Question:

Well, they aren’t 2mg vials. The vials still come with a 6mg dose inside (0.5ML) but you can then choose to only use 2mg at a time.(1/3 of the contents of the vial) (BTW, the 6mg dose is presumed to be the best "migraine" treatment dose. I have no idea if less of a dose works for migraines) I would think your doc can write the script for you for the vials rather than the stat-dose injectors. He may not even know about them. You may want to call your pharmacy ahead of time to see if they stock them or they have to be ordered from their glaxo supplier. Also may depend upon your insurance, if you have it. I wouldn’t necessarily let the insurance co know you’ll be getting 3 for one on the doses. They may want to cut your allowed amount by 66%. 6mg is the standard dose and they probably allow you a set number of doses per month, not a set number of MG’s. You can check Glaxo’s website. I imagine they may have some more info on the vials. If you don’t have insurance, you may also want to check out their site with regard to special rates for assistance. Here is one site if you order online… http://www.drugstore.com/qxn00173044902_333181_sespider/imitrex/imitr… On a side note, if imitrex injections are getting you down, or if they seem to be making your clusters come more often, more intensly or making your cycles last longer than they used to, pre-imitrex, you may want to check out the following shameless plug… www.clusterbusters.com good luck Dennis, BobW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – … If you get a script for imitrex, ask for the vials instead of the auto-injector. That has 6mg of imitrex and most clusterers only need about 2mg to do the trick. Saves a lot of money and uses a lot less of the drug, which is a good thing. I can find no reference to 2mg vials of Imitrex for injections, only the 6mg injectors.  Can you supply one? Dennis

Response:

Here is a recent Lyme/Migraine article: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5706979

Response:

… If you get a script for imitrex, ask for the vials instead of the auto-injector. That has 6mg of imitrex and most clusterers only need about 2mg to do the trick. Saves a lot of money and uses a lot less of the drug, which is a good thing.

I can find no reference to 2mg vials of Imitrex for injections, only the 6mg injectors.  Can you supply one? Dennis

Response:

I used to take Midrin years ago.

Well, that’s pretty useless against clusters. I know it was prescribed quite a bit a long time ago when it first came out, for clusters and other headache types. Sort of like Neurontin was after that. I do have some Maxalt samples that I am trying. But for me things to take within onset is difficult since I wake up with a headache.

Typical problem with clusters. Some people take their triptans before they go to sleep or set their alarm for about an hour before the expected arrival time of the attack. At this time, I go to my hematologist (my lyme dr) and he pretty much knocks me out.

Hope it’s not with a punch in the nose. If so, I’d see someone else. Try the Over-the-counter 5-hydroxy triptophane (5-HTP) Do not take within 12 hours of a triptan. Is this carried at a pharmacy? Never heard of it.

Should be able to find it at the pharmacy, Walgreens, CVS etc. BobW

Response:

Hi Kara, Hadn’t heard of any Lyme Disease/cluster connections. hmmm. Maybe I’ll have to research a little on the subject to see how they might effect one another.

There is… as a symptom of Lyme. But I am the first person (that I know of) who actually had headaches stop when I was infected. Other things worth mentioning off the top of my head. Since I don’t know what you’ve used in the past to treat your clusters. feel free to post or write to me.

I used to take Midrin years ago. I do have some Maxalt samples that I am trying. But for me things to take within onset is difficult since I wake up with a headache. At this time, I go to my hematologist (my lyme dr) and he pretty much knocks me out. Try the Over-the-counter 5-hydroxy triptophane (5-HTP) Do not take within 12 hours of a triptan.

Is this carried at a pharmacy? Never heard of it. Some of the following might help during an attack… Ice, cold water, cold air — Clusterheads have thousands of preferred methods of using cold to help ease attacks: Ice packs, cold towels, sticking your head in the freezer, standing with a cold shower blasting on your head, pressing your eye against air-conditioning ducts, going out in subfreezing weather in your pajamas…

doing a headstand… BTW, the percentages of men vs. women with clusters seems to be changing all the time. It used to be about 8:1 but I’ve seen many reports of late stating its really only 2:1

Yeah. Statistics dont tell the whole story. We go through this all the time with Lyme. Kara

Response:

