| Author | Message | ||
     4whitecats Newbie Username: 4whitecats Post Number: 1 Registered: 08-2009 Rating: N/A |
I am spinal cord injured(paraplegic)and my husband and I have recently decided to try for a family. We don't want to wait over pregnancy tests every week, just come off the pill and 'see what happens' (!) in a relaxed way...without telling people who know us, or else it won't be relaxed, we feel. I just wondered if anyone is in the same position and wanted to be in contact. I'm not after advice or help specifically, but thought that sharing experiences with similarly minded people would be part of the fun x | ||
| Vikki Regular Poster+ Username: Vikki Post Number: 55 Registered: 12-2008 Rating: N/A |
Hi there. I hope you don't mind me posting to you. (?)I am not in the same position as you but I just wanted to say welcome to the forum and I have my fingers crossed for you and your husband. I wish you both well for your future plans and hope you both are expecting the patter of tiny feet soon. I do know that there are others in a similar situation as you and hope that they will post to you and share the fun. All the best. Vik | ||
| Terri Regular Poster+ Username: Terri Post Number: 44 Registered: 02-2006 Rating: N/A |
Hi As long as you are both ready to take that step why should you tell anyonem unless you want to. Whilst I am not coming from the same perspective as yourself I have certaily been challenged about why I had children. I had a friend who was not sure how her pregnancy and condition would impact on each other and spoke to her consultant as she knew she would not be able to give birth naturally. There was some iniial resistance but ultimately working closely with the consultant etc she now has a 'teenager!!' So good luck and I am sure there will be other posts more helpful then this. Best wishes | ||
| Middlesmum Regular Poster+ Username: Middlesmum Post Number: 177 Registered: 06-2008  Rating: N/A |
wooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooo...how exciting.... I am a wheelchair user..who has 3 children, 19 17 and 15 now, and I count myself blessed.. having a baby is a privilege and a joy!! All the very very best to you both .. sooo excited....keep us informed  love emms x | ||
| Due0909 Forum Member Username: Due0909 Post Number: 11 Registered: 03-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hi, i'm not in the same position either, but i do have spinal issues meaning i've got restricted mobility and can't sit up unsupported or for long periods. It took us too long to conceive a healthy pregnancy, and i'm now thankfully and excitedly due to give birth to our little one next month! I hope you get that positive test soon and have a great experience of pregnancy and life as a mum | ||
| 4whitecats Newbie Username: 4whitecats Post Number: 3 Registered: 08-2009 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the lovely messages. Fortunately my consultant was over the moon with our decision. Apparently my midwife and the team at Stoke Mandeville will work together, I'm told, and I'll be admitted a couple weeks before my due date and give birth there - with my spinal ward nurses coming to the maternity suite with me when the time comes - and give birth naturally. Everything seems really organised, we just have to keep our fingers' crossed. My GP checked that we knew "what to do" and said have fun!!! | ||
| 4whitecats Forum Member Username: 4whitecats Post Number: 5 Registered: 08-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hello guys. Since I last posted we have been having fun exploring cribs, cots, prams, car seats and other baby equipment. When I say 'we' have been having fun I think I'm having more than my husband! Did you know there's a car seat which swivels round so it faces the open car door? much easier to put a baby into from my sitting position than those which only face forward or backwards. I was so impressed! I also found a seat which can be used from birth but is also at high chair level, so I don't need to risk falling out of my chair to sit baby in a bouncer/rocker. Is there any other equipment you have found which seems to suit wheelchair motherhood? There seems to be a whole world that I was unaware of until we decided to have a family - and this is all before I even conceive!! (one negative test...just phantom sickness it seems) And when we're in these shops, the mums we meet are really friendly and full of advise. Can't wait 'til we join the 'club' properly, but I'm enjoying myself already x x p.s. - to 0909...any news yet? | ||
| Vikki Regular Poster+ Username: Vikki Post Number: 66 Registered: 12-2008 Rating: N/A |
