Risky or not?

[jennylivingston]

I was told by an OB specializing in high-risk pregnancies that her "magic number" was 70%, but my doctor at the CF clinic strongly disagreed. She seemed to think there were other factors that played a bigger role in pregnancy than any specific number.

For me personally (which is not to say it would be the case for everyone) my lung function dropped a LITTLE during pregnancy, but it was the demands of taking care of a newborn (among other things) that really took a toll on my body. I spent most of my life with an FEV1 in the high 90's, but by the time my baby was 3 months old I was at 27%. I'm doing A LOT BETTER now, but I'm still nowhere near that 90%...

There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to such a big decision. Best of luck in your research and decision making! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

 

[jennylivingston]

I was told by an OB specializing in high-risk pregnancies that her "magic number" was 70%, but my doctor at the CF clinic strongly disagreed. She seemed to think there were other factors that played a bigger role in pregnancy than any specific number.

For me personally (which is not to say it would be the case for everyone) my lung function dropped a LITTLE during pregnancy, but it was the demands of taking care of a newborn (among other things) that really took a toll on my body. I spent most of my life with an FEV1 in the high 90's, but by the time my baby was 3 months old I was at 27%. I'm doing A LOT BETTER now, but I'm still nowhere near that 90%...

There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to such a big decision. Best of luck in your research and decision making! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

 

[jennylivingston]

I was told by an OB specializing in high-risk pregnancies that her "magic number" was 70%, but my doctor at the CF clinic strongly disagreed. She seemed to think there were other factors that played a bigger role in pregnancy than any specific number.

For me personally (which is not to say it would be the case for everyone) my lung function dropped a LITTLE during pregnancy, but it was the demands of taking care of a newborn (among other things) that really took a toll on my body. I spent most of my life with an FEV1 in the high 90's, but by the time my baby was 3 months old I was at 27%. I'm doing A LOT BETTER now, but I'm still nowhere near that 90%...

There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to such a big decision. Best of luck in your research and decision making! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

 

[jennylivingston]

I was told by an OB specializing in high-risk pregnancies that her "magic number" was 70%, but my doctor at the CF clinic strongly disagreed. She seemed to think there were other factors that played a bigger role in pregnancy than any specific number.

For me personally (which is not to say it would be the case for everyone) my lung function dropped a LITTLE during pregnancy, but it was the demands of taking care of a newborn (among other things) that really took a toll on my body. I spent most of my life with an FEV1 in the high 90's, but by the time my baby was 3 months old I was at 27%. I'm doing A LOT BETTER now, but I'm still nowhere near that 90%...

There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to such a big decision. Best of luck in your research and decision making! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

 

[jennylivingston]

I was told by an OB specializing in high-risk pregnancies that her "magic number" was 70%, but my doctor at the CF clinic strongly disagreed. She seemed to think there were other factors that played a bigger role in pregnancy than any specific number.
<br />
<br />For me personally (which is not to say it would be the case for everyone) my lung function dropped a LITTLE during pregnancy, but it was the demands of taking care of a newborn (among other things) that really took a toll on my body. I spent most of my life with an FEV1 in the high 90's, but by the time my baby was 3 months old I was at 27%. I'm doing A LOT BETTER now, but I'm still nowhere near that 90%...
<br />
<br />There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to such a big decision. Best of luck in your research and decision making! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

 

[mamaScarlett]

posted my thoughts on the thread under preg. btw-yes, the concensus seems to be that its not 'so' much the preg, but afterwards that poses the biggest risks.

 

[mamaScarlett]

posted my thoughts on the thread under preg. btw-yes, the concensus seems to be that its not 'so' much the preg, but afterwards that poses the biggest risks.

 

[mamaScarlett]

posted my thoughts on the thread under preg. btw-yes, the concensus seems to be that its not 'so' much the preg, but afterwards that poses the biggest risks.

 

[mamaScarlett]

posted my thoughts on the thread under preg. btw-yes, the concensus seems to be that its not 'so' much the preg, but afterwards that poses the biggest risks.

