Autoimmune diseases/lupus

[Herbert1]

Hi ladies

Does anyone have any experience of autoimmune disease/lupus?

I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease about 3 years ago and have been lucky in that it's been very mild and I've been really well.

I had lots of bloods done last summer when I spoke with rheumatology about starting a family and they all came back fine. I had a follow up last month and another set of bloods done a couple of weeks ago.

Since then, I received my BFP last week after 9 cycles. Excited but mostly very anxious!

The GP receptionist phoned this morning to book an appointment for next Wednesday. I called back a little while later to clarify as I also had day 21 blood done a week ago. She mentioned lupus anticoagulant (but backtracked when I asked further) and booked me in for Monday morning when I asked to be seen sooner as I'm pregnant.

I'm so worried now :/

I have ulcerative colitis which is an autoimmune disease.

I have rheumatoid arthritis which is also an auto immune disease and am currently pregnant with my first - 9 weeks.

The most useful thing I found when I found out was to phone my rheumatologist and tell them I was now pregnant. The consultant immediately called me and did a medication review and talked me through what to expect from a RA point of view.. what I could and couldn't take in a flare.. and how they might help me in such circumstances. They also talked through the further stages ahead what to expect post partum.. and when breast feeding and how the DMARD I am taking effects the baby. They also explained that they woukd have joint consultations with the pregancy consultant to occasionally as all are in the same hospital for me. :)