I was pregnant with ulcerative colitis 15 years ago at the age of 22. My doctor said that it seems as some women see improvements in pregnancy while others struggle with it. I have a long, extensive story. While this story may seem scary or overwhelming, it changed my life for the better! I will try and be succinct. To begin, I will let you know that I have a beautiful, healthy daughter.
During my fourth month of pregnancy, I was put in the hospital and placed on heavy steroids b/c my condition was worsening. I was in the hospital for a month and a half or so before they decided I needed to have surgery at Mayo or the University of WA. I lost a lot of blood and my colon was deteriorating. The pain was excruciating. I was airlifted to U of W where I had emergency surgery. They removed my entire colon!! I was told I was fortunate to survive since they stated it was falling apart. I had peritonitis less than one week later and was told my baby would not survive as I was in the beginning stages of labor. They were able to prevent labor. I had a temporary illeostomy (small intestine hooked up to abdominal cavity). I had a vaginal birth and surgery 6 weeks after the birth to reconnect my bowels.
I am completely healthy and living now without ulcerative colitis. That is the beauty. The reason I wanted to share this story was the fact that I took A LOT of drugs during pregnancy and my daughter and I are now both alive and healthy. The best thing to do is keep faith and keep the anxiety down. I wish you the very best and hope for remission. However, remember that things can still turn out okay even in the midst of tough times :).
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I was pregnant with ulcerative colitis 15 years ago at the age of 22. My doctor said that it seems as some women see improvements in pregnancy while others struggle with it. I have a long, extensive story. While this story may seem scary or overwhelming, it changed my life for the better! I will try and be succinct. To begin, I will let you know that I have a beautiful, healthy daughter.
During my fourth month of pregnancy, I was put in the hospital and placed on heavy steroids b/c my condition was worsening. I was in the hospital for a month and a half or so before they decided I needed to have surgery at Mayo or the University of WA. I lost a lot of blood and my colon was deteriorating. The pain was excruciating. I was airlifted to U of W where I had emergency surgery. They removed my entire colon!! I was told I was fortunate to survive since they stated it was falling apart. I had peritonitis less than one week later and was told my baby would not survive as I was in the beginning stages of labor. They were able to prevent labor. I had a temporary illeostomy (small intestine hooked up to abdominal cavity). I had a vaginal birth and surgery 6 weeks after the birth to reconnect my bowels.
I am completely healthy and living now without ulcerative colitis. That is the beauty. The reason I wanted to share this story was the fact that I took A LOT of drugs during pregnancy and my daughter and I are now both alive and healthy. The best thing to do is keep faith and keep the anxiety down. I wish you the very best and hope for remission. However, remember that things can still turn out okay even in the midst of tough times :).
May 24, 2009 - 3:55pmThis Comment
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