Seeking Advice

mmurray0702 · Jul 12, 2011

Hi Everyone! This is my first time ever posting on the forums, though I have read through them often. I've combed through the pregnancy forum pretty heavily and have also been going through research studies online regarding CF and pregnancy. On here, it seems that many people have had successful pregnancies and are healthy following delivery. On the web, however, I see conflicting reports about PFTs declining after the birth of a baby and then others say that pregnancy has little to do with early death for CF women. <div> </div><div>My husband and I have talked thoroughly and we are ready to start a family but I can't help but feel apprehensive about the idea of pregnancy. Obviously, I want to live a long healthy life with my family but I also want children. I have wanted kids since I can remember. I'm a mommy at heart. That being said, we have talked to my CF doctor and she said now would be a great time to have kids because my PFT's are pretty stable and I haven't had any exasperation for awhile now (knock on wood). My FEV1 is at 81-84% for the past few years now and I have been integrating an exercise plan into my life so hopefully that will raise them up even a bit. Regardless, I'm looking for advice on what others have done. If my CF doctor thinks pregnancy is ok, then perhaps it is the way to go but how hard was it for you CF moms out there to maintain all your treatments following the birth of your child? </div><div> </div><div>Any suggestions, advice, or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance! </div>

mmurray0702 · Jul 12, 2011

Hi Everyone! This is my first time ever posting on the forums, though I have read through them often. I've combed through the pregnancy forum pretty heavily and have also been going through research studies online regarding CF and pregnancy. On here, it seems that many people have had successful pregnancies and are healthy following delivery. On the web, however, I see conflicting reports about PFTs declining after the birth of a baby and then others say that pregnancy has little to do with early death for CF women. My husband and I have talked thoroughly and we are ready to start a family but I can't help but feel apprehensive about the idea of pregnancy. Obviously, I want to live a long healthy life with my family but I also want children. I have wanted kids since I can remember. I'm a mommy at heart. That being said, we have talked to my CF doctor and she said now would be a great time to have kids because my PFT's are pretty stable and I haven't had anyexasperation for awhile now (knock on wood). My FEV1 is at 81-84% for the past few years now and I have been integrating an exercise plan into my life so hopefully that will raise them up even a bit. Regardless, I'm looking for advice on what others have done. If my CF doctor thinks pregnancy is ok, then perhaps it is the way to go but how hard was it for you CF moms out there to maintain all your treatments following the birth of your child? Any suggestions, advice, or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

mmurray0702 · Jul 12, 2011

Hi Everyone! This is my first time ever posting on the forums, though I have read through them often. I've combed through the pregnancy forum pretty heavily and have also been going through research studies online regarding CF and pregnancy. On here, it seems that many people have had successful pregnancies and are healthy following delivery. On the web, however, I see conflicting reports about PFTs declining after the birth of a baby and then others say that pregnancy has little to do with early death for CF women. My husband and I have talked thoroughly and we are ready to start a family but I can't help but feel apprehensive about the idea of pregnancy. Obviously, I want to live a long healthy life with my family but I also want children. I have wanted kids since I can remember. I'm a mommy at heart. That being said, we have talked to my CF doctor and she said now would be a great time to have kids because my PFT's are pretty stable and I haven't had anyexasperation for awhile now (knock on wood). My FEV1 is at 81-84% for the past few years now and I have been integrating an exercise plan into my life so hopefully that will raise them up even a bit. Regardless, I'm looking for advice on what others have done. If my CF doctor thinks pregnancy is ok, then perhaps it is the way to go but how hard was it for you CF moms out there to maintain all your treatments following the birth of your child? Any suggestions, advice, or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

