Pregnant & Flaring

[Txarmywife]

Im currently 17 weeks (due 10/11/12) and diagnosed 12 yrs ago (age 12) IBD undetermined type although I believe it to be Crohns as my whole track is affected not just my colon. This is my second pregnancy. With my son my symptoms got better during pregnancy where as with this one everything has just been worse. I also have kidney stones and have had 2 hospital stays and 3 surgeries this pregnancy for that ( for a total of 11 surgeries in the past year and a half since being first diagnosed with these pesky stones) My last flare was in August which came after several stone surgeries and a complete obstruction/nephrostomy. My doctor said the physical stress of the stones puts me in a flare. I'm the type to not take maintence meds but rather just get on meds (usually prednisone tapering) while in aflare. Now I'm having horrible pain on my left side that is easily a 10/10 pain scale. I don't currently har a GI since we moved (army) so my OB put the referral in but who knows how long that will take. I see my midwife today and I'm just wondering what I can ask her to do for me being that I'm pregnant an flaring. Right now I'm only on Bentyl (never taken it before) that the OB gave me Monday and sent me on my way saying there's not much they can do. I just feel so defeated right now. The pain is truly unbearable and I worry of its effects on my growing miracle. I guess my question is what has been your experiences while pregnant and what is safe for baby but will help me!

 

[Manzyb]

I was in a flare the entire time I was pregnant. I took Humira during the whole pregnancy and my baby was and is completely healthy!

You can take prednisone while pregnant as well. I don't think they really want you to take it unless its absolutely neccessary, but if you are in that much pain, I don't think there will be an argument about it.

 

[yoadrienne]

Hi,
I had my first flare (and subsequently that's when I found out that I had Crohn's) when I was pregnant with our third child. It was unbelievably painful, and I was 34 weeks pregnant, so I can understand how you feel. I was given steroids, antibiotics and pain medication and didn't start any maintenance meds until after I delivered the baby. Does your OB not feel comfortable prescribing any steroids based upon your history with Crohn's? I'm not sure if they can/would do that, but just thinking out loud. I know for all their bad side effects, they seem to work quickly with me.

I hope you are able to get into a GI ASAP. Take care of you and your little one!

 

[Rebecca85]

I was told a flare is more dangerous than taking most drugs (metho being the exception) especially now you are past the first tri. I believe a dose of up to 40mg of pred is considered pregnancy safe. But let's hope you get some relief and quickly!

 

[Txarmywife]

The OBs aren't doing much for me probably because they keep thinking ai have IbS not IBD. (this really bothers me when they get it wrong, I correct them and they still say IBS) after going twice this week they've given me Bentyl (not working) and Percocet. They did put in for a GI referral but no clue how long that will take. So for now I'm just trying to stay out of the hospital I started tonight throwing up dark red blood.

 

[Rebecca85]

That sounds bad. If it were me, I'd be in hospital! At least then you don't have to wait for a GI referral.

And I would spell it out to them about the IBS/IBD confusion. If need be, you could use the term enterocolitis (meaning inflammation of the digestive tract) as they may then start thinking along the lines of UC. Or just tell them you have 'Crohn's or something similar' and let them look up Crohn's and what to do. Just try and avoid the IBD label. As I have a diagnosis of Crohn's the OB doctors might not know much but at least they don't confuse it with IBS!

 

[Txarmywife]

Thanks for your advice. I still felt pretty lousy today althought didn't notice any more
Blood in my throw up today. The pain is still very severe however. I plan to call tomorrow to check on the status of my referral to the GI. If its still going to be awhile I plan to go to the ER so I can see a GI there. I don't like lying and saying I have Crohns as my DX is "indeterminate type" but I agree that if that's what it takes for them to stop confusing it with IBS I'll have to. (it does resemble Crohns over uc but a dr has yet to make the determination during the 12 yrs I've been diagnosed! What worries me the most is obviously my little miracle. I feel like I look sick. I haven't gained any weight yet this pregnancy and feel as though I look too thin ESP for being 4 1/2 mths pregnant. I just feel stuck in the healthcare system and I don't understand why the OBs are scared to prescribe symptom relief meds like prednisone but will dish out narcotics in a heart beat. Both seem equally damaging to baby and my intestines. *sigh*

 

[Rebecca85]

I guess OBs can't prescribe meds like pred because that's not their job. They really don't know any more than your GP or family doctor about digestive disorders. Would you ask your GI to assist you giving birth?

And what if the OB were to miss something serious like a blockage? I guess that's why they have to refer you.

 

[FruitLoop]

Hi - I had my first flare and subsequent diagnosis when 7 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child.

I was on pred 40mg at 7 weeks which then tapered - i was also on co-codamol (codeine/paracetamol) two tablets four times a day for the whole pregnancy.

I was scanned every few weeks just to check baby was growing but everything was fine and Erica was born totally healthy.

I then had a 3rd pregnancy where i did not flare and my only issue was anaemia.

Interestingly when i was pregnant with no.3 my GI told me it would be a boy - he says there i research to show that carrying a girl annoys the Crohn's more as theres more oestrogen?

No idea if this was a big study or not BUT i have 1 girl and 2 boys and when i was carrying the girl i was really poorly but not as bad with the boys!

If i was throwing up blood though id be at the emergency Dr's ?

 

[Txarmywife]

I guess OBs can't prescribe meds like pred because that's not their job. They really don't know any more than your GP or family doctor about digestive disorders. Would you ask your GI to assist you giving birth?

And what if the OB were to miss something serious like a blockage? I guess that's why they have to refer you.

That's true but when you're pregnant your OB sees you for everything. Or at least that's how it is here on an Army base. I only got the referral to GI because I told them I needed it. They were just going to give me Bentyl for "IBS" and send me on my way. It'd so interesting how each pregnancy is different. With my son I spent 9 months normal...a totally foreign concept to me and te relief of symptoms was very welcomed since my husband was deployed my whole pregnancy. And this pregnancy it seems I'm falling apart what with the kidney stones and now this flare I hope PP is right and it's a girl

 

[MariaK]

Hi I am new to this,mhiwever after reading your issues, I would of said doctors straight away with the throwing up blood. What was the outcome?? I'm intrigued, we want to start a family next year and I am on Azathioprine but really want to be med free but scared so not knowing hat I should do!? X

 

[Eilidh]

I know this w a while back but also interested to know the outcome. Aim 15 weeks pregnant and my Crohns has been flaring on and off all the way through. Just now it is moderate, but is making me feel exhausted and thirsty. Also worki and looking after a 2 year old doesn't help. Really worried about my baby, not secure if I will be absorbing all the nutrients it needs. Iam under the care af an obstetrician who specialises in pregnancies with underlying health problems. See her on Friday so hopefully she can put my mind at rest. When pregnant with my son I felt wonderful, it was like my Crohns had been cured! Currently on Azathioprine 125mg and this has worked great for me since 2008.