I have a question for people who are farther post-E than I am. I had (autoimmune) brainstem encephalitis starting in January 2009. I spent until mid March in the hospital, then did therapy outpatient until June. I was on lots of medicine but have been able to wean off of a lot of it. I am down to Provigil, Topomax and Nexium. Hopefully, I will be off the rest soon. I have a few residual effects, but have had a pretty amazing recovery according to my neuro. She actually said I may be the luckiest person on the planet according to what my MRI's look like. My brainstem was pretty devestated. Anyways, I am almost 24 now, and my husband and I are starting to think about having kids. I was wondering if anyone has had kids post-E and if there were any complications or issues to consider? My neuro said to wait a year (back in August). I just want to know if I need to be concerned about my immune system or anything if I become pregnant. Thanks!
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Pregnancy Post E
- By tkeys
- Posted October 23, 2009 at 2:12 pm · 6 replies
- In Life after encephalitis
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Acid reflux Protonix Nexium Sleep apnea Pregnancy Pain Provigil Encephalitis Stress
6 replies
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- Newest first
- By BobTX
- Posted October 24, 2009 at 8:24 am
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Hi Tkeys,
I have never been pregnant and never will be so I cant answer that question. But what your neuro said I think is golden. You need a year to assess where you are and you will probably have your own answer at a years end (next August, not January). Recovery for the brain is slow.
Shortly after recovery while I was still on short term disability I started looking for a different job and talked to a head-hunter friend of mine. Later looking back on the situation I was in no shape to make any life changing decisions.
I am curious as to why they put you on Nexium? Is it because all the meds tore up your stomach? I also take Nexium but being older, overweight, sleep apnea and the stress of a prolonged divorce is what I attribute my gut pain to.
Sounds like you have had a great recovery this far and I hope you continue to get better and better. Thanks for sharing.
Bob
- By tkeys
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 1:08 am
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Thanks for the reply. I am on nexium b/c I've had stomach problems my whole life, unchecked. It took a brain injury for me to mention that I throw up a couple times a week because of acid reflux to a doctor. I probably should have had it taken care of long ago. It's nice to not be constantly sick to my stomach after everything that is somewhat greasy or spicy. I noticed how much better it was when I was on protonix when I was on steroids that I wasn't ever having the upset stomach anymore. The nexium does the trick once a day...
- By petersencm
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 9:24 am
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Hello -
I must say first that I had Herpies simplex E. (sp?)
I to be safe, that might be enough difference that my story may not help you out.
A few years after I had my one seizure, showing after a few days it was encephalitis, my hub and I decided to try to have our 3rd child. Real quick, I, thankfully, had no physical problems from what I had. My brain was/is the only thing that has been effected. No doctors were involved by this point but we felt no worry when we decided to try. Our son is now a woppen 16!
Again, you're story could be totally different and since it's been recent you had your 'E' - I'd for sure say wait for that year to end.
- By petersencm
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 9:28 am
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oops - I forgot to include that all went fine with my pregnancy. Of course the doctors knew about my background but there was nothing at all we had to deal with concerning my illness. I got pregnant with him about 2 years after my illness.
My only worries now is.... HIM DRIVING SOON!
- By Jules1572
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 1:46 pm
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I was 6 months pregnant with my 2nd child when I got sick with Encephalitis and was in the hospital for a month and half. I don't even remember it. I had my newborn a month after leaving the hospital and she is VERY healthy. I think you would be fine getting pregnant and having a normal, healthy newborn :)
- By Sandy_H
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 5:22 pm
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I was 8 1/2mths pregnant with our third child when I came down with Herpies Simplex Enceph. That was 15yrs ago and our son was born healthy, an innocent passenger was the Doctors comment. My Doctor also advised me not to have any more children. His reason was that the stress it could cause my body and brain and he wasn't sure how I'd cope after what my body and brain had been through. We weren't going to have anymore children anyway but I know if I had wanted another one the doctors would have supported my decision and we would have taken more care and focused on health and rest.
You'll know if you are ready. Take care of yourself and we support your decision. Cheers Sandy
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