rubyroselee · Jul 12, 2011

Hi there! 
Wow, how exciting! I completely remember those feelings when I was thinking about pregnancy. I was always under the impression that it was too risky for CF women to have babies, so I was pretty sure I would never be pregnant. However, when I found this forum, I found out that there were a LOT of CF women having babies and they were doing just fine! That's when I started talking about the idea of getting pregnant with my CF team. They were very up front and honest with me that it is likely that I will be fine and stay healthy, but there's always that chance that things could go downhill. My PFT's have remained stable since my teens (in the mid-80's to low 90's) and my weight was also stable and slightly overweight. My doctor warned me about getting gestational diabetes and then developing CFRD from the pregnancy. Although, it looks like you already have CFRD, so that is something else you have to consider when getting pregnant. The types of questions you may be faced with are: What if you get sick during pregnancy - will you go on IV's that could potential harm the baby? What maintenance meds will you have to come off so that you won't harm the baby? What happens when you get sick after you have the child - will you have someone to help you? Etc, etc. 
Luckily for me, I was able to stay off IV's during my pregnancy, but I did do inhaled antibiotics since that was the only way to keep me healthy. My lungs got a bit junky during the pregnancy due to the decreased space for lung expansion with the baby's growth. I also had a really difficult time post-partum due to the pain and got sick from not being able to cough. My exhaustion after the baby was born (primarily due to him being colicky) made my health suffer quite a bit and my PFT's dropped about 30%. My weight was also down about 20 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. 
HOWEVER, there was light at the end of the tunnel <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> My kids are nwo 3 and 4, and things are going just fine now! My health is right back where it was pre-pregnancy (took about a year to get straightened out). My PFT's are now back in the low-90's and my weight is actually a bit too high at the moment (I guess it's "happy" fat). So I had a very good experience overall with pregnancy and childbirth and had no major complications. Just realize that it's a rollercoaster of a ride and you never know quite what to expect. 
Good luck!

rubyroselee · Jul 12, 2011

Hi there! 
Wow, how exciting! I completely remember those feelings when I was thinking about pregnancy. I was always under the impression that it was too risky for CF women to have babies, so I was pretty sure I would never be pregnant. However, when I found this forum, I found out that there were a LOT of CF women having babies and they were doing just fine! That's when I started talking about the idea of getting pregnant with my CF team. They were very up front and honest with me that it is likely that I will be fine and stay healthy, but there's always that chance that things could go downhill. My PFT's have remained stable since my teens (in the mid-80's to low 90's) and my weight was also stable and slightly overweight. My doctor warned me about getting gestational diabetes and then developing CFRD from the pregnancy. Although, it looks like you already have CFRD, so that is something else you have to consider when getting pregnant. The types of questions you may be faced with are: What if you get sick during pregnancy - will you go on IV's that could potential harm the baby? What maintenance meds will you have to come off so that you won't harm the baby? What happens when you get sick after you have the child - will you have someone to help you? Etc, etc. 
Luckily for me, I was able to stay off IV's during my pregnancy, but I did do inhaled antibiotics since that was the only way to keep me healthy. My lungs got a bit junky during the pregnancy due to the decreased space for lung expansion with the baby's growth. I also had a really difficult time post-partum due to the pain and got sick from not being able to cough. My exhaustion after the baby was born (primarily due to him being colicky) made my health suffer quite a bit and my PFT's dropped about 30%. My weight was also down about 20 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. 
HOWEVER, there was light at the end of the tunnel <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> My kids are nwo 3 and 4, and things are going just fine now! My health is right back where it was pre-pregnancy (took about a year to get straightened out). My PFT's are now back in the low-90's and my weight is actually a bit too high at the moment (I guess it's "happy" fat). So I had a very good experience overall with pregnancy and childbirth and had no major complications. Just realize that it's a rollercoaster of a ride and you never know quite what to expect. 
Good luck!

rubyroselee · Jul 12, 2011

Hi there! 
Wow, how exciting! I completely remember those feelings when I was thinking about pregnancy. I was always under the impression that it was too risky for CF women to have babies, so I was pretty sure I would never be pregnant. However, when I found this forum, I found out that there were a LOT of CF women having babies and they were doing just fine! That's when I started talking about the idea of getting pregnant with my CF team. They were very up front and honest with me that it is likely that I will be fine and stay healthy, but there's always that chance that things could go downhill. My PFT's have remained stable since my teens (in the mid-80's to low 90's) and my weight was also stable and slightly overweight. My doctor warned me about getting gestational diabetes and then developing CFRD from the pregnancy. Although, it looks like you already have CFRD, so that is something else you have to consider when getting pregnant. The types of questions you may be faced with are: What if you get sick during pregnancy - will you go on IV's that could potential harm the baby? What maintenance meds will you have to come off so that you won't harm the baby? What happens when you get sick after you have the child - will you have someone to help you? Etc, etc. 
Luckily for me, I was able to stay off IV's during my pregnancy, but I did do inhaled antibiotics since that was the only way to keep me healthy. My lungs got a bit junky during the pregnancy due to the decreased space for lung expansion with the baby's growth. I also had a really difficult time post-partum due to the pain and got sick from not being able to cough. My exhaustion after the baby was born (primarily due to him being colicky) made my health suffer quite a bit and my PFT's dropped about 30%. My weight was also down about 20 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. 
HOWEVER, there was light at the end of the tunnel <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> My kids are nwo 3 and 4, and things are going just fine now! My health is right back where it was pre-pregnancy (took about a year to get straightened out). My PFT's are now back in the low-90's and my weight is actually a bit too high at the moment (I guess it's "happy" fat). So I had a very good experience overall with pregnancy and childbirth and had no major complications. Just realize that it's a rollercoaster of a ride and you never know quite what to expect. 
Good luck!