Hi there There is some equipment info. on the DPN website http://www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk/cgi-bin/site/site.cgi?page=site/equipme nt or you could contact the helpline for the details (0300 3300 639) supportservice@disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk I am intrigued....what 's this car seat which swivels round so it faces the open car door? Where do you get those from? They sound really great! Vik | ||
| 4whitecats Forum Member Username: 4whitecats Post Number: 6 Registered: 08-2009 Rating: N/A |
There are several stockists but I found the carseat in Kiddicare. It is a 'Renolux 360', and comes in a variety of colours. The cheapest I have seen it for is £109, in Kiddiecare but without a box (who uses the box?!) otherwise they are up to around £160 - still not bad considering it can be used from birth to four year olds - and faces back or forwards with three reclining positions too. There is a similar seat on the market but costing £450, as it can be postioned so baby can lay down flat, not just recline. I have only seen that one in bright orange, but the Renolux one was easier for me to use. Thanks for the link to other useful equipment xx | ||
| Sparky Newbie Username: Sparky Post Number: 2 Registered: 09-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hi I am new to this forum so thought I would introduce myself here. Me and my partner will be getting married next year and have discussed having children. I have spina bifida and am a full time wheelchair user. Recently we have been to see my GP about the possibility. He seemed quite positive and has referred me to a gynaecologist to discuss the possibility further. So still early days. interested in peoples experiences and look forward to being able to share my experiences more. | ||
| Charliefoulkes Regular Poster+ Username: Charliefoulkes Post Number: 104 Registered: 11-2008 Rating: N/A |
Hello Sparky Glad you have had such a positive response from your GP. That's good! Sometimes they say such stupid things. Just have a read of the other messages, and you will see what people's experiences are. You might end up battling for x, y and z, but of course having kids is a very rewarding experience. | ||
| 4whitecats Forum Member Username: 4whitecats Post Number: 8 Registered: 08-2009 Rating: N/A |
Welcome...I'm new here myself and am looked after by both Stoke Mandeville National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) and my GP. I have the same experience as you so far, and all the medical professioals I've sought help from have been really helpful and supportive. If we are fortunate enough to conceive, we will continue to be looked after by both, and can be admitted to the NSIC a couple of weeks before my due date to give birth under their experienced supervision rather than the local hospital where their knowledge of spinal cord injury will naturallly be limited. Hope you find the same support. Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding and good luck when the time comes for you to try for a family. Keep in touch xx | ||
| Dixie76 Newbie Username: Dixie76 Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hiya, I'm new to the site and have looked on here as a guest, myself and husband are trying for a baby and I have Arthritis in all my joints, main affected areas are my arms and hands, i don't have much strength in them and my hands are deformed from bones not growing properly as i got older, i was just wondering if anyone was in a similar position as i am concerned about how i will pick up my baby or cope with things like, car seats and buggies etc, would love to here from someone, xxx | ||
| Charliefoulkes Regular Poster+ Username: Charliefoulkes Post Number: 118 Registered: 11-2008 Rating: N/A |
Hi Dixie Good luck with TTC! Have a read through the old posts - there are plenty here from arthritics, including what equipment they found useful, or disastrous. I have arthritis myself, though my spine / hips are affected worse than my hands. Since having my daughter I have developed Carpal Tunnel though, so I do have a measure of understanding! We have a fairly cheap "travel system" type buggy, where the baby car seat fits onto the buggy. Its a GRACO one, and the car seat clips and releases quite easily on the push of a button. You can also get a bit which the car seat fits onto and which stays permanently in your car. Lifting the car seat (with baby in it) is the bit I'm lousy at! Not really any way round that, apart from to over-exert myself and pay the price later -- or get somebody else to do it. We also have a drop-sided cot, which saves you lifting baby too far. These are quite common and not really specialist equipment. I'd also advise a walk-in play pen, if you are going to get on. The sort with a gate, rather than the sort with netting for sides. Ours is the Lindam