Hi Kara, Hadn’t heard of any Lyme Disease/cluster connections. hmmm. Maybe I’ll have to research a little on the subject to see how they might effect one another. As far as whats new in the last 4-5 years….not a whole heck of a lot that helps much. Other than the link Kadee gave you which discusses a new treatment that has had such good results that there will soon be clinical trials at Harvard Medical School. Step one in a long process. Other things worth mentioning off the top of my head. Since I don’t know what you’ve used in the past to treat your clusters. feel free to post or write to me. about the best abortive around IMHO would be pure oxygen dispensed at a flow rate of 10-12lpm with a non-rebreather mask. Works for the majority of people within 10-20 minutes to stop an attack. Cut the strap off of the mask so if you fall asleep, you won’t damage your lungs by breathing it too long. You need a prescription and unles you’re seeing a headache specialist, he may not want to write one. Press the issue if need be. If you need data to show him/he, let me know. Verapamil is about the least caustic prescription drug used to treat clusters. Not too many side effects and many people get good results once they get up to a therapeitic level. This level may need to be as high as 800-900mg a day. If a 240 Slow Release dose doesn’t give you any positive effects, try increasing….everyone is different. opiods in pill form are of little or no help and may make things worse over time. Stadol spray (or injection if you end up in an ER) can help but isn’t offered very often. Ergotamines are often helpful. Imitrex (injections work the fastest and there is a spray version) and the other triptans are probably the newest source of relief for cluster people but they’ve been around for a while. Are quite effective for many but you just can’t take 4 or 5 shots of it each day if you get that many attacks. There is also new research that is beginning to lead everyone to believe that the triptans will make matters worse over time. Turn episodic cases into chronic cases. Turn 2 attacks a day into 5 attacks a day. Look for more research on this as time goes on. If you get a script for imitrex, ask for the vials instead of the auto-injector. That has 6mg of imitrex and most clusterers only need about 2mg to do the trick. Saves a lot of money and uses a lot less of the drug, which is a good thing. Topamax is a newer treatment for clusters (and migraines. I heard it was just approved AS a migraine treatment, officially). It has some nasty side effects for some people. If you start it, be sure to very slowly increase the dose to a level that helps. Some have to start as low as 25mg a day. If you get your first script of it and it says 200mg a day to start….be VERY careful. I’d go onto the following asap in hopes that some of the following helps control the cycle somewhat…. magnesium Studies vary but most people that have reported that 400mg per day shows positive results. If you decide to stay on the magnesium for an extended period (month(s) you should consider adding calcium along with the magnesium. This will conteract some of the side effects of magnesium and will add calcium back into your system. Magnesium is a calcium blocker and adding calcium will help keep your levels where they should be. Again, studies and theories differ but it’s suggested that you add between an equal amount (400mg) of calcium and double the amount.(800mg) Teri R. may be able to lend a little more info on this (and probably all) of this subject(s) More Info: "Magnesium Oxide: It has been shown that magnesium levels are low in the brain of migraine patients. 400 or 500 mg. per day as a preventive; however, GI side effects may limit use. Mag Ox (400 mg.) is a good brand that is well absorbed. 250 mg. tablets are found in most pharmacies. " Even MORE Info: Contraindications and Precautions Caution is advised when considering Mg with other medications that may impair Mg absorption, thus decreasing its effects. These drugs include allopurinol, tetracycline, digoxin, iron salts, penicillamine, and phenothiazines. Mg supplementation is safe during pregnancy, but it should be started in consultation with and under the supervision of the patient’s obstetrician. Unless it is severe, diarrhea that is not induced by Mg supplements is not a contraindication to Mg supplementation. Patients with renal disease should avoid magnesium supplementation. Long term consumption of magnesium may require the addition of calcium to your diet to remain within a healthy balance. Calcium channel blockers, sometimes used for cluster headache prevention, can cause additional problems in acheiving a balance. Consult your physician. Add Vitamin B2 to your diet. Adding between 200 and 400mg per day of Vitamin B2 has shown some good results in cutting down the frequency and the intensity of clusters for some people. Some people have had positive results adding Melatonin to their diet. One study showed very good results when 9mg of Melatonin was added at bedtime. This dose is high for some people as they have side effects such as being very tired all day. You may want to try 1mg to start and build up to where you see some positive results without the side effects being too uncomfortable. Some people have reported using up to 12mg at bedtime. More Info: In one study, 10 mg of melatonin was administered to half of 20 cluster-headache patients in a double-blind controlled study that lasted 14 days. Headache frequency was significantly reduced in the melatonin treatment group. Five of 10 people in the melatonin group reported that their attack frequency declined after only 30-35 days of treatment. No patient in the placebo group responded." Caphalalgia (Vol 16, Issue 7 1996) Additional studies have shown similar results. Try the Over-the-counter 5-hydroxy triptophane (5-HTP) Do not take within 12 hours of a triptan. Some of the following might help during an attack… Ice, cold water, cold air — Clusterheads have thousands of preferred methods of using cold to help ease attacks: Ice packs, cold towels, sticking your head in the freezer, standing with a cold shower blasting on your head, pressing your eye against air-conditioning ducts, going out in subfreezing weather in your pajamas… Heat — On the other hand, some cluseterhead need heat. Hot packs, hot towels, hot showers, heating ducts…but please don’t stick your head in the oven. Water — Instead of pouring cold water over your head, you can try drinking it. Some have successfully broken cycles by drinking large amounts of water throughout the day. Drink at least X….. This writer swears he has aborted two out of three attacks by drinking at least a quart of cold water in two minutes at the first sign of an attack. Drinking large amounts of water over time may deplete vitamins and minerals, and supplements may be needed. Exercise – Some have reported that 10 to 20 minutes of intense aerobic exercise can abort an attack. Clusterheads have been seen sprinting around the block in otherwise respectable neighborhoods in the middle of the night. Carry identification; you may meet the police. An exercise bike will do the trick, but you have to pedal hard… Caffeine Straight caffeine in the order of 150-200mg (two cups of strong coffee) has been reported to help with the cluster pain within 20 minutes. It may be caffeine’s effect on nerves and not blood vessels that explains its usefulness with headaches. Lidocaine application This treatment was first discovered by Lee Kudrow, MD. Still remains a very good treatment for many, and is probably the least expensive "prescribed" treatment you can find. Use 4% topical Lidocaine HCL, Brand name Xylocaine (Astra), also available as a generic from many manufacturers (Roxane). It is OLD, NOT compoundable, (as it is a "single, diluted chemical) and cheap–approx. $20/50cc, but some pharmacies make a big deal about it and charge outlandishly. It is off-the-shelf (not OTC), andcan be ordered easily by ANY U.S. pharmacy. It should cost about $.05/treatment. Do NOT use Lidocaine with epinephrine added,(which is what most dentists use for local anesthesia). Use a nose dropper, preferably graduated, and draw up .5ml or .5 cc or 20 mg. (all the same thing if it’s 4%). Dose is NOT that critical, but administration technique is! An older method using cotton-tipped swabs soaked in lidocaine is no longer used. Lie supine (on your back) on a bed or bench with your head "hanging off the end", and lowered about 60 degrees from the horizontal. Tilt head about 30 degrees TOWARD side of pain. Insert dropper with lidocaine "in it" in the nostril on the side of the pain until it is "comfortable"–not a critical distance. VERY SLOWLY, squeeze dropper bulb and instill lidocaine so that it "pools" at the back of the nasal passage (which is the WHOLE idea) and doesn’t go down throat. Try to take about 1 minute to instill the .5cc and then stay in that position for 1 additional minute. Get up slowly. 4% Lidocaine is somewhat bitter and, some may run down your throat or out your nostril when you arise. It "numbs" any mucosal surface it come in contact with, so do not eat or drink for 30 minutes as you may have a transient swallowing problem. You may also feel numbness in your nose, or some localized burning sensations, and you may also feel numbness along the second branch of the trigeminal nerve including the upper teeth, gums and tongue on the side of instillation. All of these side-effects should go away within about 30 minutes. This may be repeated in 2 hours, and, although the amount of Lidocaine used is small by comparison to its other medical uses, the safety window for repeating this treatment has NOT been established. Massage Therapy This may help relax the muscles in the neck and shoulders and may help keep the cluster activity in check a little. This isn’t going … read more »

Response:

I used to have cluster headaches and then they went away when I was infected with Lyme Disease. So I did have some relief for 4 1/2 years. Now that I am rid of the Lyme, they are back (I am ok having the headaches back). I am sure things have changed a great deal in this area in the last 5 years or so. If anyone could fill me in on new drugs, ect. in the area of cluster headaches it would be much appreciated. I usually wake up with a headache if I am going to have one. I have always heard that more men have them (I must have gotten them from my dad). Thanks in advance, Kara Tyson Lyme Disease Support Group of AL Director

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – does anyone if the ER would be able to help me with a protracted migraine if I go while pregnant? I have only considered it once when it was the 3rd day of a bad, long headache, and I couldn’t sleep it off, Tylenol wasn’t helping, even tried caffeine… it was bad enough to where I just wanted it to end but was afraid to go to the ER and waste a copay. I figure once they hear I am pregnant there is nothing they can do for me, or will do. I have informed my dr of the headache but they tell me to take extra strength Tylenol and sleep. What can the ER do? I know they can’t do much. I can have phenergan , maybe they could give me an opiate/narcotic, but would that even be effective for more than a few hours. I am in a tight spot…thank goodness, that headache went away but for days after the 3-day-big-one, I felt headachey in general and with very low appetite…I HATE spending 5 days mostly in bed. I had to quit my job, because I have been so sick pregnant, and unable to use migraine meds so I feel really yucky…

The opiates might work better if you had something relatively mild at home and took it early in the course of the HA.  Many other remedies work better if they are used early in the attack, maybe that’s true for the opiates.  Does anybody on ASHM know or have experience with that? Another approach that would definitely be safe during pregnancy would be transcranial electrical stimulation.  That can be used wither prophylactically or during a headache.  I have not seen controlled studies, but a couple of patients I have known seemed to have gotten good, fairly long lasting (several moths) relief.

