Pregnant and frustrated!

[mkc123]

I am a pregnant 28 year old female. My main symptoms are dry eye, dry and hoarse throat, fatigue,aches and pains and cold intolerance. I have been sick since the birth of my son 7 months ago. I first had several very serious staph infections, I am a MRSA carrier. Then I had mono with strep throat. A month later I had a kidney stone attack that required a nine day hospital stay. My doctor ran a lot of bloodwork and did x-rays. Everthing came back normal other than protein in my urine. Doctor suspected a autoimmune disease along with fibromyalgia. I also have had Hasimoto's for ten years. My thyroid levels are in the normal range at the moment. I feel like I am in limbo. My OB doesn't know much about sjogren's and doesn't seem too concerned about any risks. My doctor can't run the tests he wanted to, a MRI, lip biopsy and lower GI scope. I called yesterday and left a message about my symptoms getting worse. The nurse called me back and said the doctor does not think it's sjogren's because of my bloodwork. He told me at our last visit the labs are not that accurate! She went on to say he couldn't prescribe anything for it anyways. She suggested I follow up with a visit to the eye dr. I did go ahead and made a appointment. I really don't know what else to do!

[Scottietottie]

Hi MKC 

Welcome to Sjogren's world. Have you seen an endocrinologist recently about your thyroid? Apart from the dry eyes the symptoms you describe sound very 'thyroid' to me. (So saying - I'm not a doctor, nor medical but I am a fellow Hashi's sufferer) Did the last blood test for thyroid include 'Free T4 and free T3' as well as T4, T3, and TSH? Sometimes TSH levels can be normal but T3 can be too low. Also thyroid function can change quite quickly. In the UK the normal range for TSH is 0.5 - 5 but if my TSH is above 2 I start feeling quite ill. Many people with thyroid problems feel better with their TSH mid range or below.

If you do have SjS you should be seeing a gynae who does know about it. I think in the US they are called 'high risk' obstetricians but I could be wrong there. Often pregnancy is a time when autoimmune conditions get better, rather than worse. It tends to be afterwards they flare up again.

I totally understand why you can't have an MRI or a scope, while you're pregnant but I'm not so sure why you can't have the lip biopsy.

It's a good idea to see an opthamologist though. It's important to get the right drops and to check the eyes' health.

Take care - Scottie 

[mkc123]

Thanks for your reply. I saw my endocrinologist 3 weeks ago and my ob also ran test last week. Everthing looked normal.I have had Hasimoto's for ten years and never had these symptoms even when my levels were all over the place. We can't do a biopsy because I would not be able to have local anesthesia. Everything seemed to spin out of control after the mono.

[Linda196]

Hi MKC, welcome to Sjogren's World.

Any concerns about pregnancy risks are in mothers who are anti-SSA positive...the presence of that particular antibody apparently puts the baby at risk for possible complete heart block. If you have been negative for that test, that at least should relieve some anxiety, but it might be a good idea to be retested at times during the pregnancy to make sure there hasn't been serum conversion.

I hope your opthomalogist can offer more in the way of definite information, but unfortunately, while you're pregnant, about the only option you have is management of symptoms with things like lubricating eye drops, mouth rinses, rest ( I know how difficult that would be with a 7 month old!), and the use of heat, cold or massage for the aches. Please keep us informed.

[beverley]

Dear MKC,

I'm here just to offer sympathy.  Poor you having to put up with all those symptoms when you are pregnant.  Hope it doesn't spoil the anticipation of that new little life for you.  Good thing you found this site though, everyone is very kind and their medical knowledge is amazing.  Good luck.

Beverley

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Not being able to have local anaethesia because of pregnancy is news to me. I needed teeth out every time I was pregnant because they couldn't give me antibiotics for infections and I also had a few root canals done so I had a lot of local anaesthesia one way or another. Thankfully all 4 kids are fine, grown and left home now.

take care - Scottie