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I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2009, but have had digestive issues for a few years prior.  My husband and I are considering starting a family very soon.  I just turned 31 and am working full-time.  I have had a rough couple of years due to my health issues and have never been in remission.  I no longer have blood in my stool, but I go to the restroom at least 6-10 times during the day and at least 2 times during the night due to my bowel issues.  Many times I am rushing to the restroom to avoid an accident.  I am on Cimzia as well as other supplements.  I have been off of Methotrexate for 6 months now since it is harmful to be on during pregnancy.  I was told I would have to have a C-section since I broke my pelvis and hip in 3 places in January 2011 (I had fallen and due to osteoporosis that got worse with steroids I got injured).  I am worried about getting pregnant, the pregnancy, and how I will feel after the pregnancy.  I don't think my Crohn's will ever be where I am not worried about these things.   Since it is now safe (medication wise) to start trying to get pregnant, I am worried I will not have enough energy to be a good mother.  I have a wonderful husband who has been there for me through many hard times, but I do not want to put everything on him if I am not feeling well.  I just think I need some words of advice from others who may have been still having issues and wanting to start a family.  Hearing that it is "okay" to get pregnant from my GI and OBGYN is not enough.  I think I am a little scared to be honest... 

 Reply posted for mrskb510.

Hello. I was just reading through these posts and hat to stop - your doctor said cimzia was bad for pregnancy? My doctor said it was fine and I think one of the posters above said the same thing. I am just starting it and hoping to get pregnant but I don't want to have any issues in the event that I do become pregnant. Any feedback would be great. Thanks.

 Reply posted for rebeccaou.

I am 6 weeks pregnant and I was not in remission.  I have had crohns colitis indeterminate for over two years now and have never been in remission.  I have come close and then a flare up out of no where.  I just switched recently from remicade to cimzia for the joint pain.  My GI specializes in this disease and pregnancy and she said that Cimzia was in the safe class of drugs for pregnancy.  the week I found I out I was pregnant, I went into a flare.  My bathroom just seemed all over the place with issues.  It has slowed down tremendously since then with the help of suppositories.  I go for my first OB visit on Monday.  I waited as long as I could to get in remission.  At some point you just have to go with your heart and hope for the best.  Who knows why we have this disease, and believe me, I have my angry days.  But over all we are the strongest people for what we deal with and we can handle this!  Good luck!

 Reply posted for rebeccaou.

I am currently going through the same thing. I just recently switched GI docs because my last one kept telling me to get the though of another child out of my head. I have had Crohn's for almost 7 years, but it didn't flare up really badly until after I had my son 3 years ago. I have just recently stopped taking Cimzia and was told that it wasn't safe to take while I was pregnant. I stopped reacting to it and just found out today, from my new doc that I have to have surgery to remove a blockage. I'm doing all of this so my husband and I can have another baby. I've been told, and read, that getting pregnant while your disease is active isn't a very smart move. Granted, I felt great while I was pregnant with my son, but my disease wasn't active then either.

Good luck with whatever you choose. But, I would look into other treatments to get yourself healthy first. A baby needs a healthy mommy!

 Reply posted for Poopsucks.

Thank you so much for the reply!  You brought a smile to my face .  I appreciate the words of encouragement.  It is nice to know what others go through and to hear any any advice.  I hope you are doing well!

 Reply posted for rebeccaou.

I hope you have a great pregnancy!  It may or may not be hard for you,  I had three kids back to back without being in remission, I have 4 total but didnt have any problems with the first.  Its a struggle, but worth all the energy lose!! its worth the stress and accidents because I couldn't run to the restroom on time.  Do not let this disease get you down!! Your energy may decrease but motivation from your husband will help, try to take the pregnancy as positive as possible.  I know its easier said then done but it will help. Rest as much as you can, maybe even if possible work part-time. Extra bathroom breaks help (I learned that the end of my 4th pregnancy).  Know that before,during and after all of it, your son or daughter will have a strong mom on the inside because you didnt let your health get in the way of being a mother.

Best of luck!!!! :)

 Reply posted for wsnider.

Thanks for sharing.  I am actually already taking a probiotic.  It is called acidophilus pearls.  I will also check into what you recommended.  I'm glad you are doing well.  Take care.

 Reply posted for rebeccaou.

Find a good probiotic such as VSL#3DS or even the VSL#3, The first one is in a  powder form, it is available by prescription, the other one is available in tablet form and not available by prescription.  Both are good.  I started on the tablet form, and that seemed to help, but was taken quite a few of the pills up to 6 a day,   My doctor then moved me to the powder form, two packets a day, I am now down to one a day, along with the humira which is a biologic...  Without this treatment, I probably would have committed suicide.   Now it seems as if I can start doing some things that I had quit doing.  I still have toi watch my diet, and avoid stress, which sometimes is almost impossible.  My wife has been a big support through it all..............  It has been hard on her too.