at my age before I turn 35?

    Thanks for any and all feedback.
    Desiree
    Relapsing Remitting MS for 8 years

    #2
    Hi cupcake! I've had two kids post MS diagnosis. Generally, MS is better during pregnancy so no relapses but you'll want a high risk ob just in case there are problems. The hardest part for me during pregnancy was my MS fatigue. It was pretty bad and worse because being pregnant makes you tired.

    My kids are 4 and 4 months and it's a bit of a struggle. My 4 year old has an unlimited amount of energy and I have none so I've had to figure out how to deal with that. Taking care of a baby isn't too bad. Except for when I want a nap!

    I had a relapse when my older one was about 10 months old and I couldn't use my left hand at all so changing her diaper was tough. One time I was changing a poopy diaper on the floor and she rolled over and crawled down the hallway. I eventually caught her and cleaned up the mess, but it wasn't too bad because it was pretty funny!

    Having kids with MS is tough, but it's tough anyway so if you're ready for a baby make sure you have a good medical team behind you. Other than that good luck!!
    Lori
    Betaseron 2004-2009, Tysabri 2010-2011, Copaxone 2012-2013, Tecfidera 2013...

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      #3
      I got pregnant about a year after my official diagnosis. I had twins. MS didn't really seem to cause problems during pregnancy. I went back on Copaxone about 3-4 months after my boys were born, so I was off it for about 15 months altogether for TTC, pregnancy, and brief breastfeeding. When I finally had an MRI I had 4 new lesions (prior to that I only had 2 lesions, though they were much bigger and each associated with a definite attack) which scared me a little, but at least they hadn't seemed to cause symptoms.
      2001: 1st 2 relapses, "probable MS." 2007: 3rd relapse. Dx of RRMS confirmed by MS specialist. Started Cpx. (Off Cpx Feb 08-Mar 09 to start a family; twins!) Dec '09: Started Beta. Oct '13: Started Tecfidera. May '15: Considering Gilenya.

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        #4
        RE:

        I've been having these problems myself and was afraid we couldn't have kids. Thank you for your post it lighten a pain in my chest knowing that I could still get pregnant.

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          #5
          Hi! I have 2 kids - 3 years old and 6 weeks old. I felt great during my 1st pregnancy but my mobility declined quickl after giving birth. With my most recent baby I had kind of a hard time while pregnant but have felt great since giving birth.
          Aitch - Writer, historian, wondermom. First symptoms in my teens, DX'd in my twenties, disabled in my thirties. Still the luckiest girl in the world.

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            #6
            Thanks for all of the replies. It really helped me feel more at peace and not so much like a ticking clock.
            Desiree
            Relapsing Remitting MS for 8 years

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              #7
              I had all 3 of my children in my thirties. The first at age 33, the last at 38. 2 of them were pre-DX,the last was post DX.

              I'm sure you are aware that during pregnancy, symptoms usually subside. Gosh, doesn't it seem that more research should be done in this area...something about the hormones!

              Post delivery, however, chances of having an exacerbation increase for several months. I made sure I had some help after my youngest was born and had no problems. I also breastfed for quite a long time.

              You have plenty of time!

              "Fear of the future is destructive; replace fear with faith. Faith in yourself, your future, and perhaps in something that transends both." (from OMS by George Jelinek,pg.186).

              Best wishes to you!
              Meet me in a land of hope and dreams. -Bruce Springsteen

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                #8
                I had all of my children post-DX

                I know this thread is a little old, but I just wanted to let you know that I was diagnosed at 20, married at 22, so subsequently had all 3 of my children post-diagnosis. I did amazingly well throughout all three pregnancies, and afterward. I know the chance of an exacerbation increases post-delivery, but I never relapsed.

                I was off all DMDs and other medication while I was in my "childbearing years." I had three kids in 4.5 years. I remained off of all medications until my youngest was 3.

                It's only been in the last 1.5 years that things have started to go awry for me.

                Just wanted to share another positive experience of post-diagnosis pregnancies.
                ~Lisa~
                "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD...(Jer 29:11)

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                  #9
                  I had my first (and only!) child at age 36 - that is 10 years after diagnosis.
                  I can honestly say that he is the best thing ever in my life. I can't tell you how happy being a Mother has made me. I would have loved to have had another child, but I'm 40 now, and I don't have the energy. It is a real struggle (but 100% worth it) with one, and my husband helps a LOT.
                  Good luck.
                  x

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                    #10
                    Originally posted by sewhappy View Post
                    I'm sure you are aware that during pregnancy, symptoms usually subside. Gosh, doesn't it seem that more research should be done in this area...something about the hormones!
                    Hormones are definitely being studied for MS.

                    But I was under the impression that it was partly due to the natural suppression of a woman's immune system during pregnancy -- you know so her body doesn't reject the fetus.

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                      #11
                      thanks for the feedback

                      I am constantly checking my posts to see if there's any new feedback, so thanks you all for your thoughts.

                      I love this website. It gives me a sense that I'm not alone and that I have supporters that really know what it's like. My spouse is a great support system, but there's something different about talking with others that are going through similar situations.

                      Thanks,
                      Des
                      Desiree
                      Relapsing Remitting MS for 8 years

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                        #12
                        Hi Des
                        I just wanted to add if I was doing things again, I wish I had my son at a younger age- 36 was a bit physically tough. I also didn't expect the whole process to take so long. Please God you will have no difficulties, but from age 32+ I had 3 miscarriages and had to undergo fertility and related tests.
                        So tell me to mind my own business if you like! But I think allow yourself plenty of time (I thought I would have no problems making a baby!) and younger is better when you have MS - just my opinion.
                        Best of luck - I can hear my 4 year old downstairs now giggling away with my husband, and having him feels like waking up to the best Christmas present, ever, every day.

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                          #13
                          Originally posted by aitch10 View Post
                          Hi! I have 2 kids - 3 years old and 6 weeks old. I felt great during my 1st pregnancy but my mobility declined quickl after giving birth. With my most recent baby I had kind of a hard time while pregnant but have felt great since giving birth.
                          I just realized how unhelpful this response was since I flaked and forgot to mention my age; I was 35 when I had my first boy and 38 when I had my second.

                          We put off TTC for a loooong time(we met 10 years before we had our first baby) and only decided to try because I was turning 35 and panicked.

                          And you're only turning 30!

                          Good luck!
                          Aitch - Writer, historian, wondermom. First symptoms in my teens, DX'd in my twenties, disabled in my thirties. Still the luckiest girl in the world.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            building confidence

                            This does help. I know that if we decide to have kids, we want to have 3 and so that does make me think ahead and become a little nervous. It's encouraging to hear from all of you and it definitely makes me feel better. I talked with my ob/gyn about it and she also felt confident that I wouldn't have severe problems. I'll keep everyone posted as to if/when we decide to head down this road. Does any have any opinions as to when to start taking prenatal vitamins?

                            Thanks again,
                            Des
                            Desiree
                            Relapsing Remitting MS for 8 years

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by cupcakeg View Post
                              Does any have any opinions as to when to start taking prenatal vitamins?
                              My first was a SURPRISE! lol
                              My second was planned though and I was told to start them as soon as we started trying. That way everything is going before implantation takes hold. You can check with your ob/gyn though.

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