Last November I wrote a post about a new study that connected some UTI medications and birth defectsOnce I found out that my doctor prescribed me Macrobid I was LIVID! I hunted that on call man down. Isn’t that what “on call” is for? Once I got him on the phone we had a long conversation. Basically, I was screwed. Here’s a little background. When I was 18 I got hives when I took penicillin, and from then on I told all doctors that I was allergic to penicillin to be safe. And one of the safest drugs to take when pregnant is…wait for it….penicillin. And erythromycin. But it turns out that erythromycin won’t cure the strain of bacteria that I have. So that leaves Penicillin…which I can’t take…and Macrobid. Do you see the dilemma? My doctor told me that I didn’t have much of a choice because the Penicillin could kill me, and if I didn’t treat it with Macrobid then I could get sepsis from the UTI. On a better note it seemed that the doc wasn’t worried about the Macrobid. He told me that he prescribed it to women for years, and that I shouldn’t lose sleep over it….ya right!
The doctor told me that he usually recommends to his patients that if they “think” they are allergic to penicillin that they should go to an allergist and get tested for sure. It sounded like a wonderful idea to me. I mean why not? At least if I found out for sure, I could have peace of mind. Well that sounded all wonderful and great till I actually had that appointment with the allergist. Actually, you almost have to laugh at the outcome of this….ready? They CAN’T test me to see if I am allergic to Penicillin because it could be harmful to me and baby. WHAT? That’s right. The test includes taking different doses of the Penicillin to see if any reactions occur. BUT..if a reaction does occur then I could lose the baby!? Therefore, the test isn’t safe.
So where does that leave me? Back to where we started. I am now finishing up this round of meds, and I just get to hope and pray that I don’t get more UTI’s. Not the best course of action but there is really no other option for me. It’s amazing how my body is no longer my own. Every choice I make for myself will now affect our baby. It’s amazing and scary at the same time. I guess the worrying will continue for the rest of my life when it comes to this kid….don’t worry. I am up for the challenge!
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How unbelievably frustrating!! Next time you see your acupuncturist see if they recommend any kind of holistic methods to deal with UTIs. It may be worth looking into versus having to take any more questionable meds.
Good idea! I go today so I will ask her.
Stopping from SITS! This sounds so frustration. It sounds like are reall doing your homework.
sometimes I wish I didn’t know these things! lol but what can you do? I guess it’s better to be informed right?
EEk! Tough situation. Drinking cranberry juice regularly can help prevent UTIs–I used to get them all the time, ugh, and learned it’s easier to prevent than treat–and just drinking plenty of water in general to flush your system out.
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Yes I will start to drink my cranberry juice daily. Can’t hurt right? I will just have to be dillegent about it!
They make cranberry pills, actually. Easier and less calories.
Seriously, I know it is easy for me to say, but try not to stress. The categories of drugs are not updated as frequently as they should and often they are based on reactions in very few women – which doesn’t mean it will happen to all. My SIL is a pharmacist so I always ran the stuff I wanted to take by her. Often your doctor is outdated – I’d talk to a pharmacist since they have more up to date information.
It just means it COULD – often a 1 in 1000 chance. Not that it WILL. I know you don’t want to do any little thing that could hurt your baby but the doctor is right – sometimes you have to take small chances b/c leaving a UTI untreated would be much worse.
Just wait until he/she is here – then it is even worse!
actually this study just came out in November of 09..I was actually disappointed that my pharmacist knew nothing about it. It’s something I did a lot of research on then….so I don’t think the findings could’ve changed much.
But I guess there isn’t much I can do at this point! You are right…the decisions will get even harder once the little one is here!
The medications are the worst; I have horrible allergies and was so frustrated that I couldn’t take much for them when I was pregnant. Then, I started breastfeeding and that introduces a whole new set of worries. Like, not being able to eat pepperoni pizza because the pepperonis upset Molly’s tummy! I can’t wait to have a pepperoni pizza once I wean her.
The good news is this: during your pregnancy, you will not get sick very often – because of your diligence and because that’s just the way our bodies work. So, hopefully, this will be the last time you have to deal with this issue.
Feel better soon!
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it is very frustrating. thank heavens i wasnt sickly when i was pregnant. i only had a dose of erythromycin the one time i was feverish. you have to take better care of yourself now. a parasite (and i say this in the most loving way) is growing inside you and anything that you may have and take for it can greatly affect her.
dont worry too much. it’s bad for the baby *hugs*
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Good luck, Jen! I can imagine how you must be worried. I am a typical worrier myself. But I will keep you in my prayers!
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hey jenn. you should try CranActin chewables or gum. They say right on them “urinary tract”. It has worked great for me in the past! hope you feel better.
http://www.nutraceutical.com/search/view_product.cfm?product_index=6572303
Welcome to Motherhood! I have been worrying since before I got the BFP with my first son. It will eat you alive if you let it though!
Stoppin’ by from SITS!
Uhh… frustrating! I’m allergic to Penecillin too
Do you get UTI’s after you-know-what or just random? If it’s from the first, I think The Captain is in for a looooooong 9 months if you know what I mean. If they are hard to treat, maybe trying to prevent would be easier, less worrysome??
I agree with the cranberry juice (I add OJ to mine some times, that way it’s not so sour.) Try drinking a glass a day and I think you will be safe from a UTI’s. Also (TMI) but make sure you pee after doing the deed, that helps keeping UTI’s at bay! Good luck with everything!
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