Question
I would like to know if there have been any developments in helping one get pregnant. I tested positive for the ANA in 2002 and until Dec of 2005 my husband and I had gone though fertility treatment. I tested positve for the lupus anti-coagulant but everything in regards to feritity was above normal. The last attempt I produced 32 eggs and 17 fertilized. Everytime I was hyperstimulated. I had a healthy boy in 1994 who is almost 13 with my ex and I am now 35. Between 2003 and just recently, I had next to no symptoms. Prior, my symptoms were the typical, joint pain/swelling, fatigue, depression. Now I am experiencing all but the joint pain and have developed a skin problem across my chin and jawline and not a complete memory problem, just kind of like feeling not as “sharp”. I’m not sure if it’s my imagination, but my hair feels different. The frustrating thing is that everyone thinks the symptoms are something I can control from the fatigue to my skin. My husband keeps trying to get me to get an ovulation kit after 3 years of no results from one of the best fertility doctors in our area. When I was seeing a doctor regularly for this, it didn’t help. I just went in, he asked how I felt, did I want steriods, no, see you in 3 months. Is there any hope in getting pregnant? Is there any use in seeing a doctor if I don’t want steriods? Thank you for your time.
Answer
Both lupus and infertility are complex problems that are even more complex when they occur together. Unfortunately, I can’t help much without seeing you and having more complete information. I would suggest a complete evaluation by a rheumatologist and then a careful discussion with your fertility doctor.