 

[mamaScarlett]

posted my thoughts on the thread under preg. btw-yes, the concensus seems to be that its not 'so' much the preg, but afterwards that poses the biggest risks.

 

[Shine]

Thanks for your comments everyone, They have been helpful <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I know every cfer is different when it comes to pregnancy. It just helps to bounce off things with others here. As you can tend to feel quite alone when it comes to big life decisions like this.

Also I'm guessing some other factors to think about are weight & nutrition perhaps, even getting fitness up as best you can?

I've never seemed to have a problem with weight gain, although I had a lot of painful recurring bowel issues like suffering dios (bowel blockages) 5 -6 times in a year.
So this is also a concern for me with being pregnant. as I as told you can get quite constipated while being pregnant too.
Has anyone had this happen to them?

My concern above about fev1 % is bc if I get a cold for instants it takes me months to get over and can leave me with lesser lung function or I end up in hospital.
I've just had i.vs 6 months ago to try and stay well for IUI but since this last lot of i.vs, I feel my health has not picked up as well as I would have liked <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">
As usually when I'm on i.vs it takes around 2 months to start feeling better...but this time it's not the case and I'm exhausted all the time and my lungs feel like crap.

I should of mention this earlier in my post above, that I've had pseudo since I was 4 and it's been a constant fight to stay well. And since this age and onwards, I've had 2 - 3 courses of iv antibiotics every year. Although some years it can be 2 times a year.
So I guess the reason I'm a little scared about it going through with it... cause not sure my body will handle the after bit of pregnancy. Given I've had 2 heavy growth strains of pseudomonas aeruginose & 1 strain of muciod pseudomonas pretty much the last 25yrs of my life.

Sorry if this is too much information just felt it was important that you knew why I was concerned about lung function in pregnancy from my last post.

To answer your question Piper, yes I do cope with a lot infections.
This has been very much a struggle for me.

 

[Shine]

Thanks for your comments everyone, They have been helpful <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I know every cfer is different when it comes to pregnancy. It just helps to bounce off things with others here. As you can tend to feel quite alone when it comes to big life decisions like this.

Also I'm guessing some other factors to think about are weight & nutrition perhaps, even getting fitness up as best you can?

I've never seemed to have a problem with weight gain, although I had a lot of painful recurring bowel issues like suffering dios (bowel blockages) 5 -6 times in a year.
So this is also a concern for me with being pregnant. as I as told you can get quite constipated while being pregnant too.
Has anyone had this happen to them?

My concern above about fev1 % is bc if I get a cold for instants it takes me months to get over and can leave me with lesser lung function or I end up in hospital.
I've just had i.vs 6 months ago to try and stay well for IUI but since this last lot of i.vs, I feel my health has not picked up as well as I would have liked <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">
As usually when I'm on i.vs it takes around 2 months to start feeling better...but this time it's not the case and I'm exhausted all the time and my lungs feel like crap.

I should of mention this earlier in my post above, that I've had pseudo since I was 4 and it's been a constant fight to stay well. And since this age and onwards, I've had 2 - 3 courses of iv antibiotics every year. Although some years it can be 2 times a year.
So I guess the reason I'm a little scared about it going through with it... cause not sure my body will handle the after bit of pregnancy. Given I've had 2 heavy growth strains of pseudomonas aeruginose & 1 strain of muciod pseudomonas pretty much the last 25yrs of my life.

Sorry if this is too much information just felt it was important that you knew why I was concerned about lung function in pregnancy from my last post.

To answer your question Piper, yes I do cope with a lot infections.
This has been very much a struggle for me.

 

[Shine]

Thanks for your comments everyone, They have been helpful <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I know every cfer is different when it comes to pregnancy. It just helps to bounce off things with others here. As you can tend to feel quite alone when it comes to big life decisions like this.

Also I'm guessing some other factors to think about are weight & nutrition perhaps, even getting fitness up as best you can?

I've never seemed to have a problem with weight gain, although I had a lot of painful recurring bowel issues like suffering dios (bowel blockages) 5 -6 times in a year.
So this is also a concern for me with being pregnant. as I as told you can get quite constipated while being pregnant too.
Has anyone had this happen to them?

