According to my fertility chart, I ovulated for the first time since we started trying to conceive about 6 days ago. That puts us firmly into the two week wait (2WW) until I can expect a reliable result on a home pregnancy test. It's hard not to start obsessing over every little twinge and poke when you know that there is a real possibility that you could be pregnant!
Everyone knows there are restrictions that you must follow in pregnancy for the health of your future baby. What I didn't know is that I would have to start following those restrictions right after ovulation, just to be safe. My doctor and pharmacist are both concerned that my over-zealous immune system might harm an embryo, so they want me to be extra careful to avoid anything that might cause more harm. I've stopped drinking alcohol completely, am severely limiting my caffeine intake, am being extra careful with food safety precautions and following a healthy diet including recommended supplements.
Unfortunately, it doesn't just mean I have to switch my morning tea for decaf. For a Still's (wannabe) Mama it also means I can't even take my usual anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of choice, my old friend Naproxen. I've been off it for over a week and have really been feeling worse for it. I actually took a trip to the pharmacy today to ask if there might be any safe NSAIDs or alternatives available over the counter to help me cope with my joint inflammation, arthritis and swelling. It was discouraging to hear my pharmacist say that he would not feel comfortable with me taking any NSAID drugs whatsoever, not with the risk that my Still's Disease might pose to an embryo.
He did suggest trying some Bromelain tablets to see if they might have any effect on my joint inflammation and swelling. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples that is becoming well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. I am a die hard sceptic but it looks like there is at least a little bit of empirical research on its use in osteoarthritis, and my pharmacist said it can't hurt. He felt that the only other safe option would be to increase my narcotic painkillers a bit. I definitely feel more comfortable trying the pineapple first.
