Hello.

Hi everyone,

Following the mod's rules here and introducing myself. I'm Aubrey (or Indy, whichever ). I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when I was 20, but looking back, I can trace my flare ups to around age 13 or so. Once I was diagnosed, I was put on Asacol. For the past few years, my dosage had gone up and down appropriately depending on how badly I needed it. In July 2009, I came out of testing in remission. Never been happier.

But it didn't really last. My Crohn's is now worse than it's ever been. The Asacol stopped working around May of this past year - my doctor told me I developed an allergic reaction to it. I stopped taking it, which made the Crohn's worse. It spread to my esophagus - I was having a very hard time swallowing any food and had constant ulcers throughout my mouth/throat. I was put on Prednisone, which has helped that a bit. But Lord, the side effects of that? I'm a crazy lady.

Last month, I was put on 6-NP for about a week before I had an allergic reaction to it that put me in the hospital. Right now I'm only on Prednisone, but my doctor wants me to start Methotrexate next week, in the shot form. I came on these boards because I'm nervous as hell. I don't want another hospital visit or reaction and I don't like taking drugs to begin with.

Specifically, I'm worried that the methotrexate will mess up my chances of having children. I've been told that the Crohn's itself can cause complications and woman have a hard time conceiving. I'm no doctor, but it seems like taking a medicine that can be used to stop pregnancies seems like a bad idea if I ever want children. Which I do...very, very badly.

I'm doing alright, health wise, on most days. But I'm also scared and this is taking an emotional toll on me. I hope that I can find some support here, or maybe some answers. And hopefully offer an ear to anyone else who needs to chat, too. I guess that's about all for me?

Thanks - hope everyone is feeling well today.

~ Aubrey

Well there are other meds you can use and still get pregnant on, such as Humira or Remicade. We have had a few women on this forum give birth to healthy babies while on meds such as Pred, 6mp/Imuran, Humira and Remicade. You cannot get pregnant while on MTX, but if you are not planning to have babies anytime soon, them I would give the med a chance. You should be on some type of med no matter what, otherwise your Crohns will only get worse. Good luck!