While I am a new member, I am 26 years old and was diagnosed with Addison's when I was 10 years old. I was lucky enough to already have an endocrinologist because I had hypothyroidism. (Schmidts syndrome now)
Well, anyway, in addition to that, I have developed microscopic colitis, which is under control most of the time and ITP (low platelet count). Anyway, as a child I was told that a pregnancy would be dificult and might not be something I should set my sights on. As I got older and went through an adrenal crisis or two or three..... and began to notice that it got increasingly difficult to get back to my normal health afterwards. And have struggled with weight gain, etc.... I decided in my late teens that I was not going to attempt a pregnancy as i really didn't want to tax my system with ANOTHER issue. I am now married and my husband (who has never experienced my addisonian crises)thinks that I just have an irrational fear about being pregnant. However, I feel that there are some significant risks both to me and to a fetus given the medical problems I have. We are going to meet with a maternal-fetal specialist soon to talk about the risks. However, I wondered if any of you out there have or have had the same concerns I do and what you may or may not have done about them. What do you think? I woudl appreciate any thoughts. Thank you in advance.

Equinox,

I am also 26 and have been diagnosed with Addison's disease for a little over a year now and prior to that I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, therefore I also have Schmidt's Syndrome. I am online a lot searching about Addison's disease and tonight I am searching about Addison's and pregnancy. I am planning to have children in a couple of years because I want to know that I am really ready for it because I think that it is going to take a toll on my body. My endos have warned of the risks but seem very optimistic that with the correct doses and careful moderation it will be fine. It still doesn't make me nervous or worried. I think I am most concerned with morning sickness and the effects of my meds on the baby. I am very curious to hear back from you considering that we both have such similiar stories. Take Care!

abc47,
Thank you for your response. I saw the high-risk OB and he was great. He actually explained that clinically, the biggest risks for me lie with my ITP and colitis, not the addison's, as that can be regulated with additional cortisol as needed. My problem with all of this is while all my docs have a very cavalier attitude about the fact that I would simply have to increase my steroid, as much as I needed throughout the pregnancy, I feel like none of my docs are concerned with the fact that I woudl develop insulin dependent diabetes during the pregnancy, I would gain not only the pregnancy weight but also additional weight from the additional steroids, and that I would have to be hospitalized throughout any vomitting episodes. I really am not sure I want to do this to myself. For me, I feel like this is the only thing I can control which would happen to my body and I want to not be pregnant. My husband does NOT understand my concern. He seems to not be worried about the fact that the doctor told us that this would be a 100,000.00 dollar pregnancy just for me, which does not include the delivery of a baby or the risks that a pre-term baby can have.
Anyway, that's what I learned from the OB, but the positive part is that he felt that having a baby and having addison's is no biggy, it is just a high risk pregnancy but mom's can get through just fine.

hello equinox,

Funny thing happened over the last few weeks, I got pregnant! My husband and I were not planning on getting pregnant just now, but I have seen my endocronologist and he seems to feel like there will be no problems. I am just more tired than usual, so I increased my steriod dose and can already feel the effects of them!! Not fun! I am a little scared of what this pregnancy will bring, but the doc has reassured me that the baby will be fine and that I will be the only one feeling the effects of this disease! Thank God! I am just more worried about my hypothyroidism. They say that majority of cases have to increase their synthroid during pregnancy so I am going in for my third order of blood tests since I found out I was pregnant. Hope you are feeling well, Anne

Anne,
CONGRATULATIONS!! THat is great news! I am sure you are so excited! Really, though, I would not be so worried about the hypothyroidism. Yes you may have to increase your synthroid, but that will just help you feel better. Just keep having labs done to monitor your addison's and your hypothyroidism and things should go well I would think! Good news for you, keep me posted on how it goes.
Jessica

to both equinox and abc, I am now 31 years old and diagnosed with addison's disease at the age of 19. I have a very healthy 6 year old and am 16 weeks pregnant with my second child. The first trimester is more tiresome for an addisonian patient just to let you know that is normal. I was extrememly exhausted. But second and third trimester will be better. Try to walk every day even just for a little bit. Eat healthy it is very important for your health and the baby. (I am not a health nut) Just eat what your body craves. Drink LOTS of water!!! Hydration is the most important thing when it comes to addisons and Colitus. I know I have the same thing as both of you. If you do not feel quite right, demand a regular blood test for electrolyte counts. It is ok to do so. I never developed diabetes. But you must stay active and drink drink drink. And nap as much as possible. In my first pregnancy I did get a very bad flu at my 31st week. I was hospitalized for 5 days and was having hard times with my potassium levels. It all subsided, and they have great medication to help with the nausea, and will NOT affect the pregnancy or the baby. I did not have colitus with my first pregnancy, but do with this one. It is slightly different. I have been in the hospital already overnight, but everything is fine. If you have good health insurance, then take this challenge. It is ok to be pregnant! Drink lots of orange juice not just for folic acid, but to regulate your fluid levels. It is a great drink to keep your blood pressure up. Mine is regularly 110/80 down to 90/60. So when I am not feeling right, I take it and it usually is down to 80/50. I then take a 5mg prednisone and lay down and rest. It helps alot. Also my doctor told me to drink boullion or chicken broth, I make ramen noodles. It helps boost my energy. I take 10mg of prednisone, 100mcg of synthroid, .2mg of fludrocortisone, and 50mg of paxil for my colitus. Paxil has put my colitus into remission for 6mos. at a time. It was the best thing my doctor ever did. I hope this helps and if you have any questions, you can email me at angeandsteve@adelphia.net Ok? We have a lot in common and I wish you luck and congradulations!