I have here a question from an Aussie MSer (non member) who has appealed to me for help, and I'm unable to answer her questions. I'm wondering if anyone here can please help me out.

And no.....it's not me that's pregnant, pretending to be asking for a friend!

This lass is 29 years old, recently diagnosed with MS and 10 weeks pregnant which limits the medications that she's prepared to try.

She states that the majority of her body is numb, but has now developed "spasming" or "electric shocks" that started going down her spine whenever she moved. These spasms now shoot down her chest and into the front of her legs.

Her Neuro prescribed Gabopentin which didn't work, so the dose was increased but still without effect. She's now being weaned off the Gabopentin with no other medication to be prescribed except for a daily dose of oral Predisone.

Her question is : "I'm wondering if you know of anyone who has experienced these symptoms and what they did, or from anyone who has had a relapse while pregnant."

Any ideas would be glady appreciated, thank you.

I know you can have relapses while pregnant (and no, I dont know this from experience, I've never been pregnant)

Usually the hormones from being pregnant protect the mommy to some extent. If she's only 10wks, it may be that she doesnt have a lot of the happy pregnant hormones pushing back the MS Trolls.

I wonder if there are any pregnancy doctors around her area that have experience with pregnant MSers? If her doctor isnt already experienced with pregnant MSers, maybe she should look around and see if there's any nearby that can give her advice on things?

Ya shocked me there for a second, Grandma..

I would be afraid to take any Meds, especially Steroids. I don't have any advise, except to wait and hope that the Mommy Hormones take over soon.

Hugs to friend..

i agree with erin and sally. perhaps as the pregnancy advances your friend might find herself in a remission.

and i agree with looking for an OB with some experience with MS pts.
she might consider a high risk OB doc. they are very knowledgeable.

she might also call her local MS society (if there is one like in the US) for any possible info.

she can call hospitals for referrals too.
i hope she will get better.
sorry i can't offer more help.

*picking self up off floor*

Thought you were pulling a WIZ on me for a minute there, Anne.

I can't be of any help in regards to your question, but just had to tell ya that your thread title knocked my socks off.

You are so sweet trying to help your friend.

I thought the title would raise a few eyebrows! BUT I assure you it's not me!


I personally wouldn't take any medications at all during a pregancy, and especially not in the first trimester, but it's not just my thoughts but a concensus of thoughts that I think this lass is after.

We do have one large MS Society for Australia, then smaller societies in all states, with affiliated groups in capital cities and larger towns so that's another option, but unfortunately it might be a little harder for her to get an Obstetrician with MS experience.

Checking with one of the hospitals that has an Obstetric division is another good idea, so thanks for that suggestion Judy.

I'll be sure to mention the Mommy hormones Erin & Sal, thank you.

Hi Koala,

I don't take meds at the "best" of times, and certainly wouldn't during pregnancy.

How long has she been going through the numbness? Did she start with this attack before the pregnancy? High high up is she numb?

Is there any chance she has an infection of some sort?

It sounds like a spinal lesion attack, and the lastest are l'hirmettes-type symptoms. I have that same thing each time I have that kind of attack.

Those attacks take a long time to heal from, usually escalating over a period of 4 - 6 weeks, then improving over the next 4 - 6 weeks. That is a fairly common timeline, no matter what meds she uses. It can be quite painful too . . . but I don't use meds of any sort through them, so she will manage, as difficult as it may be.

Cherie

Mother hood is all about sacrifice. might as well start early. Once you find out that you are preggers, your world of do do do, turns into a dont dont dont. No alcohol, no cigs, no artificial sweetners, and no drugs. You have to be so careful to not damage that developing little baby.

send her a hug from us. Mother hood is hard work.

I'm with the rest of you on no meds while pregnant. I wonder though, if she could try a magnesium supplement to relieve some of those spasms and shocks. It helps me.

Thank you everybody. I've combined your suggestions and emailed them off to her. Hopefully now she'll realise that it wasn't just me saying she shouldn't be thinking of taking anything at all that could potentially harm that little baby.

It's up to her now, but I thank you all for you imput.