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How long do your remissions last?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/2/2008 11:42 AM (GMT 0)
What is the longest you have been in remission, my record is only nine months at a time!Was just wondering, want to look into having a baby but dont want to be on any hard drugs when i am carrying!

Post Edited By Moderator (Judilyn) : 10/2/2008 7:28:49 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/2/2008 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
You should consult with an OB/GYN about potential pregnancy and the meds. Many women with UC have successfully given birth to healthy babies while taking UC meds.

Sue
Posted 10/2/2008 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Mia, I added a title to your post in hope it will get you more comments. We do have several women who have had successful pregnancies who visit here from time to time.

Also remember that the 5-ASA's and steroids have been used by pregnant women for years and have been shown to be safe. Recent studies have shown that the rates of miscarriage and fetal problems is no higher in women taking immunosuppressant drugs than the general population.

Good luck on your new "project!"
Posted 10/2/2008 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
I've been in remission with only minor blips for several years.
Posted 10/2/2008 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your replies, things do sound promising, its just when i flare again that never ending feeling comes back. I just have to try and stay positive!
Princesa i've noticed you use no steroids how do you combat a lil blip?
Posted 10/2/2008 6:20 PM (GMT 0)

Mia ----;@ said...
Princesa i've noticed you use no steroids how do you combat a lil blip?

Actually, the last time I had problems - about a year ago, my current GI put me on a short course of pred with a quick taper and it did the trick. I felt better immediately and got off it quickly with no side effects. I also went up from a maintenance dose of azulfadine to a therapeutic dose (twice what I normally take) for a while.

But for lesser "blips," I tighten up my diet to the foods I know are extremely safe and non-irritating for me. I also increase my omega-3 and l-glutamine for inflammation, take l-glutamine and mucosaheal for gut healing and increase probiotics. Basically, I've learned how to manage my UC so that it's not really a factor in my life.

Posted 10/2/2008 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed in Jan 2007. I started to have symptoms just a few months afer my daughter was born. I beleive that my UC was triggered by some complications I experienced and some medications I was on after giving birth. I have been in remission for a total of four months since Jan 2007. I just got off pred and am afraid I am already headed towards another flare. I too want to have another child and would like to get pregnant within the next year but am concerned about the UC medications and my health in general.
Posted 10/2/2008 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
My longest periods has been around 4/5 years without any symptoms at all.I've also had a two year remission.I've always had lengthy remissions until this past few years.
Marty
Posted 10/3/2008 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
I usually go for 2-4 months with absolutely no symptoms, then flare a bit. Right now I have some minor symptoms (mucous mostly and loose stool) that don't disturb my daily activities. If I'm very consistent about using my rowasa enemas, these small flares usually correct themselves in about 4 weeks. I'm trying to conceive also and have been given the blessing from all the docs to stay on my current meds throughout a pregnancy.

For me, I despise using the enemas (so messy and uncomfortable) and what happens is that I use them less and less as I feel better and better...then I start having symptoms. If I had any sense I'd stay on them constantly to see if my remissions last longer!
Posted 10/3/2008 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
This is my first remission but it will be 3 years in April. I've had issues along the way but nothing too major. I don't know if this is true or not but it sounds like some women actually feel better while they are pregnant...?
Posted 10/3/2008 10:36 PM (GMT 0)

thatfield said...
I was diagnosed in Jan 2007. I started to have symptoms just a few months afer my daughter was born. I beleive that my UC was triggered by some complications I experienced and some medications I was on after giving birth. I have been in remission for a total of four months since Jan 2007. I just got off pred and am afraid I am already headed towards another flare. I too want to have another child and would like to get pregnant within the next year but am concerned about the UC medications and my health in general.

Thank you all for your replies..

Thatfield i woory about the same thing, will my colon hold out for the whole nine months? Will my general well-being be ok, especialy with my on and off back pains, cause by steroid use!Also will it be a natural birth?Should i start trying now in case something happens later... the questions are endless!

Posted 10/3/2008 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
My longest remission was only a few months, maybe 6 at the most but while flaring it seems impossible to remember any remission. It feels like I've been sick every day since day 1 even though I know that can't be the case... I have many memories of drinking screwdrivers in high school after being diagnosed (vodka + OJ, a combo I would never try now) and I don't remember having explosive bloody diarrhea after so I must have been in remission at some point!! It's been a long time though... Usually I get in to a type of remission on prednisone but as soon as I start to taper or am off for a minimum of 1 month my symptoms return with a vengeance. It didn't even really work for me last time so I'm trying to avoid it at all costs now, even though my bleeding is steadily increasing. I'm determined to stay off pred for good now, it does more harm than anything for me.
Posted 10/3/2008 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed in 1998 and all of a sudden my symptoms went away without being on any meds and I was in remission up until 6 weeks ago.  So just about 10 yrs of being in remission.  Had an awful flare up and my dr put my on pred and I just got off of them and I feel normal again.  No symptoms at all.
Posted 10/4/2008 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
My first flare was in 2000. It lasted a year then I was mostly symptom free until summer 2007. I had my first colonoscopy and was officially diagnosed 2/08. My GI said not to get pregnant any time soon. Wouldn't you know I was pregnant 2 months later (oops!). I cannot take any meds b/c I'm allergic to mesalamine. I was on a short course of pred. b/c of poison oak in July. Since then I think I am in remission! My GI said that 1/3 of pregnant women get worse, 1/3 stay the same and 1/3 go into remission. It appears as though I am one of the lucky ones! My OB said she has several patients that have UC, most are able to take meds. You can absolutely have a healthy pregnancy if you have UC. They will just keep an extra close eye on the baby to make sure it is getting the nutrients it needs. Best of luck you! :-)
Posted 10/4/2008 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
i haven't been on any meds for close to 7 years, not sure if i've been in true "remission", but i haven't had any uc symptoms for a long while, and i didn't experience a flair up during my pregnancy.
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