My concern above about fev1 % is bc if I get a cold for instants it takes me months to get over and can leave me with lesser lung function or I end up in hospital.
I've just had i.vs 6 months ago to try and stay well for IUI but since this last lot of i.vs, I feel my health has not picked up as well as I would have liked <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">
As usually when I'm on i.vs it takes around 2 months to start feeling better...but this time it's not the case and I'm exhausted all the time and my lungs feel like crap.

I should of mention this earlier in my post above, that I've had pseudo since I was 4 and it's been a constant fight to stay well. And since this age and onwards, I've had 2 - 3 courses of iv antibiotics every year. Although some years it can be 2 times a year.
So I guess the reason I'm a little scared about it going through with it... cause not sure my body will handle the after bit of pregnancy. Given I've had 2 heavy growth strains of pseudomonas aeruginose & 1 strain of muciod pseudomonas pretty much the last 25yrs of my life.

Sorry if this is too much information just felt it was important that you knew why I was concerned about lung function in pregnancy from my last post.

To answer your question Piper, yes I do cope with a lot infections.
This has been very much a struggle for me.

 

[Shine]

Thanks for your comments everyone, They have been helpful <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I know every cfer is different when it comes to pregnancy. It just helps to bounce off things with others here. As you can tend to feel quite alone when it comes to big life decisions like this.

Also I'm guessing some other factors to think about are weight & nutrition perhaps, even getting fitness up as best you can?

I've never seemed to have a problem with weight gain, although I had a lot of painful recurring bowel issues like suffering dios (bowel blockages) 5 -6 times in a year.
So this is also a concern for me with being pregnant. as I as told you can get quite constipated while being pregnant too.
Has anyone had this happen to them?

My concern above about fev1 % is bc if I get a cold for instants it takes me months to get over and can leave me with lesser lung function or I end up in hospital.
I've just had i.vs 6 months ago to try and stay well for IUI but since this last lot of i.vs, I feel my health has not picked up as well as I would have liked <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">
As usually when I'm on i.vs it takes around 2 months to start feeling better...but this time it's not the case and I'm exhausted all the time and my lungs feel like crap.

I should of mention this earlier in my post above, that I've had pseudo since I was 4 and it's been a constant fight to stay well. And since this age and onwards, I've had 2 - 3 courses of iv antibiotics every year. Although some years it can be 2 times a year.
So I guess the reason I'm a little scared about it going through with it... cause not sure my body will handle the after bit of pregnancy. Given I've had 2 heavy growth strains of pseudomonas aeruginose & 1 strain of muciod pseudomonas pretty much the last 25yrs of my life.

Sorry if this is too much information just felt it was important that you knew why I was concerned about lung function in pregnancy from my last post.

To answer your question Piper, yes I do cope with a lot infections.
This has been very much a struggle for me.

 

[Shine]

Thanks for your comments everyone, They have been helpful <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />I know every cfer is different when it comes to pregnancy. It just helps to bounce off things with others here. As you can tend to feel quite alone when it comes to big life decisions like this.
<br />
<br />Also I'm guessing some other factors to think about are weight & nutrition perhaps, even getting fitness up as best you can?
<br />
<br />I've never seemed to have a problem with weight gain, although I had a lot of painful recurring bowel issues like suffering dios (bowel blockages) 5 -6 times in a year.
<br />So this is also a concern for me with being pregnant. as I as told you can get quite constipated while being pregnant too.
<br />Has anyone had this happen to them?
<br />
<br />My concern above about fev1 % is bc if I get a cold for instants it takes me months to get over and can leave me with lesser lung function or I end up in hospital.
<br />I've just had i.vs 6 months ago to try and stay well for IUI but since this last lot of i.vs, I feel my health has not picked up as well as I would have liked <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">
<br />As usually when I'm on i.vs it takes around 2 months to start feeling better...but this time it's not the case and I'm exhausted all the time and my lungs feel like crap.
<br />
<br />I should of mention this earlier in my post above, that I've had pseudo since I was 4 and it's been a constant fight to stay well. And since this age and onwards, I've had 2 - 3 courses of iv antibiotics every year. Although some years it can be 2 times a year.
<br />So I guess the reason I'm a little scared about it going through with it... cause not sure my body will handle the after bit of pregnancy. Given I've had 2 heavy growth strains of pseudomonas aeruginose & 1 strain of muciod pseudomonas pretty much the last 25yrs of my life.
<br />
<br />Sorry if this is too much information just felt it was important that you knew why I was concerned about lung function in pregnancy from my last post.
<br />
<br />To answer your question Piper, yes I do cope with a lot infections.
<br />This has been very much a struggle for me.