Response:

does anyone if the ER would be able to help me with a protracted migraine if I go while pregnant? I have only considered it once when it was the 3rd day of a bad, long headache, and I couldn’t sleep it off, Tylenol wasn’t helping, even tried caffeine… it was bad enough to where I just wanted it to end but was afraid to go to the ER and waste a copay. I figure once they hear I am pregnant there is nothing they can do for me, or will do. I have informed my dr of the headache but they tell me to take extra strength Tylenol and sleep. What can the ER do? I know they can’t do much. I can have phenergan , maybe they could give me an opiate/narcotic, but would that even be effective for more than a few hours. I am in a tight spot…thank goodness, that headache went away but for days after the 3-day-big-one, I felt headachey in general and with very low appetite…I HATE spending 5 days mostly in bed. I had to quit my job, because I have been so sick pregnant, and unable to use migraine meds so I feel really yucky…

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Question:

Hi all, My situation was the following: I took birth control pills for a few month (the doctor recomended it for pco). I stopped the bcp (too many side effects). and didn’t get a period for more then a month – UNTIL… I started taking all kinda herbs and FEW DAYS later i got a period! what i took was, some not every day, a WHOLE MESS, so i don’t know what worked! black cohosh, saw palmetto, vitex, licorice, red clover, dong quai, borage oil i have no idea what worked, and NOW MY NEXT CONCERN IS TO OVULATE and i DON’T KNOW WHAT HERBS TO KEEP TAKING, IF AT ALL, i’m on the third day if my cycle now, and the last thing i want is to interfere with my ovulation, should i keep taking the herbs, what from them to take? ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATE! Keren

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Off hand I do now that vitex is safe during pregnancy.  Also that licorice and black cohosh ( or it could be blue cohosh) are not safe so I would stop them after Ovulation. Found this site for you hope it is of some help http://www.buildingbetterhealth.com/topic/9177 — Kim -Melbourne,  Australia Kim-32 (k…@wn.com.au) Mike-33 Mother to 7 Angels -4 miss 5 weeks (94, 94, 95, 01) 1 ectopic (96), Baby Robert Eric at 16 weeks (Nov 1999) Sebastian James at 20 weeks (July 2002) TTC #1 since 1992 http://www.wn.com.au/miked/kims.htm http://www.wn.com.au/miked/robert.html http://www.wn.com.au/miked/angels.html http://www.wn.com.au/miked/sebastian.html "Keren" <ga…@actcom.co.il

wrote in message

news:10261ec9.0212280458.26095d21@posting.google.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Hi all My situation was the following: I took birth control pills for a few month (the doctor recomended it for pco). I stopped the bcp (too many side effects). and didn’t get a period for more then a month – UNTIL… I started taking all kinda herbs and FEW DAYS later i got a period! what i took was, some not every day, a WHOLE MESS, so i don’t know what worked! black cohosh, saw palmetto, vitex, licorice, red clover, dong quai, borage oil i have no idea what worked, and NOW MY NEXT CONCERN IS TO OVULATE and i DON’T KNOW WHAT HERBS TO KEEP TAKING, IF AT ALL, i’m on the third day if my cycle now, and the last thing i want is to interfere with my ovulation, should i keep taking the herbs, what from them to take? ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATE! Keren

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Question:

First of all: Congratulations!!!! Pregnancy is SO exciting! I will be pulling for you! Here’s my laywoman’s 2 cents worth: I was overweight for both of my pregnancies. My OB-GYN was very firm that pregnancy is NOT a time for weight loss. Though sometimes you can’t help losing a few pounds in the first trimester due to morning sickness! Your body needs sufficient calories and nutrition to make major changes to your body during pregnancy, and to feeding the growing baby. Dieting (to lose weight) during pregnancy can result in an undernourished baby. Or an undernourished mom – your body will cannibalize your bones and your lean body mass to support the pregnancy. Also, toxins are stored in body fat; when you metabolize body fat, those toxins are released into the bloodstream. I don’t know that there’s any proof that these toxins harm fetuses, but I am of the "better safe than sorry" school when it comes to eliminating risks to unborn babies! Personally, I would not try to lose weight and I would stay out of ketosis during pregnancy. My OB-GYN told me that overweight women should gain about 15-20 pounds during pregancy. In the first trimester, there should be little or no gain; most of the weight gain should occur in the second and third trimesters. Gaining 15-20 pounds sounds like a lot, especially when you’ve been working hard to lose weight. But realize that the baby and all the changes in your body caused by a healthy pregnancy (increased size of uterus, amniotic fluid, placenta, increased breast tissue, increased fluid retention throughout the body, increased blood volume, etc.) weigh about 20 pounds! So, if you gain 15-20 pounds during pregnancy, you will end up at or slightly below your prepregnancy weight within a week or two of giving birth. He (my doctor) also told me that I should gain that weight by eating nutritious, real (unprocessed) foods. He said that my most important goal should be to get the best nutrition possible for me and my baby. He and the nurse were always asking if I was eating my veggies and drinking my water! If you really want to try to lose weight during pregnancy, PLEASE do so only under the strict supervision of a doctor who’s knowledgable about nutrition and weight loss during pregnancy, to make sure both of you stay healthy. My OB-GYN recommended the Zone diet. The Zone kept my blood sugar levels under control and resulted in the slow weight gain my doctor wanted during both pregnancies. I gained 18 pounds during the first pregnancy and 21 during the second. In both cases, within a couple of weeks of giving birth, I was slightly below my prepregnancy weight. (Unfortunately, I started eating out of control after each birth and resumed gaining weight again.  Sigh! And when I went back to the Zone after my pregnancies, I learned that the Zone is more or less a maintenance diet for me; I lose very little weight on the Zone. That’s why I’m on Atkins now.) Also, Dr. Atkins says that the Maintenance level of his diet is safe during pregnancy. You could do the Maintenance level of Atkins for the first trimester, then add some extra carbs from nutritious fruits or maybe small portions of milk or whole grains if necessary to achieve slow weight gain in the second and third trimester. I’d aim for at least 6-7 servings of veggies and fruits a day. Also, you need more protein, iron, and calcium during pregnancy, so be sure you’re getting enough. Good luck! Laura

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carol-Ann, It looks very promising atm(go to dr tomorrow hopefully) but it looks like im pg….could I be taken off the dec challenge?? Or should I ?? I dunno..lol…Any special thoughts on seriously modifying Atkins for pregnancy?? Any help would be appreciated! TIA Shaz in Melb. Australia 216.7/211.2/176 then re-evaluate 6′4(164cm) 98.5/96/80kg then re-evaluate Atkins since 18th Nov ‘02(this time round)

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Congrats! I found out I was pg 2 weeks ago. I plan to continue my low carb WOE, however I will up my carbs closer to maintenance levels. I was borderline gestational diabetic with my last pg, but ended up hypoglycemic on the GD diet- too many carbs for me. I would expect my blood sugars to be worse this time since I’m much older. I haven’t had morning sickness yet, but I hope I can get through that phase without too much carb ingestion. There  is a yahoo group for pregnant, TTC, and nursing women- PregnantAtkids. It sounds like most of the pg women are eating way more carbs than I’d dare, but there are some success stories of people who did low carb during pg, remained in ketosis, gained the appropriate weight and had healthy babies. As someone else said, it’s not a time to lose weight so make sure you get enough calories, however you may still find you spill ketones. Tiger – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carol-Ann, It looks very promising atm(go to dr tomorrow hopefully) but it looks like im pg….could I be taken off the dec challenge?? Or should I ?? I dunno..lol…Any special thoughts on seriously modifying Atkins for pregnancy?? Any help would be appreciated! TIA Shaz in Melb. Australia 216.7/211.2/176 then re-evaluate 6′4(164cm) 98.5/96/80kg then re-evaluate Atkins since 18th Nov ‘02(this time round)

