[~RM~]

Im 30 weeks pregnant with my third, and have Colitis/Proctitis.

It has been constant throughout the pregnancy in varying degrees, all much worse than before I fell pregnant.

Im seeing my gastroentaroligist again in about 10 days after another bad flare up, and Im currently on oral steroids and enema steroids, but still experiencing bad symptoms (bleeding/fatigue/nausea/diarhea).

Its crap!

Is there anyone out there who has gone through similar or going through similar now?

Please tell me it will be better after baby is born???????

This post has been edited by ~RM~: 25/02/2013, 11:38 AM

[Diem]

~Rm~ I'so sorry to read what you're going through. I have IBD, but I had the opposite issue during pregnancy: could not go for beans; unfortunately it has never been clear tome whether this was pregnancy alone or IBD, but it did resolve shortly after my (now 6 month old) baby was born. I know the statistics are 1/3 of women do better with IBD during pregnancy, 1/3 experience no change, and 1/3 get worse: probably doesn't help much but you are far from alone. I hope you feel much better after the baby is born; the reduction in pressure on your bowel should relieve some of your symptoms, at least.

Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy, and if you really feel rubbish don't be afraid to hassle your gastro!

[redmum77]

Different here again, I have IBS and had chronic diarrhea for the first... 5/6 months? Everything was just so much worse and I was sick and lost so much weight, worried about the nutrition for the baby on top of that. Things have calmed down now and my diet has become less extreme. I read that the hormones fluctuating can make it a lot worse, or as pp said, can make it better... Crazy.

Your condition sounds so much more difficult, I would fully expect that things will get better after baby is born. I have found that the extra stimulus to the area alone causes trouble. Belly strapping for example brings on more episodes just because of the crossed over nerves from uterus to bowl. My body doesn't cope well with all the need for more food, overloading my system etc. You aren't alone, feel free to pm if you feel you are, sometimes it's nice to have someone who just knows how draining it all is.

[~RM~]

Thanks so much for the responses

I was really hoping that the changes in hormones might have caused it to flare up, so to hear you both say that is a comfort. It means things might settle down after the baby is born! God I cant wait to not be pregnant (knowing full well I will have all that comes with a new baby though lol).

Its crap being pregnant and being sick at the same time! Especially in summer AND last trimester lol. Bring on autumn I say.

Ive decided to try gluten free on advice from a natural therapist (my doctor is old school and doesnt believe diet changes affect Inflammatory bowel disease- and google is conflicting on this), but anything that can help right?

Diem- god Im so hopeful hearing you say it resolved shortly after birth, I really hope this is the case for me too. Yes Ive had some bad luck with my doc, who is away, and replacement is in theatre today grrrrr.

Redmum- wow 5-6 months is an awful long time. I had a bad flare up first trimester, then its been manageable in the second, and bang on 29 weeks it got bad again, so hoping its short lived. I feel for you!!!!

[TillyTake2]

I also have colitis & mine flared in the first 16 weeks & then settled so definitely hormone (possibly also diet). I personally do find that diet makes a difference for me & my gastro agrees. For me dairy is a big culprit during a flare but I find additives & preservatives can bring on a flare (as do NSAIDs for me).

[Goggie]

I have IBS and mild colitis/bleeding. When I was pregnant I was bad first trimester, ok in second and hugely blocked up and bloated in the third. Sadly for me, the third trimester symptoms carried over after birth and 6 months on I am only now starting to have regular bowel movements. The trauma of pushing and tearing during birth did not help with the recovery either! I have very weak pelvic floor muscles as a result of my IBS as I was constantly straining and birth made it 10 times worse. Sorry:(

Ive decided to try gluten free on advice from a natural therapist (my doctor is old school and doesnt believe diet changes affect Inflammatory bowel disease- and google is conflicting on this), but anything that can help right?

Don't underestimate the impact diet has. I cut out all gluten a few years ago and my colitis has calmed right down. Your doctor needs to do some up to date research!

[~RM~]

Thanks Tillytake2- dairy seems ok, I think my triggers are wheat, chilli, tomatoes/capsicum (nightshade vegetables). Silly me I was doing really well then had a mexican pizza (omg what WAS I thinking). Yes I kinda wish my gastro was more helpful with the diet stuff, I feel a bit like Im swimmming blind there

[redmum77]

Diet is Everything for me... I cut out all non soluble fibre, fruit, and spices. Oats are my best friend! Having heaps of carbs, nothing gas procducing (FODMAP diet, not all foods were triggers, def no onion or garlic), and only water to drink finally got my system to calm down. Now I can have some fruits, some nonsoluble fibre if combined with other food properly, and feel remotely normal. Ibs is a functional disorder though, so not sure how relevant this is for ibd.

My step mother has ibd and a few other issues in her intestines... Poor thing. She put me on to oat bread, and fish and rice as an emergency food. Also that having oat cakes (oat biscuits) combined with something else will make them more easily digested. Buffer foods. Oh and that one day something works and then all of a sudden it doesn't and you aren't going mad lol.

After the birth keeping things easily moving is imperative, not hard for me, mist have to avoid hgs moving toooo fast! Use a wad of toilet paper to hold your bits at the front while having a movement - I've done this for years, it protects your pelvic floor. Stacks of water, like.. 3ltrs, or fibre doesn't work at all. Im going to start taking mint tablets as soon as I'm allowed too.

[Coconutty]

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This post has been edited by Coconutty: 26/05/2013, 10:01 PM

[~RM~]

Wow Rissles! That sounds incredibly painful, Im so glad to hear its under control now. Very best of luck with the move, I can imagine how you must be feeling. SO glad to hear you are doing well, and good luck for the next trimester! Home stretch now!

Redmum- yes I need to work out my triggers and get the diet thing sorted for sure. This week Ive gone gluten free and now dairy free after seeing the gastro yesterday. WHen I had my colonoscopy last time I tested fine for wheat and dairy, but he has asked for another stool sample to check and see if thats changed since then.

Goggie I agree!!!! Im seeing a kineaseologist also and she is helping me identify my food triggers and make some diet changes.

Im still feeling pretty rotten. I saw my gastro yesterday, but I have been unable to retain my enemas and so feel completely fatigued and exhausted all day when that happens (3 out of 4 days). Im spending most of the day in bed and its driving me batty. Even though I have diarrhea, I have still somehow managed to get a huge hemmahroid which is adding to my discomfort. He gave me a foam to insert to help control my urge to go, which yesterday definitely helped, but until I can starte retaining my enemas again I know I wil still be bedridden

Its a comfort to see others out there have coped and managed through this, I really appreciate all the replies, I honestly wasnt expecting anyone to reply!