brand. It was a bit expensive but definitely worth it. You might go to a Mothercare or similar shop and test the straps on highchairs / buggies before you choose which to buy. I find them a bit tricky and having had two buggies so far, the first was much easier to strap her into. Same with clothing, either you will manage with the little press studs, or try and get as much as you can with zips or velcro. If your hands / wrists are weak but your back is OK, you might find carrying the baby in a sling helpful? For me, its hell. LOL Once she was over 8lbs, the sling was like a torture device! However, it might be easier on yours hands and wrists. There is also something called a Hip Seat, which you can Google. Great for carrying kids up to 3 years old. You strap it round your middle and baby can sit on that. Again, awful for me, but helpful for others? Depends how bad your back / hip joints are. I planned on using the buggy to get my baby around the house, but ended up living somewhere where that wasn't convenient. But, its something to bear in mind. If you can't carry the baby far, then push him or her round the house. btw, I find a buggy with a single, wrapround handle is the best. You can either push with your body, or one hand (I use a cane). There are loads of threads about how to go about getting help from Social Services, if you will need a carer. Or you can ring the helpline. I hope these suggestions help a little, its difficult without knowing more about you! | ||
| Dixie76 Newbie Username: Dixie76 Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hiya Charliefoulkes Thank you so much for replying, I have read through a few of the threads and saw that one comment mentioned about car seats that swivel round to get your baby in and out easily, i have friends that live near kiddie care, so think when the time comes, will go and have a play around up there and see what i can get, I have heard about the slings and think i may look into them, I don't tend to have much problem with my back, (thats probably the only part i don't have any problems with !!!!! LOL), i do have problems with my hips and ankles and was concerned about how i would cope with the extra weight, but i know what ever pain etc thats comes with being pregnant will be worth it,, the doctors did mention about giving me a pre arranged c section, because of my hips, is this something that you had? (if you don't mind me asking). xxxxx | ||
| Simi Regular Poster+ Username: Simi Post Number: 77 Registered: 03-2005  Rating: N/A |
Hi Dixie. My impairment is shortening of all four limbs as a consequence of the drug Thalidomide. My femurs are shortened (by about 20cm each side) and my hip joints are not the regular "ball and socket"... my mobility is affected - I can walk, but not far. I too was worried about the effect on my hips and mobility of pregnancy and carrying extra weight (as I was already carrying additional weight...) I imagined that in a worse case scenario I'd end up using a wheelchair towards the end of the pregnancy. However, in the event, I had a brilliant pregnancy! All my cravings were healthy ones (salmon and beetroot!) and my joints actually felt the best they ever had - due to all the pregnancy hormones or something I guess! I even lost weight, although I wasn't trying to, so that immediately after the birth I weighed what I had done pre-pregnancy. I did have a planned c-section as I was worried about the impact of a vaginal delivery, especially as I have really reduced rotation and movement in my hips. It was a very positive experience, as I had mentally prepared myself for the c-section, and had it done under an epidural anaesthetic, so I was awake and completely with it when my baby was born. That's 13 years ago this coming November! As my consultant explained, no one can prepare you for the pregnancy and birth experience, as everyones experiences are so varied, whether they have a disability or not! I had huge struggles with straps on car seats and harnesses. I would definitely recommend the play pen idea with side opening gate. Keeps them safe when you are doing the household chores, having a shower etc. If you get them used to being placed in it from before they are really mobile, they never see it as a "cage" but more as just part of their daily routine. My baby also was used to the fact that she didn't get picked up and carried all of the time by me. I used to think I should discourage others from carrying her as otherwise she'd want me to carry her too! But as you may have read elsewhere, babies are very adaptable, and soon learn that you (their mum) are different. It's quite uncanny. My daughter used to pick things up off the floor for me if I dropped them from when she was about 18 months! For us "disablers", the