Coming off MTX to try for a baby

Rheumatoid Arthritis
#1

In October, I shall be coming off my methotrexate to try for another baby. I know I have to wait 6 months before trying but wondered if there is anything else I need to know?

Also is there anything else I can take while we are trying/am pregnant?

Sue

#2

Hi, I really dont have any good sound advice for you.

I have two children, ages 9 & 7 and both pregnancies were uncomplicated, normal. I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago with RA. In this past year I’ve now lost two pregnancies and the dr’s haven’t found out why. I took nothing during the first pregnancy, for fear of hurting the baby, normal pregnancy until I miscarried at 16wks. My RA flared here and there during that pregnancy since I wasn’t taking any meds. So then I got pregnant three months later and stayed on Humira that time because I thought maybe my uncontrolled RA affected my previous pregnancy. Well, this last pregnancy was ok until wk 8, spotted for five weeks and then miscarried at 13wks. Terrible, long recovery from an easy procedure, d&c. I’ve given up hope on having a third child. I have no other health issues that we know of so the dr’s are stumped.

Tracy

NorthernSue ra-cpt3229@lists.careplace.com wrote:

#3

Hi Tracy

My goodness, what a terrible time you’ve been through :frowning:

I shall have a word with my rheumy nurse about successful pregnancies after MTX, maybe she may have heard of stories similar to yours.

Take care

Sue

#4

please stop sending me emails

thanks

#5

I have never sent you an e-mail; all of a sudden I am getting mail from
careplace; RA which I assume is arthritis. I do not know how to fix this.
Just put block sender if it comes in my name again. I belong to several
lists; lymphoma and lung cancer so perhaps my mail was stolen from there.
It is frustrating isn’t it as some days I have 10 or 12 repetative messages
from careplace.
Carol
----- Original Message -----
From: “casey1” ra-cpt3229@lists.careplace.com
To: player@sasktel.net
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 4:38 AM
Subject: Re: [ra] Coming off MTX to try for a baby

#6

Sue,

I know I may be a bit young to be replying to this post but over the years of being on Methotrexate I was always curious about myself and my goal to have children in my future. I did alot of research and asked the doctors questions.

I think that might be your best chance to get the most valid information.

I know that you are suppose to come off it for awhile to let it wash out of your system, maybe even find some herbal remedies to cleanse your system.

Methotrexate is used in Early Abortions, which is why woman taking methotrexate are advised it is best to be on some sort of birth control because if you aren’t and you accidentally become pregnant your body, along with the methotrexate will automatically cause a chemical abortion in your body.

I’d just suggest coming off the methotrexate for about 6-8 months to make sure it is completely out of your system, and perhaps look into some sort of a cleanser to clean your organs out of it because it can build up if you’ve been on it for long periods of time.

#7

Hi LadyFireStorm

I have been on MTX for about 8 months now and have been thinking about coming of it earlier than 6 months before trying . I will take your advice about herbal remedies, I am slighly worried about it staying in my system for a while so that what you suggested sounds good.

Thanks for your advice

Take care

Sue

#8

Thats the best suggestion I can give. I know that if you stop metho there is still a chance it can be built up in your organs like your liver etc.

So getting something to cleanse your organs would make sure your body is fully clean of it.

#9

I took mtx back in 1997-1999. I came off it in early 1999 when I was doing a little better and started trying to conceive after the three months waiting period (my Dr. said I only needed to wait 3 months). Because of fertility issues not involved with my RA (I have PCOS and don’t ovulate on my own), I did not get pregnant until December 2000. I went on to have a health pregnancy and a very healthy set of twins. In no way has the methotraxte that I took before I had my kids affected them. I did not take any special cleansing herbs, I just waited the three months before trying to conceive.

Talk to your doctor and your ob/gyn to get the best information you can.