i really want a baby

Cell cept is definatly contraindicated in pregnacy. Azathioprine is however an alternative and is safe during pregnancy. Hydroxychlroquine is also a no go. Cortison is perfectly ok during pregnancy even in higher dosis when nessasary. As for the others I would have to check the "Rote Liste" PDR. I see that you also take neuromuscle relaxants, so I awssume you have CNS involvment or neuropathy. As well as antideppressants. I belive both of these would not be allowed in Pregnancy. As well as the antihypertensives ( I also assume you have kindey involvment) this is the most dangerous thing with lupus and pregnancy. Do you have APS as well (you don't take anticoagulants so I would guess not). When you could remain stable without some meds and switch to "safe" meds for the pregnany, then it is possible, but in any case it is a big risk. It is very possible that you could have a flare and suffer irrerversible damge. You have to consider how that would affect your daughter (and husband). Wanting another child is understandable (and you should research every option)but you should be greatful that you have a healthy little princess, the quest for another could jepordize everything. Asking questions and getting infomation however never killed anyone (hopefully).

Ciao
Monique

Plaquenil/hydroxychloroquine is considered safe by most doctors these days actually. However, you do have some meds on there that are not safe for pregnancy, or whose risks are not yet rated/known. You can look up each drug's pregnancy ratings on several different websites - here is one that is pretty good and easy to use:

http://www.safefetus.com/Search.asp

The advice already given to consult with a high risk ob-gyn is excellent. You would have to consult with your rheumy though to discuss changing medications. You may also want to get a second opinion from another rheumatologist as well just to ask about this question. I would be sure to ask why not, if they agree with your current rheumy. Ask if there are alternative medications, etc.

Another factor is how does lupus affect you? Do you have lupus nephritis? Is it being controlled at the moment? Are you feeling generally well or are you still flaring frequently? Is blood clotting problems the reason you are on Plavix? (which by the way is considered safe during pregnancy). There are many things to consider which will affect your chances of a healthy pregnancy for you and a baby... & we can't possibly know all of them.

I certainly wouldn't recommend going against the doctor's advice - although I can understand how you feel.

Hello jaki and welcome back to the forum !

The success rate of lupus pregnancies these days compares very favourably with healthy pregnancies provided there is expert care from a knowledgable high risk ob/gyny preferaby working with the rheumatologist.
The doctors will usually do everything they can to help but there are some cases that are such high risk they can't advise pregnancy because of the risk to mother and/or baby. Active kidney disease and stroke history for example.

Since you are on Plavix you have presumably had some clotting problems.

The ideal is to be on drug free remission if at all possible; failing that, to be stable at the least on meds that can safely be taken when the benefits outweigh the risks

This is not a go- it- alone affair. Not an easy decision for responsible people for sure and of course the partner's feelings need to be taken into account since it is usually the partner who bears the brunt of the mother's inability to fully care for her children. It's also a question of 20 + plus years child rearing.
By the way, most women go through a phase when they would like another child even when it's out of the question for whatever reason.

There's also the question of how you are coping as it is.
You could do the sort of trial that women sometimes do when they are thinking of returning to employment. Follow the routine and demands that would be necessary, adding waking several times a night and bearing in mind the needs of your daughter for her share of attention, help with homework and all that

All the best
Clare