[Rhi]

Hi all, I haven't posted for aaaages but hope you can give me some advice please. I am now 24 weeks pregnant today with a little girl (can't believe how far I've got this time, lost my son in 2nd tri and 3 miscarriages between Aug 06 and Aug 07, I thank god for clexane!). Have tested +ve for LA a year ago, have had a few bleeding episodes with this pregnancy and the dr who saw me at the hospital wrote in my notes that I have APS even though I haven't 'officially' been diagnosed - this was written only because I mentioned the LA and pregnancy losses, can they make a diagnosis like this??
Anyway, I have my first rheumatologist appointment on the 10th June, thing is my joints (especially my knees) have been great and my symptoms have all but disappeared since I was 8 weeks pregnant (it was really bad at that point, I took pics of my rash on my knees, they were so red and swollen and boiling hot, and hot feeling in my hips, it was then gp referred me). The only 'symptoms' I am getting now is the livedo rash and a strange angry red/purple mottled rash on the palms of my hands (not sure if that's a symptom though).
So back to the point - will the rheumatologist now simply discharge me as soon as see me? As I have no joint pains I don't mind if he simply tells me to go back after the baby is born, I just don't want to be discharged to be put back on the long waiting list again. Is it normal for symptoms to go when pg?
Also, if it turns out I only have APS, would that explain my joint swelling/pain in the past too? And would he do bloodtests even though I'm pregnant and injecting clexane (I read that heparin can affect some results, is that right?)?
Thanks in advance, and hope you can understand my ramblings lol
Rhi xx

 

[cad]

HI Rhi,
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am so sorry about your previous loses.
I don't have APS so i don't know much about that, but i have heard other ladies say that their symptoms remit during pregnancy.
I'm not sure what your rheumy will say but he might want you monitored abit more during your pregnancy, just to be on the safe side. I'm also not sure that all the tests would be accurate during pregnancy. If he's quite happy with you he might just say that he will follow you up when you've had your little girl.
Either way it is definately worth seeing him for his specialist opinion.

Good Luck

Cassie

 

[greenhaggis]

Rhi,

Congratulations with this pregnancy!

I'm sure you won't be discharged - I would have thought youd see more of him!

I think I have heard mention on this site that some have felt much better whilst pregnant - perhaps those poeple will see this post and offer some advice!

Take care anyway!

Love Lesley

 

[Raglet]

hi there

congratulations on doing so well with your pg ! Here's to many many more weeks cooking that baby ......

With the LA and multiple miscarriages, you likely would qualify for a dx of APS (you need to qualify on clinical grounds AND through blood tests, and you do both).

You are certainly being treated as if you had APS and I am thrilled to hear the clexane is helping.

I am thinking a belly full of bruises ? Well worth it though

Glad to hear it is all going so well

raglet

 

[Rhi]

Thanks so much for your replies x Guess I'm just scared that I'll be fobbed off as I am 'well' at the moment. I don't understand the redness on my palms though, at the fleshy bottom parts of my fingers it looks like a lot of broken veins, and the sides of the palms get really blotchy red, kinda like livedo but more condensed and concentrated if that makes sense?
I've read conflicting articles online whether APS causes joint pain/swelling, and I am happily confident that if it IS a symptom that I only have this and not lupus.
Oh, Raglet - no more bruised belly , I stopped injecting there at 8 weeks and started in my thighs. Belly is still lumpy though. My legs are full of lovely shades of blue and purple though and riddled with lumps, finding it so hard to find a lumpless area. My consultant advised me to inject back in my belly but I'm too paranoid as little one kicks like mad lol Finding it hard to sleep as my legs are sore when I'm lying on them but yes, very much worth it!
Thanks again x
Rhi xx