Sophia Rose Sproule and her proud mother Stephanie

I’m delighted to share with you the wonderful news that my daughter was born on the 22nd of July. 

For us, she truly is a little miracle that we never thought possible. 

I was diagnosed with Microscopic Polyangiitis in 2005 at 18 years old. Despite being in medication to suppress the illness, I ended up on life support in 2006 after suffering a pulmonary haemorrhage. During this time, I received (among other things!)  a number of courses of cyclophosphamide. Upon pulling through, I was told that my ability to have children was likely to be badly compromised. 

Thankfully, after years of being carefully managed by Mark Little, I was advised that I should try so I weaned off my medication over a few months as my disease had been stable for a couple of years. 

My husband and I were delighted to fall pregnant. Unfortunately, we suffered a miscarriage very early on which was devastating. However we were absolutely over the moon to quickly fall pregnant again with our beautiful daughter. 

Throughout the pregnancy, I was seen every two weeks at the Ulster Hospital by both the antenatal team and the renal team with input from the Haematology team. 

I cannot praise the level of care received enough! Although no one had dealt with someone with my illness before, I was handled with care and with confidence. 

If you are in a similar situation, and perhaps have been told or believe you may find it difficult to have children, please talk to your consultant – and don’t give up hope!