problem is that we are used to planning EVERYTHING that we do, from holidays to a shopping trip. As I learned, having a baby is just not something you can plan for successfully! We can just do our best to try and think of the problems we might have, but as I discovered, in the event many of the things we thought would be difficult or impossible are not, but other things we hadn't even considered crop up! And every stage of your baby/child's life will present new challenges - this changes as quickly as week to week when they are young. I'm now at the almost teenage stage with my daughter. She was crying last week because she has a birthday coming up, and realised she'd grown out of toys! Part of her still wants to be my "little baby" and another part of her is this maturing teen wanting total independence! Life is never dull being a mum! | ||
| Charliefoulkes Regular Poster+ Username: Charliefoulkes Post Number: 119 Registered: 11-2008 Rating: N/A |
Hello again Dixie Have you ever heard of La Leche League? If you have a local group, sometimes they can lend you a few different types of sling so that you can try them out. Apart from offering support for breastfeeding, they are very pro-"baby-wearing" i.e. slings. http://www.laleche.org.uk/ Be very careful re: hospital consultants offering you a caesarian. Sometimes they offer you one for the simple reason they are worried about their LIABILITY and not for valid medical reasons. I don't know what sort of arthritis you have, mine is Psoriatic Arthritis, with Psoriatic Spondylitis as the main problem. So, mainly my back. I looked on the Spondylitis Association of America web site and their advice was that even for fully fused women, there was no medical need for caesarian. So.... I would contact a support group, say for Rheumatoid Arthritis, if that is what you have. Check with them as well as your doctors. Arthritis Research Campaign are also another good place to start and have some useful leaflets about Arthritis and Pregnancy, too. You can give them a ring. Web site here: http://www.arc.org.uk/ As I moved mid-pregnancy, I had two different sets of obstetricians. The first was not at all pro-caesarian for me. I was glad of this, as I wanted as "natural" a birth as possible. When I got back to London, the obgyn I saw tried to push me into a caesarian and I said no. I felt she was definitely concerned that I would try to sue her if something went wrong... and obgyns are not arthritis specialists! I had a fairly normal hospital birth, though DD was in the wrong position (not breach, but back-to-back). Nobody seemed to work this out until I had pushed for 2 hours and was exhausted. So from then on it was epidural and assisted delivery (forceps, ventouse etc). That was a fair amount to recover from, but we were both OK. I breastfed for 6 months. We have an excellent bond and my little girl is truly one of the best things that has ever happened to me! | ||
| Dixie76 Newbie Username: Dixie76 Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hiya Charliefoulkes and Simi Thanks for all of your advise, i have heard that being pregnant with the hormones makes aches and pains disappear throughout pregnancy. It is Rheumatoid arthritis i have, had it from age 6, so am used to finding new ways of dealing with things, and am sure i will find ways again, I am very much looking forward to hopefully becoming a mum and knowing that there are poeple out there who have been through similar things helps, especially with tried and tested methods. I have had friends that have had C sections due to different reasons mostly problem births, so this does not worry me too much if thats what i end up having. Thanks for you info, its nice chatting to people on here and getting their experiences. xxx | ||
| Charliefoulkes Regular Poster+ Username: Charliefoulkes Post Number: 120 Registered: 11-2008  Rating: N/A |
LOL, I hope you do get a remission, and as you have RA, you are statistically more likely to get one than I was! Unfortunately with spinal arthritis, the statics are much lower, and only about a third of us have any relief of symptoms during pregnancy. Around a third stay the same, and the rest flare up. Unfortunately I was in the "flare up" camp for all of my pregnancy. Hopfully you will follow suit with most of the RA brigade and have a lovely pregnancy! | ||
| Dixie76 Newbie Username: Dixie76 Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2009 Rating: N/A |
hopefully, but you just never know, your little one is such a little cutie, xxxx | ||
| Limond Newbie Username: Limond Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2009 Rating: N/A |