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Congratulations, Tiger (is congratulating proper etiquette?)!  Keep us posted!!! Me?  I’m hoping to find someone I trust enough to father my child….and be a great partner at the same time.  Wow, it’s a tough task!!!! ~Carol Ann www.lowcarblosers.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Congrats! I found out I was pg 2 weeks ago. I plan to continue my low carb WOE, however I will up my carbs closer to maintenance levels. I was borderline gestational diabetic with my last pg, but ended up hypoglycemic on the GD diet- too many carbs for me. I would expect my blood sugars to be worse this time since I’m much older. I haven’t had morning sickness yet, but I hope I can get through that phase without too much carb ingestion. There  is a yahoo group for pregnant, TTC, and nursing women- PregnantAtkids. It sounds like most of the pg women are eating way more carbs than I’d dare, but there are some success stories of people who did low carb during pg, remained in ketosis, gained the appropriate weight and had healthy babies. As someone else said, it’s not a time to lose weight so make sure you get enough calories, however you may still find you spill ketones. Tiger Carol-Ann, It looks very promising atm(go to dr tomorrow hopefully) but it looks like im pg….could I be taken off the dec challenge?? Or should I ?? I dunno..lol…Any special thoughts on seriously modifying Atkins for pregnancy?? Any help would be appreciated! TIA Shaz in Melb. Australia 216.7/211.2/176 then re-evaluate 6′4(164cm) 98.5/96/80kg then re-evaluate Atkins since 18th Nov ‘02(this time round)

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Carol-Ann, It looks very promising atm(go to dr tomorrow hopefully) but it looks like im pg….could I be taken off the dec challenge?? Or should I ?? I dunno..lol…Any special thoughts on seriously modifying Atkins for pregnancy?? Any help would be appreciated! TIA Shaz in Melb. Australia 216.7/211.2/176 then re-evaluate 6′4(164cm) 98.5/96/80kg then re-evaluate Atkins since 18th Nov ‘02(this time round)

Response:

I tried to modify Atkins for my pregnancy and do more of a generic low-carb WOE, (no sugars, no starches) but it didn’t work. While I didn’t have morning sickness, I didn’t have an appetite for protein of any kind. So I just ate what I could, and will try to work my way back to some more sensible eating after the baby comes next month. A word of caution though, if your hubby/BF/SO is usually on plan with you… Mine takes his WOE cues from me. So when I went off plan, so did he. Now he is looking forward to restarting. January 1st we start to clean up our WOE, and Feb 1st (or whenever I get home after the baby) we re-start. HTH! Michelle Atkins since 11/11/99 PG  –  due Jan 29th, 2003

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carol-Ann, It looks very promising atm(go to dr tomorrow hopefully) but it looks like im pg….could I be taken off the dec challenge?? Or should I ?? I dunno..lol…Any special thoughts on seriously modifying Atkins for pregnancy?? Any help would be appreciated! TIA Shaz in Melb. Australia 216.7/211.2/176 then re-evaluate 6′4(164cm) 98.5/96/80kg then re-evaluate Atkins since 18th Nov ‘02(this time round)

Response:

talk to your OB-GYNE about it. congrats! — read and post daily, it works! rosie "It’s not the package and the wrapping which counts but what is inside, underneath the clothes and the skin." –Lame Deer, LAKOTA http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carol-Ann, It looks very promising atm(go to dr tomorrow hopefully) but it looks like im pg….could I be taken off the dec challenge?? Or should I ?? I dunno..lol…Any special thoughts on seriously modifying Atkins for pregnancy?? Any help would be appreciated! TIA Shaz in Melb. Australia 216.7/211.2/176 then re-evaluate 6′4(164cm) 98.5/96/80kg then re-evaluate Atkins since 18th Nov ‘02(this time round)

Response:

Do let us know if you are pregnant!!  Wowee!!  No reason to pull out of the December Challenge since it is almost over! I believe I read somewhere that a pregnant woman (with her doctor’s supervision) went on a low carb plan (not sure which one) and still lost 20lbs during her pregnancy.  She was walking and doing light exercising along with cutting out as much of her ‘bad carbs’ as she could.  It seems to have worked for her.  I’m not sure. No matter what, I do hope your test turns out the way that you want it!!! ~Carol Ann www.lowcarblosers.com May 2003 bring to you much peace, joy, good health and prosperity!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carol-Ann, It looks very promising atm(go to dr tomorrow hopefully) but it looks like im pg….could I be taken off the dec challenge?? Or should I ?? I dunno..lol…Any special thoughts on seriously modifying Atkins for pregnancy?? Any help would be appreciated! TIA Shaz in Melb. Australia 216.7/211.2/176 then re-evaluate 6′4(164cm) 98.5/96/80kg then re-evaluate Atkins since 18th Nov ‘02(this time round)

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Question:

Hey everyone, My husband and I have been on and off LC (Atkins, specifically) for the past few years. The past six months have been MUCH more off than on, unfortunately, as we both turned to carbs to help us get through a particularly stressful patch. BUT, we have repented our evil ways, and are looking to recommit to the lifestyle (yikes, I’m making it sounds like a cult!) We are both carb addicts, and had GREAT success with Atkins the firs time, but since then, haven’t noticed weight loss–but have enjoyed all of the other benefits (no heartburn, better skin, FAR less indigestion…) To that end, we were wondering what you all had to say on a few different topics: 1) What we can do to jump start the weight loss this time around? 2) the Low Carb Nexus. We’ve shopped from The Low Carb Connoisseur in the past and have had great success, but there are a few products from the Nexus that we are interested in trying. Any opinions? 3) drinking SF carbonated water beverages as part of our total daily water count. Safeway sells SF (aspartame) flavored seltzer waters and they are a GREAT choice when you need something carbonated with a meal. 4) pregnancy, or conception on low-carb. I’m not, but we are thinking about starting to try, and I wondered if any of you have had any experience with this? Let me know? Carrie

Response:

I can’t really help with much except the conception/pregnancy part. I recently had my son (he’s 2.5 months old) so I have a little recent expertise. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with conceiving while LCing. In fact, there are many people around here (including me) who wouldn’t be fertile if we didn’t lowcarb. (I was taking Clomid and Metformin on top of that, but that’s due to my PCOS.) LCing can temporarily mess up your cycles, though, so it might be a little difficult if you’re ttc in the first month or two. My midwife was very happy that I was LCing during my pregnancy, since the baby uses your insulin as a growth hormone.  Preventing hyperinsulinemia helps to prevent overly large babies. Also, the added protein levels are recommended by most doctors as a good way to avoid high blood pressure and toxemia. The jury is still out on whether or not ketosis is safe during pregnancy, and personally, I didn’t risk it. I brought my carb level up to avoid ketosis… actually, I had to about triple it, since my metabolism worked correctly during my pregnancy, and much faster than it ever has in my whole life! I would say that the biggest challenge to LCing in pregnancy is morning sickness. For me, all my food aversions were to high-protein foods, and that didn’t clear until I was 12 weeks along. Sometimes, I was lucky to keep anything down, so I ate anything that sounded appealing. I went right back to lower-carb as soon as I felt well again, and it really helped to keep me feeling well and gaining at a reasonable rate. Hope that helps. — Cassie 300+/279/150 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey everyone, My husband and I have been on and off LC (Atkins, specifically) for the past few years. The past six months have been MUCH more off than on, unfortunately, as we both turned to carbs to help us get through a particularly stressful patch. BUT, we have repented our evil ways, and are looking to recommit to the lifestyle (yikes, I’m making it sounds like a cult!) We are both carb addicts, and had GREAT success with Atkins the firs time, but since then, haven’t noticed weight loss–but have enjoyed all of the other benefits (no heartburn, better skin, FAR less indigestion…) To that end, we were wondering what you all had to say on a few different topics: 1) What we can do to jump start the weight loss this time around? 2) the Low Carb Nexus. We’ve shopped from The Low Carb Connoisseur in the past and have had great success, but there are a few products from the Nexus that we are interested in trying. Any opinions? 3) drinking SF carbonated water beverages as part of our total daily water count. Safeway sells SF (aspartame) flavored seltzer waters and they are a GREAT choice when you need something carbonated with a meal. 4) pregnancy, or conception on low-carb. I’m not, but we are thinking about starting to try, and I wondered if any of you have had any experience with this? Let me know? Carrie