 

[NYCLawGirl]

You know what, I'm going to say something that might not be hugely popular:

I think if you're this worried about your health and have as many legitimate concerns as you seem to have, maybe this isn't the time for you to have a baby.

I'm so so so sorry if that sounds insensitive, and I obviously have no real insight into your personal condition so I hope you'll take all of this with the necessary grain of salt, but it sounds as though you are coping with a LOT, between the depression/loss of your father and your current state of not feeling so well for the past 6 months. I'm not a doctor (far, far from it), but if it were me facing all that I might not want to subject myself to additional fertility/insemination procedures on top of it all.

Is there something you could add into your routine to maybe boost your health a little? Exercise, maybe? I am not implying that you're doing anything wrong (believe me, I suffer from NASTY PA myself and have HUGE problems with infections), but sometimes just adding an extra treatment or a walk every day can make a pretty big difference. Also, is there someone you can talk to about your health/fertility/depression issues? I know for me personally having a therapist who specializes in chronic health issues has been a Godsend. I just enjoy having someone objective to listen to me talk for an hour each week <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

At any rate I would DEFINITELY ask your CF doc about the bowel obstruction issues with pregnancy, if you haven't already. And I would remember that there's no hard and fast rule that says you have to get WORSE every year with CF -- sometimes it really is better to wait and hold off on major life changes until we're in a better place emotionally and physically.

I'm sending you lots of good vibes from NYC. Whatever you decide I know you'll get lots of wonderful support here <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[NYCLawGirl]

You know what, I'm going to say something that might not be hugely popular:

I think if you're this worried about your health and have as many legitimate concerns as you seem to have, maybe this isn't the time for you to have a baby.

I'm so so so sorry if that sounds insensitive, and I obviously have no real insight into your personal condition so I hope you'll take all of this with the necessary grain of salt, but it sounds as though you are coping with a LOT, between the depression/loss of your father and your current state of not feeling so well for the past 6 months. I'm not a doctor (far, far from it), but if it were me facing all that I might not want to subject myself to additional fertility/insemination procedures on top of it all.

Is there something you could add into your routine to maybe boost your health a little? Exercise, maybe? I am not implying that you're doing anything wrong (believe me, I suffer from NASTY PA myself and have HUGE problems with infections), but sometimes just adding an extra treatment or a walk every day can make a pretty big difference. Also, is there someone you can talk to about your health/fertility/depression issues? I know for me personally having a therapist who specializes in chronic health issues has been a Godsend. I just enjoy having someone objective to listen to me talk for an hour each week <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

At any rate I would DEFINITELY ask your CF doc about the bowel obstruction issues with pregnancy, if you haven't already. And I would remember that there's no hard and fast rule that says you have to get WORSE every year with CF -- sometimes it really is better to wait and hold off on major life changes until we're in a better place emotionally and physically.

I'm sending you lots of good vibes from NYC. Whatever you decide I know you'll get lots of wonderful support here <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[NYCLawGirl]

You know what, I'm going to say something that might not be hugely popular:

I think if you're this worried about your health and have as many legitimate concerns as you seem to have, maybe this isn't the time for you to have a baby.

I'm so so so sorry if that sounds insensitive, and I obviously have no real insight into your personal condition so I hope you'll take all of this with the necessary grain of salt, but it sounds as though you are coping with a LOT, between the depression/loss of your father and your current state of not feeling so well for the past 6 months. I'm not a doctor (far, far from it), but if it were me facing all that I might not want to subject myself to additional fertility/insemination procedures on top of it all.

