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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 5/13/2008 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
So here's my situation. I have Crohn's since i'm 13 (currently 23) and also have an ileostomy since that time. My rectum was also removed. At the moment, I wish to start conceiving next year at least and was told by my family doctor to talk to my gastroentorologist about what the steps would be if I wanted to get pregnant. Recently, I found out I have a small gallstone, they don't want to do nothing unless i show symptoms, which might be a while. Should I still go ahead with conceiving next year? Are there lots of risks and what are the steps you went through if you were planning to conceive. I have a skin level ileostomy so I'm scared if my stomach gets bigger it will go in. Weird paranoia but that's another question I will ask. If you guys could help me out before I see my specialist (2 months from now) I would be very grateful.

Thanks!

Wild Meeca

Posted 5/13/2008 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
I'm 6 months pregnant now. Before TTC we talked to the GI. He made sure I was in remission, suggested I drop one med if I could because there was less information on it and pregnancy. After that, we made sure I was still healthy and stable w/o then med and I got the go ahead. I can't help you with the ileostomy part, but I've heard positive things on that front at conferences.

Good luck.
Posted 5/13/2008 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
I am 38 years old and have had crohn's for 10 years. My daughter was 1yr when I was diagnosed. I went on to have 2 healthy pregnancies with over 8lb babies. I felt the best when I was pregnant!!! All those hormones really helped me with inflammation. I was on Asacol for both pregnancies. I think steriod use in the first trimester increases the risk of cleft palate/lip defects so discuss this with your doctor. Good luck to you and I hope this helps!!

Posted 5/13/2008 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I was in a current flare and had a temp. colostomy when I was pregnant (I now have a perm. ileostomy). I felt better crohn's wise while pregnant. The ostomy was fine except as my belly got bigger I had to change the make/model (so to speak) of my bag to better accommodate my ever changing stoma. That was the most frustrating part of all it--the trial and error of bags!! Also, I was so big that I had to use a mirror to change since I couldn't see my little friend anymore. I hope this helps and good luck!!!
Posted 5/14/2008 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
thanks everyone...i know there's risk but I've gone through a lot of operations and I figured even if I had to go through more it would be worth it just to bring something that I created into the world. I still worry about the gallstone causing problems do anyone know about this?
Posted 5/14/2008 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
I got gallstones while pg and they were painful but then they 'passed' and no longer bothered me. I know my ob/gyn said that for most women, if sometime in their life they're going to have gallbladder surgery, then it will happen directly after pregnancy. It is very common.
Posted 5/15/2008 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
So I've talked to family doctor and she said that the gallstone is so small it might not cause problems at all. So all I'm wondering right now is if any of you were followed by your GI during pregnancy what were they checking up on and what might be complications. My ileostomy is skin level, is there more risk for it to prolapse then to go further under the skin? super spooked about this happening :) thanks
Posted 5/15/2008 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
I saw my GI like I normally did--no change. I know he and my ob/gyn (which my GI found for me--and I loved her so it was perfect!) were in contact with on another. Also, my ob/gyn spoke with my colon/rectal surgeon about my situation as well. My ob/gyn made sure my surgeon was available on the big day--just in case. I wouldn't worry about your stoma going in; personally, mine was more 'out' during that time. Perhaps, you could contact your ET nurse or surgeon and address your stoma concerns. I know my surgeon told me flat out--if you want a baby go have one! My ET nurse had never, ever been to the delivery/nursery area of the hospital in a professional capacity so I got to be her first. I think you'll do just fine--although I understand your concerns.
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