LouLou · Jul 12, 2011

Hi, Welcome! Well you've probably read a lot of my posts so I'll keep it brief but feel free to ask me anything you may want to know. Stabililty is key and I'm glad you've got it. I had it for years but have not regained it since my pregnancy. Healthy boy born 7/2007. I don't blame the pregnancy rather, the stress of being a new mother and contracting MRSA which I see you also have. I'd be interested to hear how you have your PA and MRSA under control. I seem to always be at a battle with one or the other. My pregnancy was euphoric. I'd do it again in a heartbeat if it didn't result in a baby that I had to care for LOL! I'll be honest, I never imagined how much I would get sick from my son. I used to get colds like twice a year. In the previous 4 years there has been at least one 12 month period where I got sick 10 times. It's difficult to remain stable during this much illness. 
 
I wouldn't change a thing in the world though...but it makes me hesitate to even dream of having a second. As far as numbers, my FEV1 hasn't changed that much at all since getting pregnant in 2006 until now. I just work a lot harder to maintain and deal with differing infections that require much more agressive IV abx care. I'm glad to hear you are exercising. I was in aerobics class the week I delivered. I could be exercising more now and will begin soon.
 
So to sum it up, pregnancy isn't hard it's the motherhood in my opinion that is. IMHO the urge to be a mom isn't going to go away. It may or may not after having one. Your lung function is good and your age is great. Seems like now is as good a time as ever will be for you should you decide to have a child. Then you'll get through it and possibly convince yourself that the best thing to do is to give this child a sibling. Times a tickin....

LouLou · Jul 12, 2011

Hi, Welcome! Well you've probably read a lot of my posts so I'll keep it brief but feel free to ask me anything you may want to know. Stabililty is key and I'm glad you've got it. I had it for years but have not regained it since my pregnancy. Healthy boy born 7/2007. I don't blame the pregnancy rather, the stress of being a new mother and contracting MRSA which I see you also have. I'd be interested to hear how you have your PA and MRSA under control. I seem to always be at a battle with one or the other. My pregnancy was euphoric. I'd do it again in a heartbeat if it didn't result in a baby that I had to care for LOL! I'll be honest, I never imagined how much I would get sick from my son. I used to get colds like twice a year. In the previous 4 years there has been at least one 12 month period where I got sick 10 times.It's difficult to remain stable during this much illness. 

I wouldn't change a thing in the world though...but it makes me hesitate to even dream of having a second. As far as numbers, my FEV1 hasn't changed that much at all since getting pregnant in 2006 until now. I just work a lot harder to maintain and deal with differing infections that require much more agressive IV abx care. I'm glad to hear you are exercising. I was in aerobics class the week I delivered. I could be exercising more now and will begin soon.

So to sum it up, pregnancy isn't hard it's the motherhood in my opinion that is.IMHO theurge to be a mom isn't going to go away. It may or may not after having one. Your lung function is good and your age is great. Seems like now is as good a time as ever will be for you should you decide to have a child. Then you'll get through it and possibly convince yourself that the best thing to do is to give this child a sibling. Times a tickin....

LouLou · Jul 12, 2011

Hi, Welcome! Well you've probably read a lot of my posts so I'll keep it brief but feel free to ask me anything you may want to know. Stabililty is key and I'm glad you've got it. I had it for years but have not regained it since my pregnancy. Healthy boy born 7/2007. I don't blame the pregnancy rather, the stress of being a new mother and contracting MRSA which I see you also have. I'd be interested to hear how you have your PA and MRSA under control. I seem to always be at a battle with one or the other. My pregnancy was euphoric. I'd do it again in a heartbeat if it didn't result in a baby that I had to care for LOL! I'll be honest, I never imagined how much I would get sick from my son. I used to get colds like twice a year. In the previous 4 years there has been at least one 12 month period where I got sick 10 times.It's difficult to remain stable during this much illness. 