hi, i'm new here and have been married for 3years. My husband and i decided that we wanted to try to havve a baby, so being super careful i went to the pain clinic to speak to my doctor. He informed me if i want pain meds then i have to give up trying for a baby. For him it was one or the other. so now i am not sure what to do. Any advice and help would be greatfully recieved. Limond | ||
| Middlesmum Regular Poster+ Username: Middlesmum Post Number: 188 Registered: 06-2008 Rating: N/A |
Limond I wouldnt dream to tell you what to do but I figure its if you can bare not having your pain killers while you carry your child? When the baby is born you could bottle feed instead of breast feed and then take your pain killers again? Whatever you decide think thoroughly what you and your hubby want to do and then go for it. It is irrelevant what anyone else says in that this is YOUR life ..Advice is good as long as you use it to make a decision and not feel pushed either way. I have constant pain but manage it with with heated bags and wrapping myself in duvets if its really bad. Mine is constant low level pain...with muscle spasms at times. I should imagine you are must be on quite a few pain killers if you are under a pain clinic..Is there no other pain relief alternative they can offer? Not pills but other things? | ||
| Charliefoulkes Regular Poster+ Username: Charliefoulkes Post Number: 135 Registered: 11-2008 Rating: N/A |
Oh.... Limond! So much I could say about this. I have arthritis and pain medicines are a big part of my life. Sadly I think you may be coming up against an "attitude" with your pain clinic consultant. I had the same trouble with my rheumatologist at the time. All my meds were suddenly banned -- even the ones that I had READ were safe, or very low risk. And I read about them in BNF, the British National Formularly, which is the book that DOCTORS use and completely lists all the medicines prescribed in the UK. You don't say what your condition is. I also understand that pain medicines come with a stigma attached and you may not want to mention what it is you take. Thats fine. I am not embarrassed to talk about mine, so here goes. Tramadol, I had to give up as soon as I was pregnant. Yack, horrible withdrawal symptoms from giving up so suddenly. If you are taking this, I would taper off it gradually before you TTC. Paracetamol is allowed, but for me barely touches my pain. Voltarol -- after a drawn out battle with my GP I was allowed to take this (albeit sparingly). There should not really have been a battle, because Arthritis Research Campaign AND BNF say it carries minimal risk up until the final trimester (last 3 months of pregnancy). During my 5th month of pregnancy I ended up in hospital due to pain that wasn't being addressed. In that instance it was the rheumatologist who refused to prescribe ANYTHING and pain clinic and obstetricians that came to the rescue. I was allowed low-dose Fentanyl patches and 5mg Prednisolone daily for the arthritis. Fentanyl is one of the narcotics that is low(er) risk during pregnancy and as far as they can tell doesn't get into breast milk either. So... you see.... its not that there are NO options.... but you need a good doctor who will work with you. Notice I don't say there is NO risk, just LOW risk. Obviously with ALL medicines there is SOME risk. Some meds it will depend on your condition and the doctor may decide that the risk is worth it. For example, I take 25 mg Amitriptyline daily to help with sleep and pain. I was not allowed this which continued into breastfeeding.  However, at the time, I knew a lady with fibromyalgia who WAS allowed to continue taking it. Doctors it seems, all have different opinions and are rarely consistent in their prescribing habits! You can read up on the medicines yourself. BNF that I mentioned earlier is actually also online, so you can register to use the web site version. Yes, patients are allowed to do that. You can access it here: http://bnf.org/bnf/ Another great source of advice is La Leche League. They are pro breastfeeding and have a lot of experience in advising what medicines are safe. Web site again: http://www.laleche.org.uk/ Obviously, support groups / organisations for your specific condition might be able to recommend medicines their members take during pregnancy. I found Arthritis Research Campaign very helfpul. They actually had a whole page devoted to arthritis & pregnancy. Middlesmum makes a good point -- ice, heat, massage, physio are all med-free. Well, I hope you find a doctor more willing to help you. Keep trying. I wouldn't let it be the end of your dream of having a family. (((SUPER GIANT HUGS))) | ||
| Mand Regular Poster Username: Mand Post Number: 20 Registered: 05-2009 Rating: N/A |
