🎙️ My Life With MS: Pregnancy, MRI While Pregnant, & My New Found Hope (Multiple Sclerosis)

In this episode, I share my personal journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the challenges I faced during my treatment and pregnancy. I talk about the emotional turmoil of making treatment decisions, the risks associated with medications like Ocrevus, and how discovering I was pregnant became a pivotal moment in my health journey. I explore the alternative treatments I tried, my experiences during pregnancy, and the impact of faith on my decisions. I wrap up with reflections on motherhood and the importance of not letting MS dictate my life.

Please Visit My Blog: mylifewith-ms.com

• Takeaways:
  • Feeling alone and depressed before treatment is common.
  • Ocrevus treatment has significant risks, including PML.
  • The fear of treatment can be overwhelming.
  • Pregnancy provided a reason to stop treatment.
  • IVIG infusion was an alternative treatment during pregnancy.
  • Hydration is crucial during IVIG infusions.
  • Pregnancy can bring back old MS symptoms.
  • High-risk OBs can provide better care for pregnant women with MS.
  • MRIs during pregnancy can be distressing.
  • Faith played a significant role in coping with MS.
• Chapters
  • 00:00 Introduction to MS Journey
  • 02:20 The Dilemma of Treatment Risks
  • 03:41 Pregnancy as a Turning Point
  • 06:03 Exploring Alternative Treatments
  • 08:46 Navigating Pregnancy with MS
  • 11:01 The MRI Experience During Pregnancy
  • 14:43 The Birth Experience and Reflections
  • 16:40 Faith and MS: A Personal Journey

https://linktr.ee/mylifewith.ms

In this episode of "My Life with MS," I open up about my struggles with MS treatment and the transformative experience of pregnancy. Leading up to my last infusion of Ocrevus, I was overwhelmed with fear, doubt, and isolation, unsure if continuing treatment was right for me. While Ocrevus is a common MS therapy, it carries significant risks, including PML, a rare but serious brain condition. The potential side effects and uncertainties about my future left me questioning my treatment path.

A turning point came when I found out I was pregnant, giving me a clear reason to pause treatments I no longer felt comfortable with. Although my neurologist recommended continuing Ocrevus during pregnancy, I chose to trust my instincts and declined. I sought advice from a new specialist who suggested an alternative: IVIG infusions. This older treatment approach helped boost my immune system without the intense effects of traditional MS therapies, allowing me to focus on my health and the health of my baby.

Throughout my pregnancy, I faced challenging symptoms like numbness, tingling, and optic neuritis, but I was determined to stay as healthy as possible. I adjusted my diet, took essential vitamins, and followed my new treatment plan, all while relying on my faith for guidance. I believe God led me through this time, giving me the strength to make the best decisions for myself and my baby.

In my eighth month of pregnancy, my neurologist scheduled an MRI, which turned out to be a stressful experience I wouldn’t recommend. The fear of how the procedure might affect my baby was overwhelming, and I chose to end it early. Looking back, I wish I had trusted my instincts to decline the MRI entirely.

Despite the challenges, my pregnancy went well because I actively prioritized my health. On May 20, 2022, I gave birth to my son after being induced due to concerns about preeclampsia. With the support of a high-risk OBGYN team, I delivered a healthy baby and began a new chapter in my life.

Reflecting on this journey, I’ve realized how essential it is to make decisions based on what feels right, even if it means going against medical advice. I encourage other MS warriors not to let fear dictate their choices. There was a time when I felt like MS had stolen my future, but having my son changed everything. 

My experience strengthened my faith, and I believe God guided me toward a better path. For me, faith helped me navigate uncertainties and made decisions feel less overwhelming.

 Legal Disclaimer:
The content shared on this podcast, including all discussions, opinions, and experiences, is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a medical professional, and nothing expressed on this podcast should be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is based on my personal experiences and opinions and is not intended to substitute or replace professional medical guidance.

Before making any decisions regarding your health, treatment, or lifestyle, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider. I am not liable for any actions, decisions, or outcomes based on the information shared on this podcast. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Keywords

Multiple Sclerosis, MS treatment, pregnancy, Ocrevus, IVIG infusion, health journey, faith, motherhood, MRI experience, health risks, MS, Ocrevus,  Chronic Illness, Disease, Neurology, Podcast