I wouldn't change a thing in the world though...but it makes me hesitate to even dream of having a second. As far as numbers, my FEV1 hasn't changed that much at all since getting pregnant in 2006 until now. I just work a lot harder to maintain and deal with differing infections that require much more agressive IV abx care. I'm glad to hear you are exercising. I was in aerobics class the week I delivered. I could be exercising more now and will begin soon.

So to sum it up, pregnancy isn't hard it's the motherhood in my opinion that is.IMHO theurge to be a mom isn't going to go away. It may or may not after having one. Your lung function is good and your age is great. Seems like now is as good a time as ever will be for you should you decide to have a child. Then you'll get through it and possibly convince yourself that the best thing to do is to give this child a sibling. Times a tickin....

mmurray0702 · Jul 13, 2011

Thank you so much Leah and Lauren for your responses. It gives me a lot to think about and a lot to hope for at the same time.

I'm so glad you are both doing well following your pregnancies. It is so nice to hear advice from people who have gone through the process. I have been trying to weigh the positives and negatives just to balance every idea out and see which is best for us.

Lauren, I am sorry to hear how much you are sick because I can imagine it only makes it that much more draining and demanding on your body to take care of your son. I, also, am concerned about that. I actually got my degree in education and have been subbing but my husband and I are in the position where once I become pregnant, I won't be working at all. I hope that will keep a majority of the bugs away from me (though he's a teacher as well and he brings home stuff too). I feel like staying away from sick people is half the battle and having kids means being around sickies a lot...and they want their mommy when they're sick.

I originally wanted to wait to tell my parents we were considering having children but I realized that I will need their support too. I talked to them and they are beyond supportive. They realize I probably will have a PICC at some point when the baby is young (although obviously, I hope not) and they have both said that family is there for a reason. I am blessed to have such supportive family: my parents AND my husband. I think that's one of the biggest things I have going for me.

Leah, thank you so much for all the questions to ask and consider. I see my CF team on Thursday (we leave for WDW on Friday so it's a crazy week up here for us) and I was hoping to have some questions to address with them. I really appreciate it!

Lauren, as far as the MRSA and the P.A., I have been very very fortunate with both. I have been on a PICC once for them and that was following Sinus Surgery (mostly to take care of the open areas in my sinus cavities more than my lungs). I actually had eradicated the P.A. following my first treatment of Cayston but it has returned already (though it's a small amount). The MRSA is more difficult. I have had few complications with it so far and because of that have not needed IV interventions. I'm allergic to Sulfa drugs which makes it difficult for them to treat it and therefore they only want to if they have to. I just keep praying that I can bring enough of it up to keep the levels down. I used to exercise a LOT in high school but quit after that and that was when I saw my lung function decline from the 100% to the 80% I just started up a new exercise program which works well for me because it builds me up slowly. I am trying to get to where I can run 2 miles and not be totally out of breath. Right now..I run/walk for just over a mile but it's going to take time to build up to that point. I just feel that exercise is the best way to keep us healthy.

Thank you both again..I welcome any more suggestions or advice because I still am weighing the options.

mmurray0702 · Jul 13, 2011

Thank you so much Leah and Lauren for your responses. It gives me a lot to think about and a lot to hope for at the same time.

I'm so glad you are both doing well following your pregnancies. It is so nice to hear advice from people who have gone through the process. I have been trying to weigh the positives and negatives just to balance every idea out and see which is best for us.

Lauren, I am sorry to hear how much you are sick because I can imagine it only makes it that much more draining and demanding on your body to take care of your son. I, also, am concerned about that. I actually got my degree in education and have been subbing but my husband and I are in the position where once I become pregnant, I won't be working at all. I hope that will keep a majority of the bugs away from me (though he's a teacher as well and he brings home stuff too). I feel like staying away from sick people is half the battle and having kids means being around sickies a lot...and they want their mommy when they're sick.

I originally wanted to wait to tell my parents we were considering having children but I realized that I will need their support too. I talked to them and they are beyond supportive. They realize I probably will have a PICC at some point when the baby is young (although obviously, I hope not) and they have both said that family is there for a reason. I am blessed to have such supportive family: my parents AND my husband. I think that's one of the biggest things I have going for me.

Leah, thank you so much for all the questions to ask and consider. I see my CF team on Thursday (we leave for WDW on Friday so it's a crazy week up here for us) and I was hoping to have some questions to address with them. I really appreciate it!