Charlie has said just about everything i would have, but i'd add homeopathy - completely 'harmless', clash-free, and has ALWAYS been available on the NHS, though your GP may not know this. Mine didn't but when i showed her a leaflet (from the British Homeop Association or something like that) she looked into it and i'm now under the *NHS* Homeop Hospital in Bristol. There are a few others in the country, and other *NHS* homeopaths all over the place. (And if you don't believe it works, try it anyway! Got me from 'double-maximum' dose of ibuprofen to nearly none. Also, i don't know about your condition but i have had a huge amount of benefit from the Alexander technique. It's not on the NHS (as far as i know) but well worth a monthly session - for example i'm nearly pain-free in the place that used to be worst, my back at waist height, not that i'm pain-free elsewhere but that on its own has helped a lot. Re breastfeeding when it comes to it, very few meds are actually impossible and STILL you will get all kinds of professionals telling you they can't be taken in conjunction... It is so worth doing your own research. Maddening that we have to, but without, we end up giving up either the meds or the breastfeeding / baby-having when it's not necessary. Best of luck and welcome to the forums. :0) | ||
| Limond Newbie Username: Limond Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2009 Rating: N/A |
thanks middlesmum. Yes my pain is extremely bad so that they are talking of fentanyl patches to control it as anything oral doesn't come close and wears off. They tell me that there is nothing else i can do as other than warm heat nothing else will work. I already use a tens machine and it helps a little but not enough. He tells me that accupuncture is out as the chinese also use it for abortions. I gues what i am asking is does anyone else know how i can control the pain or how i can access another pain clinic who might help me? | ||
| Charliefoulkes Regular Poster+ Username: Charliefoulkes Post Number: 137 Registered: 11-2008 Rating: N/A |
Ask your GP to refer you to a different Pain Clinic... or a different consultant at the same Pain Clinic. Just thought -- did your consultant talk to you about ablations / injections? If there is pain in a specific area, sometimes they can ablate the nerve. Or if it is a particular joint, you can get steroid injections into it which give long-lasting relief. I don't think you can use TENS during pregnancy -- only during labour. Sounds like a good chat with your GP about finding someone more helpful is in order. | ||
| Nickb Forum Member Username: Nickb Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hi The best way to find another pain clinic that specialises in your condition is to contact a national support group for that condition (if one exists) I was able to take co-dydramol through my pregnancy, and low levels of amitryptilline. Re the accupuncture-I had accupuncture whilst on ivf treatment the first time around (got lucky on our 4th attempt) and I was told if/when successfully pregnant the accupuncturist could treat me to help prevent another miscarriage so I would take advice on that -some doctors are still very anti accupuncture wthout knowing much about it! Finally good luck! I was in alot of pain through my pregnancy but it weas worth it | ||
| Fairysparkle Newbie Username: Fairysparkle Post Number: 2 Registered: 09-2009 Rating: N/A |
My husband and I are TTC (me:fibro, ME, other various illnesses), and we went to a pre pregnancy nurse at the beginning. She referred me to a consultant who went through all the supplements I take and said what was ok, etc. Some I was surprised he said yes to (high dosage tyrosine for energy levels, and weekly B12 injections. No cod liver oil (Vit A concern), and no st johns wort. (Her attititude was shocking though; she was in scooter, and she questioned our ability to cope. I wanted to point out well she'd managed to stay being a midwife so er, perhaps she could be more supportive. We've been asked several times by GP's if this is good thing to do - my husband is sick of it. I said, yup, we get up the duff, the patronising will continue). Accupuncture has been ok'd by all of the doctors, some even recommended. It is becomingly increasingly used to help conception, and yes, there are trigger points that would induce labour, but a qualified accupuncturist or reflexologist should know them. Magnet therapy is not so recommended - it's not tested, so caution may be advised. I have a lady who can come to the house and does massage for fibro, etc - it's not advertised anywhere, I had to phone around to find one, but now I also have the phone numbers of two one-to-one yoga teachers who would come to the house. I could be wrong, but I think you can put direct payments towards treatments privately. We have been TTC for more than 6 months, which as we are 37 now