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Anyone have info on Lyme disease and pregnancy and breastfeeding?

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Posted 10/9/2012 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
I am concerned about testing positive for Lyme Disease. I've been sick for several yeas, and I am worried because even though I was just diagnosed,

I feel certain I had this disease without knowing during my pregnancy. What's more concerning is that I breasted my son for 7 months (until I became so sick that I had to stop).

I've read conflicting info on this. Does anyone have any advice?

Is there a risk that I passed this on to my son?

I am planning to request my son get tested at his next appointment with his pediatrician on Oct. 19th. I'd love to take any supporting info to his appointment with me.

Thanks everyone for your support. I'd be lost without this group.
Posted 10/10/2012 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Rori from what I have read, you are smart to be paying attention and asking these questions.

There is some info on Stephen Harrod Buhner's Lyme site, Dr. Jones kids site and I'm sure there is some on ILIADS too.

I am just a fellow participant like you but I would strongly encourage you to follow your gut and have your son tested, particularly if you have been noticing any symptoms that concern you. Is the pediatrician Lyme literate or open-minded regarding Lyme? If not, you might need to consult with someone who is.
Posted 10/10/2012 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Garfiled48,

Thanks for your reply!

Unfortunately we live in east TN and I have yet to find an LLMD for myself, so I'm not sure if his pedi is lyme literate, but I'm guessing he isn't.

However, he is a wonderful doctor and I think he will be able to provide some insight.

I hope to find some info to give him to help us sort through all of this. I don't want him to simply say it isn't possible. I need the tests to prove it!

I will look into those resources you've provided. Thank you!

I see you've been healing since Jan. 5, what a long journey! How are you feeling?
Posted 10/10/2012 12:21 PM (GMT 0)
I had Lyme when I was pg...but didn't know it. Nursed all kids for at least a year, youngest for almost 2...Had been infected for the first time many years earlier. All 3 of my kids had positive markers for Lyme, though the only one who has actually tested positive is my oldest and he was bitten and had a bullseye rash(treated for a month but wasn't enough as he already probably had Lyme from me) Now we are treating him again as he has many of the same symptoms as I do.

Studies say Lyme can be passed congenitally and through breatsmilk. I believe it.

So far my other 2 have no symptoms. My daughter was born with a congenital heart defect...no history in our family though. I had a hard time carrying my kids to term...all 3 were early, my daughter was 5wks early, my youngest was trying to come out at 30 weeks(kept him in to just shy of 37 with meds) Is all that from Lyme? Maybe...hard to say. I think you are right to investigate for your child though...and any future children. Apparently, going on abx while pg. greatly reduces the incidence of spreading the Lyme to your baby.

 

Posted 10/11/2012 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
raw runner,

Thank you for sharing your story.

I admire your courage, as it sounds like you've had a long road with many difficult pregnancies.

I have one child, but 2 miscarriages. I feel in my heart that Lyme caused both miscarriages. I've been sick for so long and I feel so lucky to have my son.

I don't really know where I would be without him!

I spoke with my son's pedicatrican's office today and they said we can discuss testing, etc at his next well visit. I hope they don't deny is the tests.

I don't plan on any future pregnancies any time soon. The last one was extremely tough. The doctors pretty much had me pegged as crazy for constantly complaining about severe pain and so many other symptoms.

If only they'd tested for Lyme sooner, and I could have started treatment, maybe I wouldn't have miscarried. I was 12 weeks along with the last m/c. Only 8 weeks with the first. My second pregnancy was the lucky one. I carried my son to 40 weeks and had him via c-section.

I was told during my pregnancy with my son that I had gestational diabetes, but my doctor was confused. He said maybe I was borderline, he just didn't know. In hindsight, I'm sure the Lyme was affecting my blood sugar.

I never had to take any of the meds they prescribed for it, luckily I was able to control it with my diet.

I'm mad that I wasn't diagnosed sooner, and sad for the babies I lost, likely because of this disease.

There needs to be more awareness of this disease in the medical community, in all states.

It is a very real problem and it is everywhere.

Thanks for listening to me ramble :)
Posted 10/15/2012 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Oh wow, this really hits home w/ me! I too became very ill during pregnancy (my second child). I didn't feel well at all during pregnancy, especially the last few months and then got extremely ill 2 days after delivery. A year out, due to my diligence in searching for answers, I found out that I have Lyme Disease. I have a 6 yr. old son and my daughter is now 15 months old. I don't know how long I've had Lyme. I have been very concerned that I could have passed this on to my daughter or even my son; I'm just not sure if I had it when I was pregnant with him. I asked my LLMD about it. He said that he would not recommend testing my daughter (or my son) unless they show symptoms. So far, neither have shown any signs. My daughter is an extremely happy, healthy, easy baby. I do get worried about it though-whenever she's teething and fussy, sick w/ a cold, or just having a whiny day, I can't help but think about Lyme.

I struggled w/ 3 yrs. of infertility when trying to get pregnant the second time. I got pregnant right away w/ my son. The Drs. never could figure out why and now I think that it was probably because of Lyme Disease.

It's all making sense now!

I would really recommend searching for a LLMD that has treated children if you see any signs in your son. My LLMD, in Ohio, also treats autism so he sees a lot of children.
Posted 10/16/2012 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
My husband and I have had what we feel are several early miscarriages due to the effects of ten years of untreated Lyme.  Watched "Under our Skin"  the other night and I suddenly became very aware that adoption is the best plan for us, I would never wish any of the horrors of having Late Stage Lyme on anyone.  It sort of tears me up inside because being a mom was always such a dream, but I will love any child I am blessed with.
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