pregnancy and cf

[Cariann2005Rob]

Hello guys,
My name is Cariann. I am a 19 well almost 20 female that has had cf since i was 6wks old. I reacently go married to a wonderful man in the marines. My FEV1 is i think around 35-45%. We are both ready to have a child. But I have alot of women problems for one thing. I havnt had my period in probably 4 months. I really dont understand why i dont but that is the way it goes i guess. I really dont want to go to the gyno yet but i will probably have to soon if it doesnt start back up. Does this happen to anyone? What should I do? Also i would love to have my own child but i understand it would be a big deal on my body. So i was wondering if anyone has done seregate mother? My sister told me about it and told me that she would cary my child for me if i needed someone. Anyways, if anyone could help out on any of these problems that would be great thanks....

 

[Emily65Roses]

Well I understand a great deal of what you're saying. When I still had periods, they were always very irregular. So that's not necessarily a problem. However, at 20 you should see an obgyn anyway. I started at 16. It's just a good idea.

As far as surrogacy goes... I am probably going to end up going that route to have kids (if I can afford it, haha). I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago, so I am unable to have my own kids. Generally they like CFers PFTs to be 70% or above in order for pregnancy to be a good idea. But that decision is ultimately up to you. However, if your PFTs are in the 30-40% range and your sister has outright said she'd be willing to carry a child for you, it's a good path to at least look into.

 

[anonymous]

Cariann, I see you posted again about how to increase your egg production. Tricare (your insurance through the military) DOES pay for infertility treatment and diagnosis (including all medications) EXCEPT they do not pay for invetro. I would talk to a military doctor about getting a FREE prescription for clomid or any other ovary/egg stimulating med. Beware, Tricare considers "infertility" to be someone who has trying to get pregnant for a year or longer (you might want to double check the manual online), so if you have to fudge your "trying" time a little, do so or they WILL make you wait.

Julie
US Navy (wife to Mark 24 w/CF)

 

[jaime]

Cariann,

First of all, even if you are not thinking of getting pregnant you should definately see your doctor if you havent had a period for four months, especially if you were regular before. If you are very malnourished your period could stop because of that, or if you have a hormonal imbalance or something. I would definately call your GYN and at least run it by them- see what they say. They may want to run some blood tests or something.

Its true that pregnancy would be tough on your body--with PFTs in the 40s it may not be the best idea. As for surrogacy, I agree with Emily and Julie that it sounds like you have a wonderful option there with your sister being so willing to help you out. That is very nice of her. If you do go that route you will have to do IVF and it sounds like from what Julie said that your insurance wont pay for it, which really stinks, but at least you know that you already have a surrogate lined up.

I hope everything works out for you and your husband--whatever route you choose to take!

 

[anonymous]

Thank you guys that responded to my posts! I think that i will call my gyno and let them know and also i think i will check into clomid. So thanks again i will update when i chose a route!!!

 

[jaime]

one more thing, if you do take clomid please make sure you are closely monitored by your doctor. Because clomid stimulates your ovaries to produce more eggs, if you are taking too high a dose you will produce multiple eggs. This will increase your chances of having twins, triplets, etc..... bottom line, please be cautious and make sure you follow your doctors orders with any fertility treatments.

 

[HollyCatheryn]

Cariann, I've recently finished a website addressing in detail most of the questions you asked. It is <A href="http://www.geocites.com/murrensnaturemama">www.geocites.com/murrensnaturemama</A> There is a lot of research about under what circumstances pregnancy is most likely to be healthy for both mother and baby as well as a lot of options on how to deal with pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. There is a large section on fertility as well and addresses some tof the reasons you may not be having periods as well as what sort of non-invasive, non-drug therapies you can do to try to get your body working properly. This is a great starting point in your research and will give you lots of links and references of other places to look for more information. I hope this helps you. Remember to take the absolute best care of yourself possible because you want to be as healthy and active a mom afterward as you can possibly be. You want not to just have a baby, but to really enjoy that child's life and the life you have with your new husband. After you check that out, please contact me if you have specific questions that were not answered or if you have comments or suggestions on the site itself. Good luck and happy marriage to you.

 

[anonymous]

I am 30ith Cf I have 3 children through In vitro. We tried for 3 years by ourselves. Howver I have to say My FEV1 was 70 before I got Pregnant, and now it is in the 40-30's. Some people do well, but it does take it's toll. ALot of Docs won't help you with out your Cf Doc Consulting, Especially if Pft's are below 50! Try to remember This is what I tell other Gals with Cf. Do you want to have a baby or do you want to be a mother? If you have someone willing to have a baby for you do it, that way maybe wou will be around to enjoy that new life for alot longer! I love my children, and the hardest thing for me is that one day I may not be here for them, So I cherish every second!

Also, Don't forget to have your husband genotyped!