Adult Onset Still’s Disease and Breast Feeding

Q: How can I control my Still’s Disease flares up symptoms, while breastfeeding my 3 1/2 weeks old daughter? Symptoms include joint pain in hips, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, back, and shoulders. These are accompanied by mild fevers with temperature of 99.8 F and fatigue. I get minor relief with hot showers, Tylenol every 6 hours, Motrin, cold pack therapy for inflammation and rest.
– By Angela

Reply:

I understand, your situation is not at all easy to deal with. I’m afraid not much medical help might be available in this situation. This is because most of the medications used to control symptoms in Stills disease are contraindicated during breast feeding.

It is not advisable to take any kind of steroid during this phase. Most of the steroids enter the breast milk in small amounts and may affect the growth of the baby. You are already using the right things- Hot showers, Tylenol, Motrin, cold pack therapy and rest.

Since breastfeeding is quite taxing, you may consider seeking some kind of social help. Volunteer help groups are also available in many cities.