Newly diagnosed!

[Buttercup]

Hi all
I've just been diagnosed with crohns and before I got to discussion regarding treatment I have found out I'm 7 wks pregnant with my 2nd child! Specialist has said I need to go on elemental diet for the entire pregnancy due to a narrowing in my large bowel that could block! Has anyone else been in this situation and do you have any advise? Very nervous about not eating and how hard it's going to be especially when I'll still have to cook and prepare food still for my 2 year old!
Thanks

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi Buttercup! :welcome: Congrats on your forthcoming child! Sorry it is not when you are narrowing. I have never been on the elemental diet. You really have to be careful because you may not feel pain but having even a partical blockage is painful. I have had narrowing in the intestines and even after 2 resections I still have to be careful what I eat. It is going to be hard... Sometimes being pregnant some go into a temporary remission but that is only a few. Narrowing is not going to change though. Hopefully you can manage.

:hang: others here who have been on the elemental diet can help you. Keep us posted. It also helps to know what country you are in, so others can help you better. Good luck!

 

[Buttercup]

Hi pen
Thank you for your kind words of support! I should be seeing the nursing team regarding the diet this week which should give me more of a insight! Will keep you posted in how things go! When I was pregnant with my daughter my issues seemed to get better for the pregnancy but came back soon after :-(
Many thanks

 

[littlemissh]

Hi Buttercup and welcome,
I am just finishing my first week on the elemental diet. I have been on overnight feeds since october but just started the elemental diet last week.
In some respects I am lucky as I have had an nasojejunal tube in since my operation in november so don't have to taste the drinks...don't taste the best!!. On the down side this means I am only taking water orally.

For the most part I have not found it too bad so far as I don't have much appetite. I find cooking for my family ok as I enjoy smelling the food, its almost like I am eating it. Sometimes though I just can't cook or sit with them at the table and go have a bath.
The hardest thing for me is not to be able to have a hot drink. I do not like hot water. I love tea. The dietician says that in a couple of weeks I could try weak black tea or coffee if things are going ok.
I have also just started humira. I think as I start to feel better then it will be harder but if it makes me well then I will give it a go.

For you just focus on your baby and think that the elemental diet is for both of you...also your 2 year old because you will have more energy for him/her when you feel better.
I am also in the UK, there aren't many people put on elemental diet as adults in the uk...it is supposed to be better for small bowel/upper gi disease. If you can't tolerate it then you could go for a non elemental diet that is liquid which will help with your stricture. Your dietician could help you with this. I have a brilliant dietician and we do most of our consults over the phone which is really convenient.

 

[Buttercup]

Hi littlemissh
Thank you for your post I hope you continue to I
Prove and feel much better! I'm hoping as you say that's will feel much better on the diet and be able to have more energy for my daughter and being pregnant! Several people now have said how horrible these drinks are and I'm hoping I can stomach them as I'm having quite alot of nausea during the day! Fingers crossed
You have reassured me about the cooking thing as I was concerned about that as my husband works away during week so no bath to escape for me but I will have some annabel Carmel meals in for her for the bad days!
Thanks again and I'll keep posting on my progress

 

[littlemissh]

Good luck buttercup, it must be hard being on your own during the week, particularly if not feeling well. I hope that you can find a suitable feed. Apparently modulen tastes better but you have to make it from a powder.

And beware- your house will start to look like a storage depot full of cartons and containers etc. etc!!