Hi Everyone,

Just found this board & wow...what a help you guys have been...seems like i can't find any info on this topic.

I'm an incomplete C-5 - i'm a walking quad...have left side paralysis (brown Sequard)- no left ankle or left finger movement. I walk with a brace(air cast) on my leg... stuff. Besides a limp (which everyone thinks i sprained or broke my foot (at least twice a day i get asked "what happened to your leg" 8-)

Internally...i have spasticity and get bouts of autonomic disreflexia at times. Sensation...dull on strong side...hyper sensitive on weak side.

I got married in May and lo and behold got pregnant almost right away...my body felt so strange?? very itchy all over...LOTS of spasticity, weird stomach sensations...that's when i took the test...it was positive...i was petrified, and thrilled all at once!...my doctor had no experience with SCI and since i walk i don't think he understands (could be wrong) my concerns.

well...at 8 weeks i miscarried...it was traumatic...did i do something wrong? was it because of the SCI?? lot's of questions rolled in my mind. BUT...after a few weeks i worked through it and am at peace about it. Sometimes it just happens...and i've been so blessed by friends and family!

Well, we got the go ahead to try again last week (had to give my body 3months to recover) - i'm petrified...again. I'm not afraid (yet) of being a parent..i'm afraid of the 9months...how will my body react? how will my quirky bladder react? the what if questions are overwhelming sometimes. I'm so good at shutting off my brain when i'm over analyzing..but when it comes to this issue..i'm having a tough time.

Well..if i'm as fertile now as before...it won't take long...ai ai ai...i think i'm going to call the Shepherd Center and see if they have any referrals for obstetricians...maybe i'll feel better with a Dr with experience.

OK...i'm just needing to vent..to people who can sympathize a bit - sometimes i feel very discombobulated...not in a chair..but not able-bodied either.

Thanx for reading my rant!!

Nannette

Hi Nannette..certainly get yourself an obstetrician who is familiar with pregnancy/SCI. I'm not a walker & am a high break, but with the guidence & support from a SCI doc & a Professor, I gave birth (naturally) to my now 22yr old son. Not saying I didn't experience my fair share of AD, nausea or lack of oxygen during the duration though.
Not much I can add, as we all have different pregnancies due to break levels etc. Keep reading the posts on this topic, & I know you'll find the info informative & encouraging...I sooo wish this site had been available to me back then for reassurance.
Good luck.