Lauren, as far as the MRSA and the P.A., I have been very very fortunate with both. I have been on a PICC once for them and that was following Sinus Surgery (mostly to take care of the open areas in my sinus cavities more than my lungs). I actually had eradicated the P.A. following my first treatment of Cayston but it has returned already (though it's a small amount). The MRSA is more difficult. I have had few complications with it so far and because of that have not needed IV interventions. I'm allergic to Sulfa drugs which makes it difficult for them to treat it and therefore they only want to if they have to. I just keep praying that I can bring enough of it up to keep the levels down. I used to exercise a LOT in high school but quit after that and that was when I saw my lung function decline from the 100% to the 80% I just started up a new exercise program which works well for me because it builds me up slowly. I am trying to get to where I can run 2 miles and not be totally out of breath. Right now..I run/walk for just over a mile but it's going to take time to build up to that point. I just feel that exercise is the best way to keep us healthy.

Thank you both again..I welcome any more suggestions or advice because I still am weighing the options.

mmurray0702 · Jul 13, 2011

Thank you so much Leah and Lauren for your responses. It gives me a lot to think about and a lot to hope for at the same time.
 
 I'm so glad you are both doing well following your pregnancies. It is so nice to hear advice from people who have gone through the process. I have been trying to weigh the positives and negatives just to balance every idea out and see which is best for us.
 
 Lauren, I am sorry to hear how much you are sick because I can imagine it only makes it that much more draining and demanding on your body to take care of your son. I, also, am concerned about that. I actually got my degree in education and have been subbing but my husband and I are in the position where once I become pregnant, I won't be working at all. I hope that will keep a majority of the bugs away from me (though he's a teacher as well and he brings home stuff too). I feel like staying away from sick people is half the battle and having kids means being around sickies a lot...and they want their mommy when they're sick.
 
 I originally wanted to wait to tell my parents we were considering having children but I realized that I will need their support too. I talked to them and they are beyond supportive. They realize I probably will have a PICC at some point when the baby is young (although obviously, I hope not) and they have both said that family is there for a reason. I am blessed to have such supportive family: my parents AND my husband. I think that's one of the biggest things I have going for me.
 
 Leah, thank you so much for all the questions to ask and consider. I see my CF team on Thursday (we leave for WDW on Friday so it's a crazy week up here for us) and I was hoping to have some questions to address with them. I really appreciate it!
 
 Lauren, as far as the MRSA and the P.A., I have been very very fortunate with both. I have been on a PICC once for them and that was following Sinus Surgery (mostly to take care of the open areas in my sinus cavities more than my lungs). I actually had eradicated the P.A. following my first treatment of Cayston but it has returned already (though it's a small amount). The MRSA is more difficult. I have had few complications with it so far and because of that have not needed IV interventions. I'm allergic to Sulfa drugs which makes it difficult for them to treat it and therefore they only want to if they have to. I just keep praying that I can bring enough of it up to keep the levels down. I used to exercise a LOT in high school but quit after that and that was when I saw my lung function decline from the 100% to the 80% I just started up a new exercise program which works well for me because it builds me up slowly. I am trying to get to where I can run 2 miles and not be totally out of breath. Right now..I run/walk for just over a mile but it's going to take time to build up to that point. I just feel that exercise is the best way to keep us healthy.
 
 Thank you both again..I welcome any more suggestions or advice because I still am weighing the options.

