posted
I just found out, by some miracle, I am 4 weeks pregnant but I have Lyme, Babesia, Ehrlychiosis and Bartonella along with a blood clotting disorder(oddly the least of my worries). I am not seeing my rheumatologist and obgyn until tomorrow and I can't find anything online about being pregnant with Lyme and other tick borne diseases. My primary pulled me off of 15 of my 18 daily perscriptions including my pain meds and I am so overwhelmed right now with emotions, pain and confusion over what to do. Has anyone been in this situation? I have been in treatment for about a year but have had these diseases for at least 3 years. My husband and I did not plan nor try for a pregnancy but divine intervention has stepped in. I appreciate any info/advice that you can send my way! Thanks!
Posts: 1 | From Warrenton, VA | Registered: Jul 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm very sorry to hear of your predicament. You sound kind of freaked out.
My sister is in the same exact situation although she was not on medication when she found out she is pregnant. I had suspected for awhile she had lyme so when she told me she was pregnant I nagged her into getting tested. She does have it and the doctor wants to put her only on amoxicillin for now. He did tell her she has to check with her OBGYN first however.
I have read two articles about prenancy and they can be found in the Lyme Times issue on childrens Treatment.
One very short article is entitled, Lyme Disease and Pregnancy by Dr. B from New York. He states, "It was found that if patients were maintained on adequate doses of antibiotic therapy during gestation, then no babies were born with Lyme. My own experience over the last ten years agrees with this." He goes on to talk about options for treatment and types of ABX to be given.
I don't think they want us posting treatment regiments. I will be glad to mail you a copy of the article if you can send me a private message with your address.
Good luck. Don't panic.
Posts: 547 | From Maryland | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020
posted
Lymeindunkirk did a good job giving you lots of good info.
I hope you have a good doctor who will stick with you through your pregnancy.
Be sure to get lots of rest and try to think positive thoughts.
posted
I have spoken with my doc about these issues as my husband and I are older and we would like to think about children. It sounds like if you have been in treatment for over a year, hopefully your infection is under control and won't be as transmissable across the placenta. Docs are prescribing prophylactic antibiotics to inhibit any mother to child transmission (not unlike giving pregnant women with HIV prophylaxis during pregnancy). There are antibiotics which are safe for pregnancy.
Good luck and best wishes for a happy and healthy 9 months!
Posts: 393 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged |
Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Gen,
Do you also have a LLMD, in addition to obg and rheumatologist?
If so, it might be good to talk with all three then try to coordinate treatment based on what they say.
Just my thought. But congratulations on your news, and please keep us posted.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Gen, I see your from Warrenton, VA. My sister that I spoke of in my earlier post now lives in Bristow and our parents just moved to Bealeton. Your not far from either of them. The doctor told me sister that he feels she was infected within the last year. Hmmm..Her husband has lived in Bristow a long time and is an avid Hunter. She has been living in Bristow for about a year now. Does it seem there are a lot of ticks in your area?
I forgot to mention that there are two other articles in the lymes Times issue on childrens treatments. They are entitled, Gestational Lyme Disease Case Studies of 102 Live Births authored by Charles Ray Jones, Harold Smith Edina Gibb and Lorraine Johnson and Gestational Lyme Disease Bibliography by Lorraine Johnson.
I myself had Bells Palsy and other small issues while pregnant. We believe my son was born with lyme although he was diagnosed at age 9. I'm sure everything will work out for the best.
Posts: 547 | From Maryland | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Ahhhhhhhhh.. Warrenton. I loved living there. Just outside of town.. about 10 minutes or so.. down by the river. Beautiful place!
If I were in your shoes.. I get up to see Dr. Jones in CT, immediately. I would do anything and everything he advised.
Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
Hi GenR. Congratulations!!!
Yes, Lyme can be passed through pregnancy and breastfeeding; however, transmission may be minimized if the mother is treated with a safe antibiotic throughout the pregancy. The others here have given very good advice.
I also recommend contacting Dr. Charles Ray Jones in New Haven, CT. He has a lot of experience with Lyme and pregnancy. You may also want to contact the Lyme Disease Foundation for information. Learn as much as you can.
Keep us posted on how you are doing okay? You are going to be a great mom Posts: 4680 | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Gen, how did your appt go with your OBGYN? I'm asking because my sister who is in the same situation as your self just saw hers today. I believe he is in your area. If it didn't go well I can give you her OBGYN's phone number.
My sister said he was very very open to the idea of being treated for lyme while pregnant. Her words, "It was like a bomb went off in the office when I told him I had lyme. Every one was running around doing things. Calling IGENEX for explanation and finding out how to do another test."
I was glad to hear that he was so concerned. I was afraid she had one of those other doctors. You know, the ones that totally tune you out when you mention the word lyme.
Let us know how your doing and how your own appt went with your doc.
Posts: 547 | From Maryland | Registered: Mar 2005
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic