I too have rheumatoid arthritis yet does cross over to have some lupus symptoms but for "medical purposes" Dr has labelled it as RA. The arthritis came on when DS was 4 months old and it didn't take to long before i could barely carry him. It effected pretty much every joint in my body. I was at this point only taking Salaz. which seemed to keep it at bay, but by the time DS was almost 2 I was hospitalized for 4 days to have steroids by drip to help settle it down and also for some rest. This worked and so i was then left on the Salaz. but also taking Prednisone orally until it was dormant, as you may have found it comes and goes. I was advised not to TTC until the arthritis was laying dormant incase it flared up as they just can't predict how your body reacts with a pg.

When we decided to TTC i came off the prednisone but still took Salaz as it is fine to take in pg. After close to 12 months TTC i was then taken off the Salaz. as i was going through IVF and Dr believed this to be a part of the factor as to why i was not concieving...among other things. My Rhuematologist has said it will be fine to use whilst b/f again if i need it. I also have a friend who takes it and she was told it was fine during pg as well (she has been pg and b/f twice while taking it) .

Good luck getting in to your GP and getting some answers soon.