Shelley,

I’m glad to see you are looking into this now.  Both of our pregnancies were "unplanned".  Both of our daughters have ssw cah.  I took dex with our second daughter and am pleased that I did.  The side effects  were not that bad for me.  I gained a ton of weight and was very crazy, moody but that was with both of my pregnancies.  The only side effect that I recall from dex was the calcification of my placenta.  It turned out not to be a very big deal and they could not say for sure if the 2 things were connected.  I can no longer have children but if I were to get pregnant again, I would take dex in a heartbeat.  We were spared having to make another decision about surgery.  I felt like it was one of the only times in my life as a mommy that I could truly take away my child’s pain.  You know- all of those times when you’re child is sick and you beg God to let you switch places or give you another option?  That’s how I see dex.  I’ve read all of the "devil’s advocate" postings on the controversy board.  Honestly, none of the suppositions matter because the fact is that both of my girls are perfect in our eyes.  I would do anything to spare them pain of any sort.  Best of luck on your decision.  I know it is very personal and difficult.

Tonia