how soon can pg trigger a flare?

[csncdia]

I am new to this site, my diagnosis is about 4 yrs old and up until now my lupus has been very mild, very controllable. This is my first flare in over a yr, and easily the worst.

I keep my meds at a minimum, have thus far managed my lupus with diet and by listening to my body. I know many of you have it worse, sorry.

I realized I was flaring on tuesday, before that I thought I was fighting off something else. I recently had a very unpleasant "discontinuation syndrome" from a RX and have spent the past 2 1/2 weeks detoxing. Now, I'm assuming that the detox sent my lupus into a crises, and boy is it ever.

Then earlier, I remembered that I was 'exposed' last week and could be pregnant. I've been reading online trying to find out if anyone was ever thrown into a flare by becoming pregnant. Seems like the first few weeks of pregnancy would cause the most changes in the hormones, so you might think it could happen, but it also seems way to soon.

Anyone out there have any experience, strenght or hope to share?

[alobreto]

Hi, cnsc! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif
And welcome to the forum! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Your assumption that hormones play a role in connective tissue diseases is correct. I'm not a gyno expert, though, and am not sure when your hormones begin to surge after conception. I think it's possible that it could be as early as implantation and that occurs very soon after an egg is fertilized. Hormonal changes help to maintain the connection to the uterus.

I'm sorry you're in a flare. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif You don't say anything about any of the antimalarials such as Plaquenil which can delay and even prevent organ problems from happening. It would seem that this is a good time to get in touch with your lupus doctor. More things could be going on besides just your malaise.

I wish you well!
Angela style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/flowers.gif

[Clare.T]

I agree that it's time to have a thorough lupus check up. Lupus is a very sneaky disease with a mind of its own. People can get by for years with little or no medication, or be in remission for years and pow! up it starts again.
There is some controversy about lupus pregnancy and flares. Some treatment centres report that there isn't a higher incidence during pregnancy; others say there is. Another opinion is that about one third of women stay the same, one third feel worse and the rest feel better. Another is that some sorts of lupus are more likely to flare than others.

As for triggers, extremes of many sorts are likely to cause autoimmune activity as the body sees them as assault and seeks to protect itself.

But either your lupus is activated or it isn't, and either you are pregnant or you aren't. Unfortunately the worst sorts of lupus like kidney disease are 'silent' until they are advanced. The recommendation for people who have been diagnosed but feel well is to have check ups every 3 or 6 months.

Please take good care of yourself and good luck. We only have one life.

Clare

[pnutts]

Hello,
I can only give you advice from my experiences. I have had two successful pregnancy and I felt at my best during them except for the non stop throwing up. It was after I gave birth that everything started acting up.
It's best to see your dr's for them to determine if your in a flair.

good luck.

Cath

[jm_jazzy]

Hi csncdia,

Welcome. I must agree with Teri Lupus does pick its own time. I am 27 weeks pregnant and up until now even right from the very start of pregnancy I felt fantastic. Better than I have in years, flare free and dare I say it no morning sickness.

So if you are feeling poorly it may not be pregnancy or even the detox. Probably best to see your doctor and confirm both the flare and the pregnancy.

Good luck.

Jodie