Flaring for 2 months and counting . . . .

Well, it's now been officially 2 months (and counting) that I've been battling this flare.  It has sent me to the hospital twice; one trip lasting 9 days.  I have been on IV steroids, prednisone, enemas, everything and nothing is working.  I am 7 1/2 weeks pregnant which is not making things easier.  I had had such high hopes that the IV steroids would have helped, but 1 day after being discharged, the blood is back (there is so much!) and the cramping and the going.  I feel very helpless right now.  I just don't see an end.  I wonder if I can't get well because of all the hormones due to the pregnancy.  That's the only reason that I can see why I'm still flaring.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I'm desperate for relief. 

 

Also, I just started using the proctofoam.  It doesn't seem like much gets "up" there.  Has anyone had any luck with this?  It's easier to use during the day than the enemas.  It seems like as soon as I try to use the enemas, I have to go and it all comes out. . . . . . I feel like I'm going to lose my mind!!!!!

Sometimes pregnant women will have a hormonal upswing for the first trimester and the hormones can stablize for rest of the pregnancy. I hope this will be the case for you. Have you tried using the enemas at night? What I had to do in the past was only use a 1/4 of the enema at night and work my way up to a full bottle. I would "white knuckle" the purge response until it subsided but eventually it became easier once my inflammation decreased. Are you still on Sulfasalzine? Have you tried any other med such as Asacol or Colazal?

I suspect you're right in thinking the hormones and pregnancy are complicating your situation. Have you thought of looking for an OB/Gyn who has experience working with IBD patients if your current doc doesn't?