Response:

Hey everyone, …there are a few products from the Nexus that we are interested in trying. Any opinions? … Carrie

Carrie, I am obviously quite prejudiced, but we would be glad to help with any products that you find worthwhile.  We do offer "samplers" of such items as bars, etc. if you want to try some of the products… and if you try some and they are not to your liking, we can refund the purchase (samplers only)… if you but thirty boxes and "try" them… well, that wouldn’t be reasonable!!!  ;-) My point is that we try and sell only products that we would eat ourselves! – Dr. Bill http://www.lowcarbnexus.com

Response:

Question:

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know I’m pregnant.  we are very excited.  I’m only about 5weeks, but my husband is already telling everyone. anyway, I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been (155).  with my son matthew, i started at 110 and went to 148.  with sean i started at 140 and went to 173.  now i’m 160.  I’ve gained 5 lbs in just one week.  I usually gain the most the first 3mos and then again nothing till the last trimester. I know the baby comes first, but anohter 30lbs on my small frame (5′1")  will make me 190 and thats a lot to carry around.  I knew with my last pregnancy, it really took a toll on my body. I’v been cutting out all sugar (except for splenda since i heard it was safe during pregnancy and nursing). I’d like to do a moderate lc.  is this possible you think? Thanks again and happy holidays. Diem

Response:

HEY!!!  5 weeks and I’m 18 weeks!! Congratulations!! Diem if it wasn’t for the morning sickness and sheer boredom I’d be more low carb then what I am.  However this week, I’m cutting out the sugar and breads and having my SO (significant other) get me low carb munchies.  I don’t have as much nausea as before so I should be ok.  I’m also on 95% bed rest (I use the other 5% for reading the NG’s, e-mail and bathroom).  I’m also having B/P issues but it’s more stable when I’m less active. So far everyone says stay out of Ketosis, eat more carbs like fruit and veggies.  That’s about it.   I noticed what they (the RN’s) told me to eat and what I eat (on low carb) is about the same just needed more fruits and veggies.  Veggies for me have always been an issue because I have never liked very many; broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, spinach and the various lettuces.  That’s about it.  Fruits not many of them either; cantaloupe, pineapple, the berries, plums, oranges and bananas.   I’m a boring eater. Good luck and hope you have a good, safe and happy pregnancy!! Desi

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know I’m pregnant.  we are very excited.  I’m only about 5weeks, but my husband is already telling everyone. anyway, I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been (155).  with my son matthew, i started at 110 and went to 148.  with sean i started at 140 and went to 173.  now i’m 160.  I’ve gained 5 lbs in just one week.  I usually gain the most the first 3mos and then again nothing till the last trimester. I know the baby comes first, but anohter 30lbs on my small frame (5′1")  will make me 190 and thats a lot to carry around.  I knew with my last pregnancy, it really took a toll on my body. I’v been cutting out all sugar (except for splenda since i heard it was safe during pregnancy and nursing). I’d like to do a moderate lc.  is this possible you think? Thanks again and happy holidays. Diem

Response:

Congratulations on the pregnancy.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know I’m pregnant.  we are very excited.  I’m only about 5weeks, but my husband is already telling everyone. anyway, I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been (155).  with my son matthew, i started at 110 and went to 148.  with sean i started at 140 and went to 173.  now i’m 160.  I’ve gained 5 lbs in just one week.  I usually gain the most the first 3mos and then again nothing till the last trimester. I know the baby comes first, but anohter 30lbs on my small frame (5′1")  will make me 190 and thats a lot to carry around.  I knew with my last pregnancy, it really took a toll on my body. I’v been cutting out all sugar (except for splenda since i heard it was safe during pregnancy and nursing). I’d like to do a moderate lc.  is this possible you think? Thanks again and happy holidays. Diem

Miss Jaime Restarted LC: Dec 9 2001 Began exercising: Dec 7 2001 The Quest has begun.  :)

Response:

CONGRATULATIONS !!!! Whoooo Hooooooo !! ConnieMS 244/158/150 http://pages.ivillage.com/alcon70/conniems/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know I’m pregnant.  we are very excited.  I’m only about 5weeks, but my husband is already telling everyone. anyway, I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been (155).  with my son matthew, i started at 110 and went to 148.  with sean i started at 140 and went to 173.  now i’m 160.  I’ve gained 5 lbs in just one week.  I usually gain the most the first 3mos and then again nothing till the last trimester. I know the baby comes first, but anohter 30lbs on my small frame (5′1")  will make me 190 and thats a lot to carry around.  I knew with my last pregnancy, it really took a toll on my body. I’v been cutting out all sugar (except for splenda since i heard it was safe during pregnancy and nursing). I’d like to do a moderate lc.  is this possible you think? Thanks again and happy holidays. Diem

Response:

Hi Diem. Congratulations! I think you can do moderately LC, by avoiding sugar like you have been, and eating whole grains instead of processed grains. After the baby you can LC again and lose that baby weight. .. Bridget M. CAD 2/94 LC 7/01 188/164/126

Response:

Congrats, Diem!  I’m so happy for you! — Cheers! Nicole K. 263/183.5/150 Low carb since May 1, 2000

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know I’m pregnant.  we are very excited.  I’m only about 5weeks, but my husband is already telling everyone. anyway, I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been (155).  with my son matthew, i started at 110 and went to 148.  with sean i started at 140 and went to 173.  now i’m 160.  I’ve gained 5 lbs in just one week.  I usually gain the most the first 3mos and then again nothing till the last trimester. I know the baby comes first, but anohter 30lbs on my small frame (5′1")  will make me 190 and thats a lot to carry around.  I knew with my last pregnancy, it really took a toll on my body. I’v been cutting out all sugar (except for splenda since i heard it was safe during pregnancy and nursing). I’d like to do a moderate lc.  is this possible you think? Thanks again and happy holidays. Diem

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know I’m pregnant.  we are very excited.  I’m only about 5weeks, but my husband is already telling everyone. anyway, I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been (155).  with my son matthew, i started at 110 and went to 148.  with sean i started at 140 and went to 173.  now i’m 160.  I’ve gained 5 lbs in just one week.  I usually gain the most the first 3mos and then again nothing till the last trimester. I know the baby comes first, but anohter 30lbs on my small frame (5′1")  will make me 190 and thats a lot to carry around.  I knew with my last pregnancy, it really took a toll on my body. I’v been cutting out all sugar (except for splenda since i heard it was safe during pregnancy and nursing). I’d like to do a moderate lc.  is this possible you think? Thanks again and happy holidays. Diem

Congrats ! — Jenh Life is like a box of chocolates.   Too damn full of carbs ! 280 / 258.5 / 140

Response:

Diem, Congratulations on your pregnancy!  As the mother of a 5 year old, I can tell you that you are in for the most wonderful time of your life. You have been given a true gift. In general, ketosis is not advised for pregnant or lactating women.  An excellent LC diet for breast feeding is SugarBusters.  The book is an easy, quick read and it is safe for pregnancy and lactation. Their official web site is: http://sugarbusters.com/sbfiles/home.html If you were doing Atkins before your pregnancy, you may wish to check out the FAQ section of the official Atkins web site. In it, Atkins discourages his diet while pregnance except for maintenance phase: Question from Atkins Web Site: Can I follow the Atkins Nutritional Approach while I’m pregnant? Answer from Atkins Web Site: Weight loss is not recommended while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, so the Atkins weight-maintenance phase is ideal during this time. As with all phases of the Atkins Nutritional Approach, build your diet around protein, including meat, poultry and seafood, and healthy natural fats such as olive and flaxseed oil and avocados. Eat plenty of vegetables and one serving of fruit such as strawberries, blueberries or grapefruit daily. Instead of hydrogenated oils, consume healthy fats, seeds and nuts. Cook meat well but don’t burn it-heavily charred meats can be unhealthy. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Try to walk 30 minutes a day at a comfortable pace. Avoid getting overheated during exercise and be sure to get plenty of rest. And have fun, this is a very special time! Expect to gain at least 27 pounds over the full nine months-which will include baby, placenta and fluid. The weight should all come off a few weeks after delivery. Nursing your baby burns more calories and contracts your uterus, so it’s good for both of you. When pregnant or nursing, supplement your diet with the following nutrients daily: Atkins Basic #1 Multivitamin: 1 tablet x 3 Atkins Essential Oils: 1 soft-gel tablet x 3 Calcium: 1,000 mg Magnesium: 500 mg Zinc: 50 mg Zoe 177/151/135 A journey of a thousand leagues begins with a single step.

Response:

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know I’m pregnant.  we are very excited.  I’m only about 5weeks, but my husband is already telling everyone.

That’s exciting! Congratulations, Diem! HG

Response:

Question:

Melissa, thanks for asking the question and thanks to Micke and Crohnie Mom for sharing this info. I am not having a child yet but the consideration of all of this is always on my mind. I am trying to educate myself and prepare in advance. If anyone has had any experience with pregnancey and 6 mp please conitinue to share.

Response:

Hi, My OBGYN sent me to a perinatologist (sp?) after I became pregnant to find out/discuss the effects of Imuran on the baby.  I was basically told that there is a small risk of being on it while pregnant but that is the case with any medication.  Obviously there have been no studies done on pregnant women on Imuran, they only look at the after results, meaning the drug companies don’t want to open themselves up to lawsuits by testing pregnant women (then again I wouldn’t want to be guinea pig while pregnant.)  After I made it past my bad point of 10 weeks (I had other problems staying pregnant besides Crohns), I felt much better about the pregancy regardless of the Imuran. My best advice, it trying to get pregnant, learn what you can about any medication you are on.  Don’t risk a flare by going of any medication b/c that won’t due you or the baby any good.  I also found out from experience that if the disease is active, you may be infertile as it’s your bodies way of protecting itself by not taking on any additional stress.  Once I got healty, I had no problem getting pregnant. Good luck to thos trying… Mickey

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Melissa, thanks for asking the question and thanks to Micke and Crohnie Mom for sharing this info. I am not having a child yet but the consideration of all of this is always on my mind. I am trying to educate myself and prepare in advance. If anyone has had any experience with pregnancey and 6 mp please conitinue to share.

Response:

Hi Melissa I just had a baby boy in June and was on 100mg of Imuran the entire time. Everything turned out fine, Dr’s watched me like a hawk.  My GI didn’t want to take me off and have the risk of flaring. Feel free to e-mail me. Good Luck Micke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m so confused… my husband and I want to get pregnant, and I just tried to get off of Imuran but started flaring w/in 3 weeks.  I am back on the Imuran and my flare is slowly going away. My GI doctor is very upbeat about the newer studies about Imuran and says it is safe during pregnancy.  My OBGYN however isn’t as optimistic.  When I looked for research on the web I find conflicting reports. I hate to take an unnecessary risk but I really want a baby! Has anyone had any experiences being pregnant on the drug?  (hopefully successful ones…!) Any info would be appreciated!! Thanks, Melissa

Response:

Had a healthy baby in May.  Was on 6-mp the whole time.  You will get a mixed response from doctors, at least I certainly did.  Basically you will have to read whatever you can get your hands on and make your own decision.  From the limited studies done with transplant patients I didn’t see any evidence of increased risk of birth defects so I chose to take the medicine during my pregnancy.  I wish I knew who to report the outcome to so that more people would know… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Melissa I just had a baby boy in June and was on 100mg of Imuran the entire time. Everything turned out fine, Dr’s watched me like a hawk.  My GI didn’t want to take me off and have the risk of flaring. Feel free to e-mail me. Good Luck Micke Hi, I’m so confused… my husband and I want to get pregnant, and I just tried  to get off of Imuran but started flaring w/in 3 weeks.  I am back on the  Imuran and my flare is slowly going away. My GI doctor is very upbeat about the  newer studies about Imuran and says it is safe during pregnancy.  My OBGYN  however isn’t as optimistic.  When I looked for research on the web I find  conflicting reports. I hate to take an unnecessary risk but I really want a baby!  Has anyone had any experiences being pregnant on the drug?  (hopefully  successful ones…!) Any info would be appreciated!! Thanks, Melissa

Response:

This is a good site for drug implications during pregnancy. It specifically anwers the questions as to imuran’s saftey during pregnancy and says that with a 20 year history of the drug it has proven safe . http://ibscrohns.about.com/cs/immunosuppressants/index.htm?terms=drug… egnancy — Pearl L

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have you checked with your pharmasist?  They seem to know more about med than Drs do.  There computer can analize and see if any problems arise. Also you can contact you local Amaican Medical Assossiation.  Give them atry. UM MOM Susan Hi, I’m so confused… my husband and I want to get pregnant, and I just tried to get off of Imuran but started flaring w/in 3 weeks.  I am back on the Imuran and my flare is slowly going away. My GI doctor is very upbeat about the newer studies about Imuran and says it is safe during pregnancy.  My OBGYN however isn’t as optimistic.  When I looked for research on the web I find conflicting reports. I hate to take an unnecessary risk but I really want a baby! Has anyone had any experiences being pregnant on the drug?  (hopefully successful ones…!) Any info would be appreciated!! Thanks, Melissa

Response:

Have you checked with your pharmasist?  They seem to know more about med than Drs do.  There computer can analize and see if any problems arise. Also you can contact you local Amaican Medical Assossiation.  Give them atry. UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m so confused… my husband and I want to get pregnant, and I just tried to get off of Imuran but started flaring w/in 3 weeks.  I am back on the Imuran and my flare is slowly going away. My GI doctor is very upbeat about the newer studies about Imuran and says it is safe during pregnancy.  My OBGYN however isn’t as optimistic.  When I looked for research on the web I find conflicting reports. I hate to take an unnecessary risk but I really want a baby! Has anyone had any experiences being pregnant on the drug?  (hopefully successful ones…!) Any info would be appreciated!! Thanks, Melissa

Response:

Hi Janeen.  I was on Imuran, 100 mg daily throughout my 2nd pregnancy.  My GI and GP both said to stay on it rather than risk a flare (flared anyways, but we figure it was milder than it would have been w/out the Imuran).  My little guy was born at full term, weighed almost 8 lbs. and is now a very happy, healthy 2 year old. I also phoned MotherRisk (a Canadian group that tracks drugs and pregnancy/nursing statistics).  They said Imuran "would not increase the base line risk of birth defects." Imuran dosage is normally based on body weight… I weighed approx. 130 lbs. I realize there is a lot of negative stuff out there about Imuran.  I think it is either outdated or based on high doses.  Check with your doctor(s), but I think it is OK. Good luck! Tamara – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I am on Imuran, 100mg daily. My GI has prescribed 125, but I’m comfortable on the 100. My question is: Is this a high enough dose to give all those adverse reactions that I have read about, especially for pregnancy. Most of the bad side effects (or so I’ve been told) are applicable mostly to people on very high dosages. Anyone out there with more information? Janeen W

