Planning a Family
Thu, July 16, 2015 8:11 PM
Hi everyone,
I'm 27 years old and have been married about 2 years, Crohn's patient for about 10 years.
My husband and I want to have children, and since he's a little bit older than me his biological clock is ticking almost as loudly as my own.
The problem of course, is the crohn's activity in my gut.
All the doctor's say that its important to get the disease under control before even thinking about conception.
I agree that for both my own health and the health of the child its important to deal with the disease first.
But sometimes I feel hopeless. Sometimes I feel like the crohn's will never be under control and we won't be able to have kids with his dimples and my height (or lack thereof!) I worry that even if the crohn's is controlled, all these medications will have rendered me infertile.
then there's adoption. If we can't have our own children, we can at least share our love with those who need it most.
But when is a good time? If im flaring and can barely take care of myself how could i care for a child?
Just wanted to put that out there in case anyone has had similar thoughts or experiences.
Joined Sep 24, 2013
Tue, January 12, 2016 1:45 PM
Reply posted for mrsgali.
I'm 12 weeks pregnant and on Remicade. It can happen! First and foremost, you have to be healthy and in remission before you can think of starting a family. It was a long journey for us but we're here now. Hope it happens for you as well.
cooltampachicJoined Nov 17, 2008
Tue, August 04, 2015 9:10 PM
Reply posted for heatherenderot.
I am dealing with the same thoughts. I was just diagnosed in February but my doctor and I thought I was in remission. Just had a colonoscopy a few days ago and am still flaring, only a moderate improvement. I planned on trying to start a family soon and was very upset to learn I was not in remission. I took my medicine regularly, ate a healthy diet and did everything I could to get the crohns under control...I was angry and frustrated to learn I am still dealing with issues. I was undiagnosed for many years so I think in some ways the symptoms are just what is normal for me and I don't notice the pain as much as I used to. I know it is important I be in remission before pregnancy but I feel so defeated.
I was so excited to start trying to add a baby to our family that even waiting a few months seems like forever. I am on a steroid for three months minimum so I don't even know when I will be able to try to have a child. I'm trying to stay positive, but it is hard when the disease feels like it's ruling my life. Seeing facebook posts of pregnant friends and new pregnancy announcements just makes it all seem unfair.
Sorry my reply didn't offer much insight or positivity, I guess I just needed a place to vent where people will understand. You're definitely not alone though.
katherine27Joined Feb 7, 2015
Sun, July 26, 2015 7:48 PM
Reply posted for mrsgali.
Hi there,
I do not have any advice for you since I do not have any kiddos yet, but just wanted to put it out there that I feel the same and have the same thoughts.
I have been married for 2 years but with my husband for a total of 10. I have been diagnosed with Crohns for 3 years now. We were going to plan on starting to try for kids this summer but my last colonoscopy came back bad and took me out of remission (it would have been 2 years in remission). So kiddos are on hold for at least 1-2 years, which is frustrating and sad.
I am now trying increased medications and steroids for 8 weeks to give my system a boost and hopefully see if it can help my system clear up and hopefully get me back into remission.
I know it is important to get our health better, but it is still super frustrating wondering if it really ever will be good enough. Will I feel like I have enough energy to have kids and be an interactive mom. Will my Crohns ever be in remission for 2 years to attempt to try and have kids after that or will I just cycle through flare ups all the time.
Just wanted you to know there was someone else in similar shoes, because most of the time I feel alone like no one else around me really understands.
Heather
Joined Jul 26, 2015
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