Monday, September 26, 2011 SussyH asks

Q: Is raising children a lot harder if you have RA?

I'm 23 years old and have always wanted lots of kids but since being diagnosed with RA I'm finding it hard to take care of myself let alone a small baby. Someday's I cant undress myself or walk properly, once a week I babysit my 10month old niece and I'm very sore by the end of the day. I'm scared that i will struggle to even have one baby, I never thought that anything could come between me and the family i want one day :(

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Answers (3)

V, Health Guide

9/27/11 9:06pm

Hi, Sussy,

I suggest talking to your rheumatologist about your desire to have a family. You should absolutely not get pregnant if you are taking Methotrexate. There are people who have RA who do have children. It is essential that you work closely with your phsician about when to stop/start certain medications if you do plan to have a child. Are you taking a biologic now? Sounds like maybe you need to have your meds adjusted...??/

Blessings,

SussyH

9/28/11 12:52am

I'm only taking anti inflammatories at the moment, the doctor wants me to have an Mri first, then when the results are back he will be able prescribe the right medicine to me. I've only just been diagnosed, well im in the process of being diagnosed. I'm just worrying about a lot of different things.

V, Health Guide

9/28/11 8:18am

Hi, Sussy,

The diagnosis itself can be overwhelming, and then our minds start to race and determine what this means to our plans and our dreams. It is difficult, but try to just take one day at a time and the other things will fall into place. I still think it would be a good thing for you to tell your doctor about your desire to have children one day. He/she could explain about the medications, etc., and might put your mind at ease a little.

Blessings,

debconstien

9/30/11 11:56am

Yes SussyH it is harder to handle kids w RA. But with the love and support of a spouse or partner....you can do it. I have had RA since I was 13......lots of ups and downs. Had to go off many meds and increase prednisone to hold me....but with a great support system I have a 12 year old son who has seen and lived through a lot with me but i think it has made him a stronger person and there were days I had trouble dressing him and carrying him but I endured and it was the best decision we made. I was only blessed with one child we tried again after my son was born and my Rheum Dr finally told me I wasn't healthy enough to get pregnant again. So I count the blessing we had. Good luck with the decisions ahead of you. I am 41 and very happy through the good and bad.

Tonimariec

10/12/11 10:09pm

Hi Sussy,

I just wanted to say that I completely understand how you feel. I was diagnosed this year at the age of 23 and have had the same thoughts and feelings. It's extremely hard to take care of yourself let alone imaging to take care of a child. I have been on medications since Jan. and have been doing a lot better prior to only taking anti-inflammatories. While I don't think I will ever feel 100% better my life has improved dramatically. The only concern I have right now would be the fatigue. It seems like my RA can get under control but the tiredness always seems to be there!!!! Hang in there and try to remember that this isn't going to ruin your life! Things can be done just people with RA have to work on pre-planning things like pregnancy and taking it slowly! Hang in there

Q: Is raising children a lot harder if you have RA?

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