She Was Told She’d Never Have Children Because of Her Lupus. Then She Had a Healthy Pregnancy at Age 40

**Rachel McGlynn’s Journey: Navigating Lupus and Motherhood**

Rachel McGlynn, a determined woman from Alexandria, Virginia, has transformed her life journey following a lupus diagnosis that shifted her views on motherhood. Initially, the thought of raising children was not part of her life plan. At 30, however, the challenges posed by this autoimmune disease forced her to rethink her aspirations as she encountered difficulties surrounding pregnancy amid her treatment regime.

Lupus, a chronic condition that causes the immune system to attack its own healthy tissues, first presented its symptoms to McGlynn in her mid-20s. She experienced persistent fatigue and discomfort, which she initially attributed to potential conditions such as Lyme disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Over the two years that followed, her health deteriorated significantly, culminating in relentless pain and exhaustion that prompted further medical investigations.

It was not until 2008, after a protracted series of blood tests and consultations with various specialists, that McGlynn received a confirmed lupus diagnosis. Unfortunately, her situation was dire; she was facing kidney failure and was referred to a nephrologist who informed her of the dual impact of her medication: while necessary for her kidney health, it could hinder her chances of becoming pregnant. This stark revelation left McGlynn feeling frustrated, as she realised that the choice of whether to have children could be taken out of her hands due to her illness.

In a fortunate turn of events, McGlynn’s rheumatologist suggested that she consider participating in a clinical trial for a promising new lupus treatment. Embracing this opportunity, she quickly saw improvements in her health, entering into remission within two months. The medication, administered monthly via infusion, enabled her to manage her symptoms effectively for over a decade. However, the lingering question of motherhood remained, leading her to explore alternative family options like adoption or surrogacy.

While living in Singapore with her husband, Christian, McGlynn made the significant decision to cease her medication under medical guidance. Her doctors green-lighted the process, as long as she remained in a stable phase of her lupus without experiencing flare-ups. With determination and hope, she embarked on the journey of conception and, at the age of 40, welcomed her daughter, Lilah, into the world in September 2018. McGlynn reported a healthy pregnancy, despite the complexities inherent in her condition, thanks to careful monitoring and management.

Since McGlynn’s diagnosis, advances in medical understanding and treatments have significantly improved the outlook for individuals with lupus who wish to start families. According to Dr. Bonnie Bermas, a professor of medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, there is now a deeper awareness of the appropriate medications that can be tolerated during pregnancy. Furthermore, she encourages prospective parents to achieve a period of disease stability prior to conception and highlights the importance of collaboration with medical specialists throughout the pregnancy process.

Eight years on from the birth of Lilah, McGlynn has experienced only a mild lupus flare. While she maintains a cautious outlook, she feels empowered through knowledge and regular medical check-ups. McGlynn’s experience has shaped her identity as a mother, intertwining her advocacy for lupus awareness with her personal journey. Together with her family, she participates in fundraising events and campaigns, including the annual Walk to End Lupus Now, driving efforts to raise awareness and support for research into the condition.

As McGlynn reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the role of her family as her strongest pillars of support. The trials they have faced together have not diminished her hope; instead, they have strengthened her resolve to advocate for better resources and support for those living with lupus. Through her efforts, she aims to inspire others, fostering a community of informed individuals who seek to reclaim control over their aspirations, irrespective of health challenges.

Despite the adversity she has faced, McGlynn embodies resilience, carving out a narrative that celebrates her triumphs over lupus while advocating for wider understanding and acceptance of the disease. Her story serves as a testament to the power of choice and the strength of community support in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.