Monday 28 April 2008

Baby Richards!

Hi all,
I'm sorry I have not written for ages but I don't think I could have written on here without spilling the news about baby Richards! I am expecting my first baby on October 31st (and no we are not calling the baby Damian!). The picture above is the baby at the scan at 12 weeks, for those who cannot tell what is what - the head is on the right and that's it's leg up in the air on the left. We have another scan in about 6 weeks in which we can find out the sex of the baby if we want to but we want a surprise so will just keep guessing! I have a small bump expanding, well I know that's what it is, I probably just look fat to everyone else! My trousers are definitely getting tighter but I don't mind, it's all for a good cause.

My MS has not really changed with the pregnancy. I finally managed to shake off the hug (or the little elf got bored squeezing me!) which was a relief. My legs still get very tired, but that could be down to baby, being back at work full time or just the MS. So, I'm back at work teaching full time, which is hard work but I am just about coping. I think it makes it easier to cope knowing I don't have much teaching time left until I go on maternity leave. Access to Work have been so supportive and have provided me with 7 hours of support in the classroom. The support is entirely for me, someone to do my photocopying, put my displays up for me etc. My very own personal assistant! The other teachers at school are very jealous.

Well not long now until we have a nice week away in France. I am just hoping the weather is going to be better than it was when we went last year - it was colder and wetter in Bordeaux than it was in Bristol. We are supposed to be going away to Spain in August but I will be 30 wks pregnant by then and I am not sure I am happy about leaving the country in case this baby decides to make an early appearance, we will see.......

I will keep you updated on bump and how my MS reacts to the pregnancy.
Em x

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I am in the United States and I stumbled onto your blog a while ago. I too have MS and have had a lot of your same symptoms. Do you take any medication for your MS, such as the A,B,C drugs? Good luck to you, I will continue to read your blog! (I did fine, for the most part, during both of my pregnancy's. My second pregnancy has left me with some permanent weakness in my legs but he is worth it!)

Rachael

Anonymous said...

Hi Rachael,
I don't take any medication at the moment but I will be taking disease modifying drugs after the birth (Interferons - are these ABC drugs?).
I have weakness in my legs already but am prepared for what I might face. I am sure it will be worth it!
Emma

Anonymous said...

Hi Emma, the interferons drugs are Avonex, Beta Sernon, and Copaxone, ABC. I have tried all three but could only tolerate Copaxone. I am now on Tysabri, a newish medicine that is an infusion once a month. Stiffness and low endurance is what's bothering me now, but every day is a new day! A good support from family is so helpful and it sounds like you have that too!
Rachael

LindseyO said...

Congrats on the baby! HoW Exciting! :)

The ABC drugs are also sometimes referred to as CRAB drugs - Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, Betaseron... Copaxone is not an interferon but the other three are.

Good luck!

Unknown said...

Congrats and Best wishes to you and baby! I work with your dad (well, I’m located in the US and do all my work virtual). I really like your blog! very nicely written and laid out.
I am 30 and have scleroderma....I think that MS and scleroderma are in the same family of 'auto immune' diseases. there are a few similar symptoms/responses that the body may have with either disease.
Have you ever tried alternative treatments like Acupuncture? I just tried it once myself last week....I can't tell if it did anything or not, but we'll see if the next set of needles in my body will do anything ;)
I hope the vacation is wonderful and WARM for you and the family! Make sure Phil comes back to work on time! he may be tempted to not come back with all he's been put through at the job lately! ;)
I love your head shot, by the way! Beautiful!
Dyana

An insight to my life with MS