Lupus Symptoms Disappeared During Pregnancy Only to Surge Following Childbirth

Lupus Symptoms Disappeared During Pregnancy Only to Surge Following Childbirth

Pregnancy and Lupus: One Woman's Journey

Living with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disorder, is a challenge in itself. But when Kiana Cornejo, 24, found herself pregnant, she faced a whole new set of complications. Here's her story, spilling the beans to health writer Amy Marturana Winderl.

Kiana was diagnosed with lupus at the tender age of 11 or 12. Doctors broached the topic of pregnancy, but the idea seemed far-fetched to her young self. As she grew older, the reality of wanting a baby loomed large, coupled with concerns about potential complications. When she got pregnant at 21, it was a surprise, and her first thought was, "Oh my God, what am I going to do now?"

She promptly contacted her doctor at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and discussed her medication regimen, ensuring it was safe for her and her baby. Thankfully, her medications were fine, but close monitoring of her bloodwork was essential. One instance saw concerning antibodies in her levels, potentially indicating problems with fetal heart development. However, subsequent checks showed no issues.

Kiana's ob-gyn team was well-versed in lupus, and they took every precaution. A high-risk doctor monitored the baby's growth, and Kiana's regular ob-gyn kept tabs on her health. Considering her medical condition, they even shared their personal phone numbers, reassuring her that they were always a call away. Kiana was put on high blood pressure medication to prevent preeclampsia, a common complication for pregnant women with lupus.

Despite the doctors' assurances, Kiana harbored fears during her pregnancy. She worried about the potential impacts of her medications on the baby and the possibility of complications. Every blood test led to anxious moments. Even the thought of taking Tylenol or using her phone made her anxious, fearing excessive radiation exposure. She felt that her anxiety could harm her baby, though the doctors always offered reassurance.

Interestingly, during her pregnancy, Kiana felt surprisingly well, experiencing merely tiredness, swollen feet, and hands – typical symptoms expectant mothers might encounter. However, her lupus symptoms resurfaced postpartum. She woke up every day with something new – be it a bruised eye, hives, or uncontrollable itching. Her hair started falling out in clumps, leading her to consider wig shopping.

Postpartum lupus flares can be severe, causing symptoms like hair loss, headaches, and fatigue. Managing lupus requires careful planning, including achieving minimal disease activity and using safe medications to prevent flares. Adjusting medications postpartum can be challenging and may require close monitoring by healthcare providers.

On a positive note, Kiana found solace in her work as a medical assistant in oncology. She aimed to go to medical school to give back to those who had helped her throughout her journey. She currently assists patients with breast cancer or cervical cancer. Despite her daily pain and hair loss, Kiana draws strength from the realization that there are people dealing with challenges even more severe than hers. She remained determined to be there for her patients and her daughter.

Insights:

• Pregnant women with lupus are at a higher risk for complications such as maternal complications like lupus flares, hypertension, nephritis, preeclampsia, eclampsia, fetal complications like spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, IUGR, and fetal demise, and conditions like Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) that increase the risk of excessive clotting.
• Managing lupus during pregnancy requires careful planning, achieving minimal disease activity, and using safe medications to prevent flares.
• Postpartum, women with lupus may experience severe flares, causing symptoms like hair loss, headaches, and fatigue. Managing disease activity postpartum may involve adjusting medications, which can be challenging and may require close monitoring by healthcare providers.
• The postpartum period can be emotionally and physically demanding for women with lupus, who may need additional support during this time to manage their health and care for their newborn.

1. Kiana's medical journey began at a young age when she was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disorder.
2. Science has progressed significantly in understanding and addressing various medical conditions like lupus.
3. Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and managing chronic diseases such as lupus.
4. Workplace wellness programs can address health issues like lupus by providing resources for employees dealing with chronic conditions.
5. Education and self-development are essential in understanding medical conditions like lupus and its impact on one's life.
6. Chronic kidney disease, a possible complication of lupus, can be managed through close monitoring and suitable therapies and treatments.
7. COPD, another chronic respiratory condition, can coexist with lupus, adding to the complexity of managing health.
8. Type 2 diabetes, a common chronic disease, requires management through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.
9. Cancer is a deadly medical condition that affects many, but research in nutrition, treatment, and care continues.
10. Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, often accompany chronic conditions like lupus, necessitating therapeutic interventions.
11. Men's health involves understanding and addressing conditions like prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
12. Skin care is essential for overall health, including managing skin conditions like psoriasis that may be associated with autoimmune disorders like lupus.
13. Cardiovascular health is vital in preventing heart disease, a potential complication in those with lupus.
14. Medicare provides healthcare coverage for individuals over 65, including those with chronic conditions like lupus.
15. CBD, a popular health and wellness supplement, is being researched for its potential benefits in managing chronic pain and inflammation.
16. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, can cause chronic pain and joint swelling, requiring appropriate treatment and management.
17. Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and migraines, affect the nervous system and require specialized medical attention.
18. Family health encompasses the well-being of all family members, including education on genetic disorders and chronic conditions.
19. Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurological disorder, affects memory and cognitive function and requires ongoing medical care.
20. Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall health, involving education, safe practices, and care for sexual wellness.
21. Parenting, a rewarding responsibility, requires knowledge about child health, development, and various conditions they may encounter, such as asthma or recurrent ear infections (digestive and ear-related health issues).

Read also: