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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/29/2015 7:55 PM (GMT -5)
Hi there,

I've been diagnosed with UC for eight years now. I had my first child almost a year ago and my condition is still not under control. I had been in remission for a year and a half before getting pregnant. I was on Lialda and 6-mp. I just recently started taking 6-mp again in hopes to finally gain control again. I flared terribly during my third trimester of pregnancy, was hospitalized twice, and my girl was born premature. I've been flaring on and off ever since giving birth. It has honestly been the hardest year of my life. My husband is already discussing a second child. I would LOVE another little blessing but will I ever work up the courage to get pregnant again? My husband has been supportive always but I don't think he truly realizes the physical, mental, and emotional pain I've been through. Anyone else struggle this much with planning for a second child?
Posted 8/29/2015 9:51 PM (GMT -5)
Hi ktj! Welcome! Sorry we meet under such crappy circumstances. Pun intended ;) I was diagnosed after my first child. Symptoms started during the pregnancy. It took me 18 months to get it under control. I was in remission for a year when we tried and got pregnant with our second. I just gave birth in March. I flared terribly during my third trimester the second time. Ended up in hospital and had to start on Remicade. BUT the Remicade kept me in remission post partum. It was an insanely hard decision to make but I didn't have much time or many options and steroids weren't cutting it.

Post partum has been sooooo much easier. No pregnancy is the same. No flare is either. I would do it all over again and we actually may try for a third later down the line. And I have the same fears you do about the second. I know the mental physical and emotional battle are above and beyond taxing and people that aren't going thru it don't get it.

I would love to chat via email if you would like someone to talk to. Let me know.
Posted 8/30/2015 7:28 AM (GMT -5)
Hi,
Just curious, did you stop taking the 6-mp during your last pregnancy?

I am currently pregnant, and terrified of flaring as I just achieved remission (with azathioprine) after a long, difficult flare shortly after becoming pregnant (accidentally, apparently even birth control pills can fail!). But i'm in remission and my GI doctors have assured me that there is no risk in continuing with my azathioprine during pregnancy and they are confident that I will remain in remission if I continue with all of my meds. It is scary though! I just try to focus on positive things and remind myself that plenty of women with UC have normal, healthy pregnancies!
Posted 8/30/2015 8:33 AM (GMT -5)
In my opinion, I would definitely think of the mother's health first, get your uc flare under control before even considering having a second child. Do you want a second child at all? I ask because you only said your husband wanted one... not you...
Posted 8/31/2015 5:25 AM (GMT -5)
TotesMagotes- you're so right, no two pregnancies are the same, that's what I have to keep in mind! I would love to email with you too, ktj757@gmail.com!

iPoop- I absolutely want more children, I did say I would love to have another little blessing. It's just that my husband is already talking about when we can have our next and I'm like woooo I just want to be healthy for at least a year! and he completely understands that. We've always talked about our future and made plans for down the line ever since we were friends in high school. It's just our personalities :) I'm just hoping that even a year or so from now when we do seriously try again, I will be ready for it.

Marigold- yes it was recommended by my GI to stop 6mp before trying to get pregnant, it is unsafe during pregnancy. It's great that you are in remission now for the rest of your pregnancy! Enjoy it! Being pregnant is such an amazing feeling isn't it?! I flare in my last 6 weeks of pregnancy so most of the time I looooved being pregnant
Posted 8/31/2015 6:08 AM (GMT -5)
MarigoldA - albeit 11 years ago now I had a healthy azathioprine baby. 3 days early, healthy 8lb+, easy birth (but was my third).

Hope all goes well.
Posted 8/31/2015 6:40 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks Duffle!

Ktj757 - i'm curious that you were told to stop the 6-mp. It's basically the same drug as azathioprine. Both are considered to be safe during pregnancy. Although i think there is a lot of misinformation about it. There is very little real evidence of harmful effects. My GI just transferred me temporarily to another GI that is part of a group of IBD specialists that further specialize in pregnancies with IBD. My new doctor discussed it with me at length. There is simply a lack of proper scientific studies that have been done. She is now in the process of conducting a proper study on the use of azathioprine/6-mp during pregnancy to put to rest any fears of using the drug during pregnancy. Any risk far outweighs the risk of premature birth and complications from being in a terrible flare. Maybe this will help you? Knowing that if 6-mp gets you in remission again, you can stay on it and increase your chances of remaining flare-free during pregnancy? Hope that helps!
Posted 9/1/2015 11:17 PM (GMT -5)
Oh dear KTJ757- we are similar stories and my heart breaks for you. I had my sweet boy in October of last year and haven't had relief since. My GI and I decided after months in and out of the hospital it was time for surgery, I'm scheduled for next week. I'm scared, but in a way, I'm relieved at the hope of not being confined to my bed and can get out with my baby! I wish you health and relief, I hope you find something that works for you very soon. :)
Posted 9/2/2015 6:22 PM (GMT -5)
Katehugs713- wow we do have similar stories! My girl was born oct 5 :) I have been thinking so much about surgery lately. I would love to keep in touch with you as you go through this new phase in life. I'll be thinking about you and wish you luck! Email me ktj757@gmail.com if you want to keep in touch :)
Posted 9/3/2015 5:32 PM (GMT -5)
Hello, I am currently 21 weeks pregnant with my first child. I was in remission before getting pregnant, and I have always(other than when diagnosed) had a pretty easy time with my UC. I have always taken Sulfasalazine, not had any problems or side effects with it. I have been flaring now for about a month and I am worried that my medicine is now not responding. I'm not having any cramping or lack of appetite at all but still bleeding. I'm going to talk to my doctor about alternative medicine, along with trying out the SCD(currently I pretty much eat whatever I want and drink coffee). I'm just worried that I wont get this flare under control, and that it will effect the baby and my birth options. I really really want to be able to have a natural birth and be able to experience that immediate closeness with my baby, and also a quick recovery time. Have any of you had any complications during birth? or been forced to have a C-section? Also, I have heard that for some people their UC can worsen after their child is born, any one have that happen?
Posted 9/3/2015 7:43 PM (GMT -5)
Hames-congrats on your pregnancy with your first child! What a special time :) my advice to you is to do whatever you have to do to get your condition under control, during pregnancy and after. And I'm sorry to say it, but be prepared for things to go differently than you plan. I gave birth naturally and actually thought delivery was very easy. However, I was not successful with breastfeeding. You have to get yourself under control to be the best mom you can be :) good luck!
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