is the right time to ask for investigations. The assisted conception unit in Glasgow will not put you on their waiting list after age 38. I would strongly recommend reading up and using anything possible to help with TTC as it can be very stressful planning for a baby that may or may not happen. It's nearly a year now, and if I'd been on any meds that would have been a long time without them. It's a personal choice, but I decided that as soon as I knew I was pregnant I'd change supplements, etc, but during the dreaded TWW (two week wait after ovulation)I would stay on anything I needed unless it made me feel worse due to new hormones, etc. We have found temperature charts, ovulation tests, cough medicine and evening primrose oil (it's a girl thing), zinc (that's a boy thing), no antihistamines on the really trying for it days, etc all helpful in understanding cycle and increasing our chances. Hopefully anyone else on this path will not need to consider infertility as an issue, but it can happen, and it can be mentally draining as the planning required for disabled parents keeps rearing it's head even if a child has not appeared yet. | ||
| Limond Newbie Username: Limond Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hi guys, I have very bad fibromyalgia. i have had it for 14 years and there is no sign of it going away. Thanks for all the help i will look up the information on meds and am trying to see another pain clinic consultant. it is good knowing someone else was on fentanyl as it means it is a possibility for me. Wish you all well and i'll update you soon. Limond | ||
| Mand Regular Poster Username: Mand Post Number: 22 Registered: 05-2009 Rating: N/A |
... and even the ones who aren't anti, still may not know much about it! I was very surprised at that reason being given against using acupuncture - sure they use it for abortions but they use it for everything else too. (Bit like saying, don't use orthodox western medicine for diarrhoea - in England they use it for constipation.) Better someone who knows about acupuncture, if you want info on acupuncture, than someone who knows about orthodox meds etc. I don't know what your pain conditions are, but many kinds of arthritis improve in pregnancy so you may be lucky that way. I expected my knee pain to be terrible with the extra weight, but in fact it was much better than usual. Good luck. | ||
| Due0909 Forum Member Username: Due0909 Post Number: 13 Registered: 03-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hi all, my little one is now 3.5 months old! My spine is fused and pelvis is twisted and tilted, i then ended up with SPD during my pregnancy. I'm mainly housebound with ME and Fibro anyway, but was on crutches from 13 weeks and a wheelchair later on. Even with being so weak and my pelvis coming apart, i still had a wonderful home waterbirth. I'm personally not well enough to cope with the sensory stimulation of a hospital and it was fantastic to have everything i needed and be able to stay at home - and get straight back into my own bed after! I'd highly recommend it I am now looking into that car seat as i struggle with a regular one. I'm a full time co-sleeping, baby wearing mama and have found these both help a lot. I don't think i'd be physically able to get out of bed in the night so this allows me to meet my babys needs safely. With problems using my hands and pain from arthritic joints and fibro my homemade wrap has been great (like a Moby wrap), and baby swings are a life saver too! As far as pain, i managed to come off all the opiates before we conceived. We were actually in a big hurry to conceive because i knew my condition is getting worse and i couldn't stay med free for long. I used reflexology throughout TTC and during the pregnancy (sometimes weekly appointments) and found it absolutely fantastic. It maintained my energy levels and i'm convinced it allowed me to continue the pregnancy after so many losses previously. I also had preterm labour at 5 months and it helped with that too. I have major problems after a spinal fusion and the pain did become unbearable, so i had local anaesthetic injections. Even without any steriods in it the injections were fantastic. It turned the pain down from about an 8 to a 1 or 2!! The relief lasted about 10-12 weeks aswell which was great. I had them at 20 weeks, but unfortunately by the time i wanted more the hospital refused because i didn't have long left to go. At this point the birthing pool became useful as i could float around in it with help and privacy in my own home For the birth i also found that homeopathic meds and a TENS helped me a lot too (even though i tried them many many times pre pregnancy and they did nothing to even touch on my pain). You can use a TENS safely