IF & Crohn's (and an introduction)

Purvalicious

Hi, I'm struggling with getting PG and have Crohn's Disease.  We've been trying for about a year and I've been on Humira during that time (though I'm off it now, thank goodness!)

I have been lurking off and on for a while, and remember that at least one of you ladies has Crohn's.  If there are any tidbits of info anyone has learned in dealing with TTC and an autoimmune disease, feel free to let me know.  I've done a lot of research, but feel really overwhelmed by just wanting a baby, but not knowing how we're going ot get there.  So, I just wanted to introduce myself and jump in.  Our first appointment with an RE is on Tuesday. 

Mrs.Kiltlifter

Welcome to the board!!  I am sorry you have to be here   I can't remember who has Crohn's but when it comes to me I will page you! 

Have you made an appt with the RE?

thebeadinglady

Hi there, I am one of the girls with Crohn's. I believe there are three of us right now on the board dealing with both Crohn's and IF. My GI doc and RE both insist that there is no connection between Crohn's and deifficulty conceiving, but I am not completely sold on that. I have been dx with Crohn's for three years and on Remicade for about 2.5 years, which has helped a lot.

When did you get your diagnosis? Are you any treatments now? I hope your appt with the RE on Tuesday goes well. I write a blog that deals with both my IF and Crohn's (and baking), the link is in my siggy if you want to check it out. Good Luck!

Purvalicious

I had my first flare in the Fall of '07, formally diagnosed in March 2008, and put on Humira after emergency surgery scared me into it in the summer of '08.  I was on Humira for almost a year before the side effects were enough to warrant a trial suspension of treatment.  That was in December, and so far so good!  I believe strongly in Eastern medicine and see a naturopath and acupuncturist for my primary care.  I've been able to manage my symptoms that way for a while now.

My GI also says there isn't a link between Crohn's and IF, but I've been charting for a long time and actively trying for a year now.  I'm an otherwise healthy young woman, so unless DH's SA comes back abnormal, I'm  thinking that either the Crohn's or the Humira has had an impact on my reproductive system.  

Best of luck to you, Crohn's is enough to deal with on its own - let alone trying to have a "normal" life.  Thanks for sharing your story, I'm going to go read through your blog now

Amie8301

Hi there! I am another Crohnie. We've been trying since August '08 and just completed our first IVF cycle (BFN). My entire time ttc, I've been told my IF is due to scar tissue around my tubes as a result of a colectomy/j-pouch in 2000. Now that we got our BFN, I'm not so sure this is the case.

I'm not familiar with Humira. Is it an oral med? How do you feel about the acupuncture? Do you think that is making a difference for you? I'm tossing around the idea of trying it out myself.

Anyway, welcome to the board and best of luck to you! I hope your stay here is short!

Dragonfly1226

Hi and welcome