I'm 16 weeks pregnant with twins (yay! A blessing!). I wasn't diagnosed with Lupus until I became pregnant. I am experiencing daily moderate - severe joint pain & due to the pregnancy, can only take Tylenol for the pain. I'm on a very low dose of prednisone (5mg) for the inflammation. Does anybody have any suggestions for pain management? I do ice my swollen joints regularly - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I tried to incorporate very low intensity yoga but I honestly have difficulty moving w/o stabs of pain. Any suggestions would be great. My pain is the most intense at night, so a solid night's rest is but a distant memory.
Personally I like a long soak in a hot tub of water before bedtime to help with the pain - see if that helps
Epsom salt in baths has been suggested for me. There are a couple herbal supplements recommended for joint pain: curcumin, fish/krill oils, boswelia… Obviously talk to your doctor, but maybe those could help? CONGRATULATIONS though! I only hope to be half as fortunate one day soon. I get so encouraged hearing this and other pregnancy stories. Thank you and good luck.
Oh how wonderful! What blessings! When my pain gets too bad and none of my meds help, I meditate. I like to use the free meditations from Deepak Chopra, which are guided and have music. I can usually take my pain down a few points this way. Massage is also AMAZING for me. Be sure u are getting prenatal massage, because otherwise its not good for you! Yay! Be Well!
Congratulations! I would suggest all natural and some supplements, but please do check with your doctors first. For joint pains, i’m taking fish oil, selenium and turmeric tea.
Ok, im going to get a lot of slack I'm sure for telling you this but going from a purely medical perspective taking an occassional VICODIN for pain will not hurt the babies. Your main concern would be using it long term through out the pregnancy. Obviously discuss with your doctor. I've been a nurse for over 15 years, several of those in women's health. I am also the mother of three boys with my last one I had pre eclampsia and had headaches so severe they were giving me Diluadid in the hospital for pain. Narcotics will not harm the baby, long term use may have the babies develop a physical addicition which of course not one wants but if you were to use something a few times a week or month you shouldn't have a problem. Talk to your doctors. It's safer to take a narcotic once in a while then tylenol on a daily basis and you can't take mortrin while pregnant because it effects the development of the heart of a baby and a lot of other LUPUS medications are contrindicated and dangerous...just an FYI and something to talk to your doctor about. Other wise I have found heating pads and warm baths work wonders sometimes and resting and not over doing it. Good luck and congratulations. What a blessing!
Thank you everyone. I have an appt next week with my OBGYN & will discuss these suggestions. I think I'll have my amazing husband draw me a bath tonight! And, Kari, I'll give meditation a try too. Thanks again for the suggestions & support!