Ditching DMD before conception......

[opie74]

How long before I try to conceive do I need to get off the DMD.  At first my neuro said that "in Europe, they sometimes stay on the all the way through."  He did warn me about the miscarage risk.  The last visit, he said to get off Betaseron 1 month before ttc.  The BetaPlus nurse said give it two months.  

My husband and I discussed this.  The current plan is to get off the Betaseron at the end of next week.  That would be 2 wks in to the last pack of bc pills.  We are planning to use alternate methods of bc for the next cycle.  That would put me off of Betaseron 8 wks prior to the hoped for conception, and off the bc pills for 6 wks.  With the last two children, there was no delay (hoping that will be the case again).   I guess that my question is, DO YOU THINK THAT I AM GETTING OFF THE BETASERON EARLY ENOUGH?

[opie74]

Thanks!

I know that it is kind of braking the rules, but I ordered two boxes of Betaseron in advance. They do not expire until 6 months after  what we hope to be my due date.  I have never breast fed because of a petuitary adnoma.  I will keep everyone posted.

[htowndoc]

I use copaxone and stopped right when I was TTC, (got pregnant right away); I breastfed for three months off copaxone, unfortunately had problems getting my meds shipped again (since I had been off copaxone for a year), and had a relapse 7 months post-partum (had been off copaxone)

I felt the best I've ever felt when I was pregnant and breast-feeding - almost forgot I had MS! Too bad I can't have millions of kids LOL

[opie74]

3 more doses....nervous....

[opie74]

Quix,

Funny that yo should mention the lactation thing.  I was reading current research in the MSQR.  It said that the chances of postpartum relapse are dedreased if you lactate for two monts postpartum.  It also said that it seems to be the same, if you just stay off the meds for the same length of time.  I have had galoctorhea since college (Jan96).  I am wondering if this has helped me through the years..... Prpbably not, but at liest I had a slew of old MRIs w/contrast with whict to compare.  So if nothing else, I got my Dx faster.

Thank you, and wish us "luck".

Opie Ann

[giggling88]

thanks for posting this question i was curious as well i`m 21 and just getting ready to start my family. thanks again :)

[Quixotic1]

From what I've heard, that should be long enough.  I agree with getting off the Betaseron because that is the highest dose of the 3 interferons - despite what they do in Europe.

Again, for those that don't know, interferon is a powerful "abortifactant" or drug that can cause miscarriage.  However, it does not appear to damage the baby, so if the pregnancy proceeds, then no risk of birth defects has been noted.  Interferon is a substance that is naturally produced in the body by the immune system.

I wonder why they would continue it when the pregnancy state is so beneficial itself to the disease?  Some of the more recent studies suggest (but do not prove) that women who have multiple pregnancies may have a more benigh course with their disease long term.

Also, there is evidence that lactation keeps the disease more at bay.  Current recs are to breastfeed, if possible, for at least two months.  I don't know if they have shown that continuing to breastfeed will maintain that effect.

Quix

Quix