Response:

Hello, I am on Imuran, 100mg daily. My GI has prescribed 125, but I’m comfortable on the 100. My question is: Is this a high enough dose to give all those adverse reactions that I have read about, especially for pregnancy. Most of the bad side effects (or so I’ve been told) are applicable mostly to people on very high dosages. Anyone out there with more information? Janeen W

Response:

 check w doc i think you need to go off of it if you plan to get pregnant also 125 is nit too high im on 200

Response:

Hi, I’m on 100mg Imuran and 8 1/2 mo. pregnant.  I have been on this dose for over a year.  My Dr. would prefer to keep me on it rather than risk a flare and jeopardize the health of me and the baby.  So far testing on the baby has been okay. As far as dosage, I thought it went on weight.  I am not having any adverse side effects at 100mg. Are  you planning on  becoming pregnant or are you pregnant?? Good Luck, Mickey

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I am on Imuran, 100mg daily. My GI has prescribed 125, but I’m comfortable on the 100. My question is: Is this a high enough dose to give all those adverse reactions that I have read about, especially for pregnancy. Most of the bad side effects (or so I’ve been told) are applicable mostly to people on very high dosages. Anyone out there with more information? Janeen W

Response:

HI Mickey, I am not yet pregnant, but would like to be in the next year or so. I really wanted to get info before we started trying though, as it will be my first, and I am scared of the side effects I’ve heard of. Janeen W Raleigh,NC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m on 100mg Imuran and 8 1/2 mo. pregnant.  I have been on this dose for over a year.  My Dr. would prefer to keep me on it rather than risk a flare and jeopardize the health of me and the baby.  So far testing on the baby has been okay. As far as dosage, I thought it went on weight.  I am not having any adverse side effects at 100mg. Are  you planning on  becoming pregnant or are you pregnant?? Good Luck, Mickey

Response:

Question:

Yes, but for the life of me I can’t remember which ones. Victoria "Flourish99" <flouris…@aol.com

wrote in message

news:20010119160133.04234.00000256@ng-ma1.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

If a young woman is in the infertility process and is clinically

depressed,

then becomes pregnant, are there safe antidepressants that can be used

that are

not harmful to the baby. Thank You and May God Bless You

Response:

In article <20010119160133.04234.00000…@ng-ma1.aol.com

,

  flouris…@aol.com (Flourish99) wrote:

If a young woman is in the infertility process and is clinically

depressed,

then becomes pregnant, are there safe antidepressants that can be

used that are

not harmful to the baby. Thank You and May God Bless You

Hi! I am on Wellbutrin (Bupropion), 475 mg a day, and I’m 19 & 1/2 weeks pregnant. What I did even before we started trying to conceive was to check with my P-doc, my GP, and did all sorts of drug/pregnancy/lactation research to make sure that the pregnancy & breastfeeding would be safe to do while on my med. There’s no way I could’ve gone off my meds, nor could I now – they have kept me alive many times, for sure! I would’nt be a fit mother for my child, so the risk (which I am told is slim to none) to the fetus is acceptable. So, the answer to your question is, YES – just do some research yourself, besides asking a doctor you trust for help with the info. Good luck! Corinne Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/

Response:

Several of the major antidepressants are safe during pregnancy. I am on Paxil and we are getting ready to undergo an IVF cycle, and its safe to keep on it. Also I know that prozac, zoloft, and others are safe as well. Talk to your doctors Arwen

Response:

If a young woman is in the infertility process and is clinically depressed, then becomes pregnant, are there safe antidepressants that can be used that are not harmful to the baby. Thank You and May God Bless You

Response:

Question:

This evening I had 46 grams of carbs and my one-hour reading was 119. So I guess I should try reducing the carbs more?  They said I should eat between 45-60 so I hadn’t tried less than the minimum amount. I’m not sure about the amount of calories I should be eating.  The dietician suggestioned 2100 based on my pre-pregnancy weight, which was 132.  Guess that amount of calories does seem like an awful lot!  I have lost two pounds since I started the diet, though! Michelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I wouldn’t take advice from anyone less than an endocrinologist especially when pregnant and I would demand full explanations and also throw the carb issue at them.  If you are overweight and you don’t lose weight on a diet the first thing you look at is whether you are consuming too many calories for your body.  And exercise level.  1500-1800 calories is a weight loss diet for some, not me – 1200 is my limit.  same with carbs.  if the meter registers too high 2 hours after the meal then suspect the carbs.  Also you are in bed rest, you are not burning your carbs off as much as someone who is active. Thanks, just reading that comment was enough to convince me not to use this stuff.  I had heard this before about the orals and now am so frustrated that they would even suggest this to me.  Those people at that hospital are CRAZY!  Ugh, they love to test out things as they are a teaching hospital.  Thanks for the link.  I’ll do a good search and bring in as much evidence as possible to support not using the drug. Take care, Michelle

Response:

I wouldn’t take advice from anyone less than an endocrinologist especially when pregnant and I would demand full explanations and also throw the carb issue at them.  If you are overweight and you don’t lose weight on a diet the first thing you look at is whether you are consuming too many calories for your body.  And exercise level.  1500-1800 calories is a weight loss diet for some, not me – 1200 is my limit.  same with carbs.  if the meter registers too high 2 hours after the meal then suspect the carbs.  Also you are in bed rest, you are not burning your carbs off as much as someone who is active. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks, just reading that comment was enough to convince me not to use this stuff.  I had heard this before about the orals and now am so frustrated that they would even suggest this to me.  Those people at that hospital are CRAZY!  Ugh, they love to test out things as they are a teaching hospital.  Thanks for the link.  I’ll do a good search and bring in as much evidence as possible to support not using the drug. Take care, Michelle

Response:

Thanks, just reading that comment was enough to convince me not to use this stuff.  I had heard this before about the orals and now am so frustrated that they would even suggest this to me.  Those people at that hospital are CRAZY!  Ugh, they love to test out things as they are a teaching hospital.  Thanks for the link.  I’ll do a good search and bring in as much evidence as possible to support not using the drug. Take care, Michelle

Response:

Natural is awlays better than oral drugs.  I saw a lot wrong with the carbs  myself but what the dietitians recommend and what an individual diabetic ends up being able to eat – carb-wise – are often 2 totally different things.  This is why we use glucose meters so we can tell if a meal had too many carbs.  If they are going to go to the trouble of prescribing drugs then why not just insulin injections – why take risks.  Do a search on the words glyburide pregnancy in the one search and see what you can come up with.  I search on www.google.com Actually here is one I just found, scroll down til you read the bit on pregnancy. http://www.rxmed.com/monographs/diabeta.html I personally would go for the dietary changes, eg even lower carbs. The dietitian looked at my meal diary this morning and said my meals shouldn’t be giving me the numbers that I’m getting.  The diabetic specialist and midwife both want me to go on Glyburide.  I didn’t know that oral medications are safe during pregnancy!  At any rate, I have one week to get my levels down or I’ll have to run and go into hiding so I’m not stuck with that drug!  This freaks me out a bit, so I’ll trying cutting back LOTS.  Thanks for your meal/snack

suggestions.  I already – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – tried the salad trick with a really good low carb dressing and some turkey meat and things were pretty good. Take care, Michelle

Response:

The dietitian looked at my meal diary this morning and said my meals shouldn’t be giving me the numbers that I’m getting.  The diabetic specialist and midwife both want me to go on Glyburide.  I didn’t know that oral medications are safe during pregnancy!  At any rate, I have one week to get my levels down or I’ll have to run and go into hiding so I’m not stuck with that drug!  This freaks me out a bit, so I’ll trying cutting back LOTS.  Thanks for your meal/snack suggestions.  I already tried the salad trick with a really good low carb dressing and some turkey meat and things were pretty good. Take care, Michelle

Response:

Thanks Ruth! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just wanted to check for my own piece of mind.  Also, I’m still having problems <<snip I would test in the mornings… that should be sufficent… the urine is more concentrated then and if you are spilling any keytones they most likely will show up then… Ruthie Up here in Michigan. Friends multiply joy and divide sorrow! and……. Just remember…if the world didn’t suck, we’d all fall off. <G

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The diet they put my on allows for 30 carbs for breakfast, 45-60 for lunch, 45-60 for dinner, and three snacks of 30.  Eating the full amount at lunch seems okay, it’s the breakfast and dinner I’m having problems with.  Breakfast the last five mornings have been 117, 133, 79, 117, 105.  The weird thing is I eat the same thing every day! Two eggs and one egg white scrambled together and a piece of whole wheat toast (plain).  My dinner scores have been 135, 128, 111, 136. They are very high!  Tonight I’m going to try eating half the amount of carbs and see how that helps.  Also, I’m going to eat my veggies with the snacks to decrease the amount I’m eating with dinner.  The only reason I keep eating so much at dinner is I’m worried that the baby isn’t going to get enough calories.

Some people go an entire pregnancy throwing up and eating little and still mange to have a helathy baby, the baby will always draw from you.  But it is a myth you have to eat for two.  If you feel the need to cut carbs at dinner, then do it, they are high,  many, many people who are not big eaters still get what they and their baby need.  Cut down til you get acceptable numbers – remember babies are at high risk if your numbers stay up.  With breakast you would be lucky to be getting 20 carbs with just the toast being counted. I am diet controlled (so far).  They wanted me to meet with the dietitian again, but with the contraction situation, I was simply too overwhelmed to keep everything straight.  I realize my scores are simply too high, this was just such a shock and I’m trying hard to change my eating habits!

If you keep high numbers, and dinner is high for a pregnancy, they will assume you need insulin without bothering to re evaluate the number of carbs. If you ate brekky like you do, let’s say fruit or glass milk for your snacks and protein and salad or veges for lunch and dinner you won’t go wrong.  At lunch add a slice of bread with your plateful of lower carb salad veges and for dinner a small potato.  For your calcium add some low fat cheese (not soft cheese – it is dangerous to eat when pregnant) with your meals – melted cheese in scrambled eggs is nice, cheese melted over steak etc.  You could have a glass of milk as some of your snacks. You are also having bed rest so the exercise lack could be keeping the bg’s too high as well.  Eat to your meter and your mobility level.

Response:

The diet they put my on allows for 30 carbs for breakfast, 45-60 for lunch, 45-60 for dinner, and three snacks of 30.  Eating the full amount at lunch seems okay, it’s the breakfast and dinner I’m having problems with.  Breakfast the last five mornings have been 117, 133, 79, 117, 105.  The weird thing is I eat the same thing every day!  Two eggs and one egg white scrambled together and a piece of whole wheat toast (plain).  My dinner scores have been 135, 128, 111, 136.  They are very high!  Tonight I’m going to try eating half the amount of carbs and see how that helps.  Also, I’m going to eat my veggies with the snacks to decrease the amount I’m eating with dinner.  The only reason I keep eating so much at dinner is I’m worried that the baby isn’t going to get enough calories. I am diet controlled (so far).  They wanted me to meet with the dietitian again, but with the contraction situation, I was simply too overwhelmed to keep everything straight.  I realize my scores are simply too high, this was just such a shock and I’m trying hard to change my eating habits! Thanks, Michelle (30 weeks)

Response:

I just wanted to check for my own piece of mind.  Also, I’m still having problems

<<snip I would test in the mornings… that should be sufficent… the urine is more concentrated then and if you are spilling any keytones they most likely will show up then… Ruthie Up here in Michigan. Friends multiply joy and divide sorrow! and……. Just remember…if the world didn’t suck, we’d all fall off. <G

Response:

Thanks, everyone has been telling me that keytones shouldn’t be a problem.  I just wanted to check for my own piece of mind.  Also, I’m still having problems controlling my sugar levels and I was put on bed rest two days ago for having early contractions, so now I’m paranoid about every little thing.  Should I be testing in the morning, then? I’ll check out the web site. . . thanks. Michelle

Response:

Thanks, everyone has been telling me that keytones shouldn’t be a problem.  I just wanted to check for my own piece of mind. Also, I’m still having problems controlling my sugar levels and I was put on bed rest two days ago for having early contractions, so now I’m paranoid about every little thing.  Should I be testing in the

morning, then? I don’t know when to check but what sort of diet are you on, e.g. how much carbo per meal/snack etc.  I found the diet way too high in carbs when I was pregnant.  I ate more than enough to maintain myself and my growing baby, kept the bg’s down and even lost weight (which I needed to do) and used far less carbs than the diet sheet recommended.  I can’t remember whether you said you use insulin to help control the bg’s.  How many weeks are you. Please do read the site and anything else you can find out about GD as well.  It is important for your baby’s health – I don’t want to scare you but maintaining low bg’s is REALLY important for bub’s long term health.

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ketone problems with GD should not manifest unless you don’t keep good control – e.g you meter indicates you are high, often.  If you adjust your diet and exercise to a point that keeps your numbers at an acceptable level then ketones shouldn’t be a problem at all.  But you must check with your endocrinologist about this rather than take the views of people in newsgroups who usually don’t have any credentials Here is a website for you to browse – it is full of questions about issues that mums with GD usually worry about and the answers are from doctors in a diabetic team: http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/dteam/d_0d_0li.htm At this point in time I would be more concerned with keeping the blood sugar levels down to avoid any complications with the baby and yourself. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When is the appropriate time to test my urine with Ketostixs?  I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes a couple weeks ago and decided to go ahead and test on my own to make sure I’m not spilling keytones.  The directions didn’t say when is best to test.  The pharmacist said morning, but I wanted to double check this. Thanks for your help. Michelle

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When is the appropriate time to test my urine with Ketostixs?  I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes a couple weeks ago and decided to go ahead and test on my own to make sure I’m not spilling keytones.  The directions didn’t say when is best to test.  The pharmacist said morning, but I wanted to double check this. Thanks for your help. Michelle

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Question:

Hi! Does anyone here know if St.John’s Wort can be safely used during pregnancy or nursing?   For instance,Prozac is safe during pregnancy but not recommended for nursing.   Does anyone know?Thanx in advance. — ******* IRINA SHOUSHOUNOVA bo693 or Love…@ottawa.com *******  As Christ suffered many attacks, so must he who is following  in His footsteps,for the disciple is not above his  master. ********* Home Page:http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~bo693 ********

Response:

‘Twas 18 Jul 2000 21:32:25 GMT  when the wise and venerated bo…@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (Irina Shoushounova) enlightened alt.support.tourette with these thought provoking words:

Hi! Does anyone here know if St.John’s Wort can be safely used during pregnancy or nursing?  For instance,Prozac is safe during pregnancy but not recommended for nursing.  Does anyone know?Thanx in advance.

Based on what I know about SJW, and more importantly what I don’t know, I would advise strongly against using SJW during pregnancy or nursing. — RB |