Is there something you could add into your routine to maybe boost your health a little? Exercise, maybe? I am not implying that you're doing anything wrong (believe me, I suffer from NASTY PA myself and have HUGE problems with infections), but sometimes just adding an extra treatment or a walk every day can make a pretty big difference. Also, is there someone you can talk to about your health/fertility/depression issues? I know for me personally having a therapist who specializes in chronic health issues has been a Godsend. I just enjoy having someone objective to listen to me talk for an hour each week <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

At any rate I would DEFINITELY ask your CF doc about the bowel obstruction issues with pregnancy, if you haven't already. And I would remember that there's no hard and fast rule that says you have to get WORSE every year with CF -- sometimes it really is better to wait and hold off on major life changes until we're in a better place emotionally and physically.

I'm sending you lots of good vibes from NYC. Whatever you decide I know you'll get lots of wonderful support here <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[NYCLawGirl]

You know what, I'm going to say something that might not be hugely popular:

I think if you're this worried about your health and have as many legitimate concerns as you seem to have, maybe this isn't the time for you to have a baby.

I'm so so so sorry if that sounds insensitive, and I obviously have no real insight into your personal condition so I hope you'll take all of this with the necessary grain of salt, but it sounds as though you are coping with a LOT, between the depression/loss of your father and your current state of not feeling so well for the past 6 months. I'm not a doctor (far, far from it), but if it were me facing all that I might not want to subject myself to additional fertility/insemination procedures on top of it all.

Is there something you could add into your routine to maybe boost your health a little? Exercise, maybe? I am not implying that you're doing anything wrong (believe me, I suffer from NASTY PA myself and have HUGE problems with infections), but sometimes just adding an extra treatment or a walk every day can make a pretty big difference. Also, is there someone you can talk to about your health/fertility/depression issues? I know for me personally having a therapist who specializes in chronic health issues has been a Godsend. I just enjoy having someone objective to listen to me talk for an hour each week <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

At any rate I would DEFINITELY ask your CF doc about the bowel obstruction issues with pregnancy, if you haven't already. And I would remember that there's no hard and fast rule that says you have to get WORSE every year with CF -- sometimes it really is better to wait and hold off on major life changes until we're in a better place emotionally and physically.

I'm sending you lots of good vibes from NYC. Whatever you decide I know you'll get lots of wonderful support here <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[NYCLawGirl]

You know what, I'm going to say something that might not be hugely popular:
<br />
<br />I think if you're this worried about your health and have as many legitimate concerns as you seem to have, maybe this isn't the time for you to have a baby.
<br />
<br />I'm so so so sorry if that sounds insensitive, and I obviously have no real insight into your personal condition so I hope you'll take all of this with the necessary grain of salt, but it sounds as though you are coping with a LOT, between the depression/loss of your father and your current state of not feeling so well for the past 6 months. I'm not a doctor (far, far from it), but if it were me facing all that I might not want to subject myself to additional fertility/insemination procedures on top of it all.
<br />
<br />Is there something you could add into your routine to maybe boost your health a little? Exercise, maybe? I am not implying that you're doing anything wrong (believe me, I suffer from NASTY PA myself and have HUGE problems with infections), but sometimes just adding an extra treatment or a walk every day can make a pretty big difference. Also, is there someone you can talk to about your health/fertility/depression issues? I know for me personally having a therapist who specializes in chronic health issues has been a Godsend. I just enjoy having someone objective to listen to me talk for an hour each week <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />At any rate I would DEFINITELY ask your CF doc about the bowel obstruction issues with pregnancy, if you haven't already. And I would remember that there's no hard and fast rule that says you have to get WORSE every year with CF -- sometimes it really is better to wait and hold off on major life changes until we're in a better place emotionally and physically.
<br />
<br />I'm sending you lots of good vibes from NYC. Whatever you decide I know you'll get lots of wonderful support here <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">