Pregnancy, Colitis and Colazal
Thu, May 01, 2008 12:00 AM
I am trying to become pregnant. I was diagnosed with UC in 2000. I haven't had a flare-up since December 2005 and have probably been in remission since then. I had a colonoscopy in July 2007 that showed everything was normal. I take a maintenance dose of 4.5 grams of Colazal each day.
The doctors all seem to say it's safer to stay on the meds than to stop them during pregnancy, breast feeding, etc. But I have also heard (and read elsewhere on this forum) that a woman's immune system shuts down during pregnancy, which might make a flare less likely. Does anyone have experience with UC, pregnancy and taking Colazal that you could share with me? I'm trying to decide whether to stay on my meds during pregnancy.
Thanks,
Shefali
Joined May 1, 2008
Mon, May 26, 2008 7:22 PM
Reply posted for twinsmom.
Thank you to everyone who responded to my question. It really helps to know that others have been through this before me and I am reassured about taking my medications during pregnancy.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond.
Shefali
Joined May 1, 2008
Sat, May 24, 2008 8:54 PM
Reply posted for Shefali.
I took Colazal during my pregnancy with my twin girls. I was fortunate and did not have flare up. I have 2 healthy, thriving girls who give me a run for my money (they just turned 2). I wasn't concerned about taking the meds. My doctor assured me that they were safe for pregnancy and how it was better to stay in remission rather than flare up. I trusted him to guide me and I was happy I listened to his advice. Good luck.
Joined May 24, 2008
Tue, May 06, 2008 12:00 AM
Reply posted for Shefali.
I was diagnosed with UC about 5 years before I started trying to get pregnant. I ended up being on Imuran for a while, and my GI doc wanted me off of that and still in remission for 6 months before trying to get pregnant. So I managed that, although I was still using asacol or colazol, I don't remember which, but my understanding is they're pretty similar. I was told it was best to stay on that, and even use rowasa enemas if needed, while pregnant or trying to get pregnant. They told me they were really safe.
I was told that about 1/3 of the time pregnant women's symptoms stay the same, 1/3 of the time they get better, and 1/3 of the time they get worse during pregnancy. Unfortunately for me, things got worse, and worse, and worse. The good news is I have a very healthy 2 year old now! Bad news is my colon ended up perforating when I was 3 months pregnant, and I had to have the whole thing removed. Obviously you don't want to have to be on lots of steroids and pain meds while pregnant if you don't have to, but I know God was in control and my son and I both made it through. All that to say, if your doctor recommends you stay on the colazal, I would listen. Good luck getting pregnant!
meganoJoined Apr 23, 2008
Sat, May 03, 2008 11:20 PM
Reply posted for Shefali.
I was on meds for Crohn's through out my pregnancy last year. I was taking Imuran 150mg and Pentasa 100mg. It's better to keep your body in remission by taking meds than risk a flare while being pregnant. Do what you feel is right for yourself and your unborn child.
Joined Apr 27, 2008
Thu, May 01, 2008 5:58 PM
Reply posted for Shefali.
Hi there! I have had two pregnancies 2003 and 2005 while taking Colazal. Both times my UC flared up during the pregnancy. But I have heard that everyone is different, some women will get better, others will get worse. I got worse. I took colazal during my pregnancies and while I breastfed- for two years for each child. Both of my boys are healthy, and I haven't noticed any issue with the colazal. I hope that helps.
Kellee
Joined May 1, 2008
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