after 13 weeks, but it has to be from waist height up. I'm still exclusively breastfeeding and my baby is now 6.5 kg so i am in a lot more pain, but i've found the hormones from pregnancy and breastfeeding along with reflexology are enough to keep me sane and functional. I know soon i will have to get more injections and probably return to some sort of meds though. I'd like to give some encouragement about natural birth, for someone who suffers from chronic pain - you will be able to cope so much better with the birth as you are so used to putting up with it in life anyway! Letting my body produce it's own painkillers during labour has had a prolonged positive affect on ALL my joint and muscular pain which has been fab Best of luck to anyone TTC with spine/pain issues, i hope you get to enjoy a little bundle and all the benefits that pregnancy (and bf'ing) bring! For once i actually feel like my body is doing what it's supposed to, which is very empowering for someone who used to be bedbound and struggled to cope with a body that doesn't work! ETA; Fairysparkle, i must live close to you - if you ever want to chat! I also charted (BBT, OPKS, CM etc) and used various supplements and things like guaifenesin (cough syrup) too before we eventually conceived. I think it was the Vit B6 and daily baby aspirin alongside the reflexology that finally did the trick for us | ||
| Fairysparkle Newbie Username: Fairysparkle Post Number: 3 Registered: 09-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hi Due0909, Thanks for your post. Very encouraging. We stay Maryhillish? Is that any where near your neck of the woods? Yep, time is an issue here too. I'm delighted you have your little one, but sorry you had the losses. We thought we had a chemical pregnancy at the start of TTC (always tricky; did we, didn't we?) and I know it's a hard path to trek, coping with potential hopes, etc. Battling right now with, do we, or don't we pay for some of the tests, etc privately. 6 month waiting list for clinic, magically turns into a week, if we throw cash at it. I think we may be looking at an IUI if no luck naturally. If you are in Glasgow area, and looking for massage - I have a lady who visits who is fantastic, and can recommend. Can give details if needed. Happy wishes to you and your family! : ) PS. How much B6 and when? I'm using it sporadically. | ||
| Terri Regular Poster+ Username: Terri Post Number: 62 Registered: 02-2006 Rating: N/A |
Hi Just a snippet of information that will hopefully be useful to anyone planning or expecting a baby. Having recently attended/presented at a Local Supervising (LSA) Midwives Forum I was advised that anyone experiencing problems around their pregnancy and birth can and should contact the Supervising Midwife who will/should support the individual in their decisions. this includes support when dealing with the consultant if your wishes are not being recognised. Should as I understand it, incluyde looking at alternative pain relief. Much of the in approprite support we get is due to a lack of knowledge and confidence it would appear to me. Giving them solutions and ways they can is certainnly what those I have spoken to a keen on. That is the view from the forum organsiers. If you have any problems with this then contact DPN's support service as we may/might be able to help by using the links we have, signposting you to the right person etc. I hope this helps | ||
| 4whitecats Forum Member Username: 4whitecats Post Number: 11 Registered: 08-2009 Rating: N/A |
Hi everyone Just to update you all. It was me who first started this discussion ten months ago, and ...omg, omg, omg...we did it! Went to doc last month as nothing was happening, and he booked appointment for hubby's sperm to be tested (next week as luck would have it!) and at the same time gave this advice. Some women have their womb pointing forwards instead of backwards as usual, so we should try laying on my tummy for or just after intercourse. This will help get things where they need to be if your anatomy is as differents as your moods! We tried it for the first time this ovulation time, and now we are forunate enough to have succeeded. It's not a magic solution, but just be aware that keeping variety in the bedroom (or where ever!) is not just for fun, but can help with the serious bit too. Thanks for your support. Good luck xxx | ||
| Gen1814 Regular Poster Username: Gen1814 Post Number: 21 Registered: 03-2010 Rating: N/A |
wow! congratulations! all the best with the pregnancy! | ||
| Storm Forum Member Username: Storm Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2010 Rating: N/A |
4whitecats Congratulations on your pregnancy, I wish you and your husband a very happy and healthy pregnancy. Take care and enjoy -x- |