mamaScarlett · Jul 13, 2011

First off I really suggest you read this report from the European Cf foundation-having been through 2 pregnancies, its one of the most well balanced papers on Cf and pregnancy I've ever read. Its very encouraging and positive but also states all the facts plain and simple so you are informed. Its 30 pages long but if you want to be a mama you better get used to patience, lol! <A HREF="http://www.ecfs.eu/ecfs_guidelines">http://www.ecfs.eu/ecfs_guidelines</A> Unlike you I went into my 1st pregnancy with pfts in the 70% range. The pregnancy went great, no complications. I did get the flu when I was 6 months along, though I had gotten the flu shot. So I went on antibiotics and prednisone which were safe for pregnancy. There are many safe abx for pregnancy, whether its oral or iv. It depends on what you are resistance to, etc. My birth was wonderful too, no problems at all. Afterwards my pfts were down to 50% and by the next year up to 60%. A decline during and right after pregnancy is normal and expected for any woman, cf or not. When my daughter was 10 months I got very sick from multiple factors. Not really connected to the baby. We moved which was extremely stressful (and a bad decision), I became severely allergic to mold growing in the home we were renting. Had appendicitis which required surgery, and the surgery made me run down. Then had a bad bout with kidney stones which required surgery and also ran me down. Just a year of bad luck!! So basically bc of all that it took me 2 years to fully recover my lung function which I did. my fev1 went up to 69% at its highest, but my small airways went from being in the 18 range up to 28, and my FVC from 85s up to 99. After all that I feared having a 2nd baby more than anything, but also wanted it more than anything. My doctors answer was no, but with work we hoped my pfts would improve. Which they did, so we went for a 2nd baby. After one year of trying we got pregnant and I just had my little boy. My pfts at 5 months preg were mid/late 50s-about 57% I think. This pregnancy was much harder on me in general. I felt different, more morning sickness, more tiredness. My daughter has a big personality which is great but tiring! I had more viruses this time, more everything! The birth was great though and baby is fine so thats all that matters. At 6 wks post partum my pfts are 57%. With hard work I'm sure they'll climb back up. And I've learned alot since my first pregnancy. #1 is to have a routine you stick to. Getting my chest pt done every day is priority. For me, having a simple life is best. And to me, thats most enjoyable too. I've also learned that pregnancy and the year after is time to not make any huge changes in your life, but to nest, focus on enjoying the kids and your health. I just can't be running here and there, and committing myself to tons of activities. I pick the ones that are really important and must leave the rest. Thats just me. Having the support of a wonderful husband and wonderful mother in law and my mom are vital too. We always have a plan of sorts for when I get sick. I have to say I couldn't do it without my hubby-he really pulls his weight and more. Also having a strong faith gets me through it all...its vital to me. My kids are everything. They amaze me daily. I would go through it all again and 10 times worse for them. No regrets! The process of birth is incredible to experience. For me desire to have kids will never go away. If I could, I'd have 10. Of course I just don't have that ability and never will. If things change in the cf world, or I have stability in a few more years I'd be tempted to have another or to adopt another. We'll see. Best wishes to you! You have a very good level of health-only you can make the decision, but I think many moms here would kill for your pfts!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

mamaScarlett · Jul 13, 2011

First off I really suggest you read this report from the European Cf foundation-having been through 2 pregnancies, its one of the most well balanced papers on Cf and pregnancy I've ever read. Its very encouraging and positive but also states all the facts plain and simple so you are informed. Its 30 pages long but if you want to be a mama you better get used to patience, lol! <A HREF="http://www.ecfs.eu/ecfs_guidelines">http://www.ecfs.eu/ecfs_guidelines</A> Unlike you I went into my 1st pregnancy with pfts in the 70% range. The pregnancy went great, no complications. I did get the flu when I was 6 months along, though I had gotten the flu shot. So I went on antibiotics and prednisone which were safe for pregnancy. There are many safe abx for pregnancy, whether its oral or iv. It depends on what you are resistance to, etc. My birth was wonderful too, no problems at all. Afterwards my pfts were down to 50% and by the next year up to 60%. A decline during and right after pregnancy is normal and expected for any woman, cf or not. When my daughter was 10 months I got very sick from multiple factors. Not really connected to the baby. We moved which was extremely stressful (and a bad decision), I became severely allergic to mold growing in the home we were renting. Had appendicitis which required surgery, and the surgery made me run down. Then had a bad bout with kidney stones which required surgery and also ran me down. Just a year of bad luck!! So basically bc of all that it took me 2 years to fully recover my lung function which I did. my fev1 went up to 69% at its highest, but my small airways went from being in the 18 range up to 28, and my FVC from 85s up to 99. After all that I feared having a 2nd baby more than anything, but also wanted it more than anything. My doctors answer was no, but with work we hoped my pfts would improve. Which they did, so we went for a 2nd baby. After one year of trying we got pregnant and I just had my little boy. My pfts at 5 months preg were mid/late 50s-about 57% I think. This pregnancy was much harder on me in general. I felt different, more morning sickness, more tiredness. My daughter has a big personality which is great but tiring! I had more viruses this time, more everything! The birth was great though and baby is fine so thats all that matters. At 6 wks post partum my pfts are 57%. With hard work I'm sure they'll climb back up. And I've learned alot since my first pregnancy. #1 is to have a routine you stick to. Getting my chest pt done every day is priority. For me, having a simple life is best. And to me, thats most enjoyable too. I've also learned that pregnancy and the year after is time to not make any huge changes in your life, but to nest, focus on enjoying the kids and your health. I just can't be running here and there, and committing myself to tons of activities. I pick the ones that are really important and must leave the rest. Thats just me. Having the support of a wonderful husband and wonderful mother in law and my mom are vital too. We always have a plan of sorts for when I get sick. I have to say I couldn't do it without my hubby-he really pulls his weight and more. Also having a strong faith gets me through it all...its vital to me. My kids are everything. They amaze me daily. I would go through it all again and 10 times worse for them. No regrets! The process of birth is incredible to experience. For me desire to have kids will never go away. If I could, I'd have 10. Of course I just don't have that ability and never will. If things change in the cf world, or I have stability in a few more years I'd be tempted to have another or to adopt another. We'll see. Best wishes to you! You have a very good level of health-only you can make the decision, but I think many moms here would kill for your pfts!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

