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Meet the Editor,
The founder of the website Melanie transferred the website to me in 2008. I am a Mother who has experienced ICP, and has been blessed with two healthy children Branden & Evan. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help the women who have experienced ICP / OC in their lives. My ICP story began with my first pregnancy in 2003 to my son Jorden. I was diagnosed at 36 weeks; in spite of this, however the medication (Urso) to manage ICP was not prescribed. The doctor decided that it was beneficial to schedule an induction at 38 weeks; yet I lost my precious son to ICP two days before induction. This heart breaking and shocking experience was one I wish no one ever has to live through. I was able to receive support, comfort, and reassurance from Rachael & Christine that I met on Itchy Moms Support group. They also experienced the painful loss of their precious daughters to ICP / OC.
After living through the grief of my loss, my prayers were answered with my second pregnancy in 2004, with my son Branden. I found doctors who specialize in my condition. The Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists were excellent and gave me the best medical care available. I will always remember the joy of having my sweet son home with our family. It is one of the best memories that I hold dear in my heart. Subsequently, my blessings continued with my surprise baby, Evan, which I went through ICP once again. I am forever grateful to God for each one of my three sons. They have brought peace, joy, and happiness to my life.
After living through these life changing events, I always had a true yearning to help and reach others that are diagnosed with ICP/OC. The journey in my life guided the way to be able to assist those who are searching for answers. I am very grateful to finally be able to give past and present ICP/OC sufferers valuable information regarding ICP/OC.
Below is some useful information that can guide you and your doctor to the proper treatment of your ICP/OC pregnancy. The Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist used the below management for my ICP/OC case.
1. Fractionated serum bile acid test twice a week from week 27 until I was induced.
2. Beginning at week 31 twice a week PT and PTT blood work.
3. Medication- Ursodeoxycholic acid the brand name called Actigall, and the generic called Ursodiol prescribed when my SBA levels were elevated beyond the normal range at week 25. The starting dose 600 mgs a day. 29th week bile acid results came back at 25.4, normal range being 4.5-19.2. By week 30, I was on 1,200 mgs of Urso a day. The Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist increased the dose for this medicine to help in reducing the bile acids as the pregnancy progresses. It is important to manage the bile acid levels from the onset of ICP to help protect the unborn baby, and help reduce the itching. My bile acid levels increased towards the end of my pregnancy, although I was on a total of 2,100 mgs/day of Ursodiol.
4. At 30 weeks, I received steroid shots to help mature the lungs of the baby.
5. Bio Physical Profile twice a week starting at 31 weeks to check the baby, and amniotic fluid levels.
6. Weekly MFM OB appointments after week 32.
7. Amniocentesis at 35 weeks 4 days to check the lung maturity of the baby, the results were borderline, however we all decided to induce at 35 weeks 5 days.
8. The last bile acid blood drawn was two days before my son was born. I received the results after his birth, and the SBA were elevated at 69. Although I was on a high dose of Urso 2,100 mgs by 35 weeks, my SBA levels were still high. We were happy to have induced when we did.
I look forward to being able to provide help and comfort to those of you that have experienced ICP / OC in their lives. If you have questions about ICP, please contact me and join the Support Group. If you are itching and think you may have ICP, please request a Serum Bile Acid test in addition to a Liver Function Test. Please check back soon for updates and contact me at donna@itchymoms.com.
Sincerely,
Donna - Itchy Moms Editor
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