mamaScarlett · Jul 13, 2011

First off I really suggest you read this report from the European Cf foundation-having been through 2 pregnancies, its one of the most well balanced papers on Cf and pregnancy I've ever read. Its very encouraging and positive but also states all the facts plain and simple so you are informed. Its 30 pages long but if you want to be a mama you better get used to patience, lol! <A HREF="http://www.ecfs.eu/ecfs_guidelines">http://www.ecfs.eu/ecfs_guidelines</A> Unlike you I went into my 1st pregnancy with pfts in the 70% range. The pregnancy went great, no complications. I did get the flu when I was 6 months along, though I had gotten the flu shot. So I went on antibiotics and prednisone which were safe for pregnancy. There are many safe abx for pregnancy, whether its oral or iv. It depends on what you are resistance to, etc. My birth was wonderful too, no problems at all. Afterwards my pfts were down to 50% and by the next year up to 60%. A decline during and right after pregnancy is normal and expected for any woman, cf or not. When my daughter was 10 months I got very sick from multiple factors. Not really connected to the baby. We moved which was extremely stressful (and a bad decision), I became severely allergic to mold growing in the home we were renting. Had appendicitis which required surgery, and the surgery made me run down. Then had a bad bout with kidney stones which required surgery and also ran me down. Just a year of bad luck!! So basically bc of all that it took me 2 years to fully recover my lung function which I did. my fev1 went up to 69% at its highest, but my small airways went from being in the 18 range up to 28, and my FVC from 85s up to 99. After all that I feared having a 2nd baby more than anything, but also wanted it more than anything. My doctors answer was no, but with work we hoped my pfts would improve. Which they did, so we went for a 2nd baby. After one year of trying we got pregnant and I just had my little boy. My pfts at 5 months preg were mid/late 50s-about 57% I think. This pregnancy was much harder on me in general. I felt different, more morning sickness, more tiredness. My daughter has a big personality which is great but tiring! I had more viruses this time, more everything! The birth was great though and baby is fine so thats all that matters. At 6 wks post partum my pfts are 57%. With hard work I'm sure they'll climb back up. And I've learned alot since my first pregnancy. #1 is to have a routine you stick to. Getting my chest pt done every day is priority. For me, having a simple life is best. And to me, thats most enjoyable too. I've also learned that pregnancy and the year after is time to not make any huge changes in your life, but to nest, focus on enjoying the kids and your health. I just can't be running here and there, and committing myself to tons of activities. I pick the ones that are really important and must leave the rest. Thats just me. Having the support of a wonderful husband and wonderful mother in law and my mom are vital too. We always have a plan of sorts for when I get sick. I have to say I couldn't do it without my hubby-he really pulls his weight and more. Also having a strong faith gets me through it all...its vital to me. My kids are everything. They amaze me daily. I would go through it all again and 10 times worse for them. No regrets! The process of birth is incredible to experience. For me desire to have kids will never go away. If I could, I'd have 10. Of course I just don't have that ability and never will. If things change in the cf world, or I have stability in a few more years I'd be tempted to have another or to adopt another. We'll see. Best wishes to you! You have a very good level of health-only you can make the decision, but I think many moms here would kill for your pfts!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

mmurray0702 · Jul 13, 2011

MamaScarlett, Thank you so much for posting your experiences and the link to the article. I read it in its entirety and it helped me to realize some of my fears are fully understandable and others I need to ease up on. I think my biggest fear is how my lung function will do because of my diabetes. I also worry about the weight gain. I'm 110 and 5'4" and I struggle to keep it there. I'm worried about how hard the weight gain will be also. The article said that those with diabetes fare worse and that does worry me. Something to definitely bring up at my next appointment.

I'm so so glad to hear that you have two wonderful angels! It is also so reassuring to hear how you would go through it all again. I think I'm slowly coming to my decision. I am already on prenatal and folic acid but am not actively trying. I agree with you that faith is 100% important and that's where I'm at right now. I am trusting that God's plan will be played out and if I'm meant to have a baby naturally it will happen and if not then surrogacy and adoption are there as alternatives. I just want what is best for my baby and for me so that I can live a long and full life with him/her/them <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

mmurray0702 · Jul 13, 2011

MamaScarlett, Thank you so much for posting your experiences and the link to the article. I read it in its entirety and it helped me to realize some of my fears are fully understandable and others I need to ease up on. I think my biggest fear is how my lung function will do because of my diabetes. I also worry about the weight gain. I'm 110 and 5'4" and I struggle to keep it there. I'm worried about how hard the weight gain will be also. The article said that those with diabetes fare worse and that does worry me. Something to definitely bring up at my next appointment.

I'm so so glad to hear that you have two wonderful angels! It is also so reassuring to hear how you would go through it all again. I think I'm slowly coming to my decision. I am already on prenatal and folic acid but am not actively trying. I agree with you that faith is 100% important and that's where I'm at right now. I am trusting that God's plan will be played out and if I'm meant to have a baby naturally it will happen and if not then surrogacy and adoption are there as alternatives. I just want what is best for my baby and for me so that I can live a long and full life with him/her/them <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

mmurray0702 · Jul 13, 2011

MamaScarlett, Thank you so much for posting your experiences and the link to the article. I read it in its entirety and it helped me to realize some of my fears are fully understandable and others I need to ease up on. I think my biggest fear is how my lung function will do because of my diabetes. I also worry about the weight gain. I'm 110 and 5'4" and I struggle to keep it there. I'm worried about how hard the weight gain will be also. The article said that those with diabetes fare worse and that does worry me. Something to definitely bring up at my next appointment.
 
 I'm so so glad to hear that you have two wonderful angels! It is also so reassuring to hear how you would go through it all again. I think I'm slowly coming to my decision. I am already on prenatal and folic acid but am not actively trying. I agree with you that faith is 100% important and that's where I'm at right now. I am trusting that God's plan will be played out and if I'm meant to have a baby naturally it will happen and if not then surrogacy and adoption are there as alternatives. I just want what is best for my baby and for me so that I can live a long and full life with him/her/them <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

mamaScarlett · Jul 13, 2011

Good, I'm glad you read it. I know it was long. Something to keep in mind about studies and numbers and 'statistics' is that they are very subjective. The article mentions how burkholderia cepacia is a risk factor, (just like it mentioned gest diabetes.) I have b cepacia, I've had it for 15 yrs. It has little to no impact on my Cf and certainly not on my pregnancy. For others, like the article said, its had a grave influence on pregnancy! (if you remember what it said, its pretty dark) Cf is SO not a one size fits all disease. There are so many factors that make it different for each person. But one thing that does seem to be true with all cf women and pregnancy is planning. Planning=success. Maybe some bumps in the road, but overall, success. Hard work too, compliance. And support! You need supportive people around you to help. Its a whole lifestyle you'd need to work towards. Like Lauren said, its really not the pregnancy thats the issue, period! Its after, its the life of being an active mom. But its totally do-able and totally worth it, as long as you go into it knowing all the facts and ready. Keep reading up, keep asking and talking to other successful moms.

mamaScarlett · Jul 13, 2011

Good, I'm glad you read it. I know it was long. Something to keep in mind about studies and numbers and 'statistics' is that they are very subjective. The article mentions how burkholderia cepacia is a risk factor, (just like it mentioned gest diabetes.) I have b cepacia, I've had it for 15 yrs. It has little to no impact on my Cf and certainly not on my pregnancy. For others, like the article said, its had a grave influence on pregnancy! (if you remember what it said, its pretty dark) Cf is SO not a one size fits all disease. There are so many factors that make it different for each person. But one thing that does seem to be true with all cf women and pregnancy is planning. Planning=success. Maybe some bumps in the road, but overall, success. Hard work too, compliance. And support! You need supportive people around you to help. Its a whole lifestyle you'd need to work towards. Like Lauren said, its really not the pregnancy thats the issue, period! Its after, its the life of being an active mom. But its totally do-able and totally worth it, as long as you go into it knowing all the facts and ready. Keep reading up, keep asking and talking to other successful moms.

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