I have chronic back pain due to surgeries I had (when I was 11 and 15) and the resulting deterioration of a disc. I was always very concerned about how I would manage 9 mos of a pregnancy without pain meds, especially as I have lived on ibuprofen for the past 10 years at least. The struggles of IF have really been intensified for me as a result. I take meds for 2 weeks or so, before ovulation - then I stop for 2 weeks while I wait for what has so far always been the negative. My pain is more out of control as a result than it has been in a long time. I have gone for several consults regarding pain management during pregnancy - and although it is hard to know exactly what to expect with pain while you're pregnant, I have learned several things I can do - and I have several docs who are confident they will help me get through it all ok. I am desparate to be pregnant, but I also have to be even more careful regarding multiples. There's no physical way I'd be able to carry more than twins (I'd LOVE twins so I'm telling myself that I'd manage that ok - no one else believes me!). Anyway, although my condition is different, they are similar issues. If you ever what to talk or there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to message me. Good luck - I know it's scary . . . but you will manage a pregnancy - you just might need some additional consult and help to do it!

P.S. Physical therapy is a terrific option to have added. I hope that's helping!

My sister has Crohns and AS as well. She carried 2 healthy pregnancy's to term and she has felt the best during the pregnancy than she had in years. Her primary drugs were Imuran and Prednisone which she had to be off both when they were starting to think about conceiving. Initially she couldn't keep her Crohns under control to get completely off the steroid. She wanted her family so much that to push the Crohns into remission she had an Ilium Ostomy put in (it's totally reversible). This got her healthy for the first pregnancy and she just glowed. Her Crohns flared between pregnancys, to the point where she had to take some of the steroid again to calm things down. She didn't realize she was pregnant again already so her first 6 weeks of the 2nd pregnancy she was on the steroid. This really worried her; though her son is beautiful & healthy. While she was pregnant she went to Physio to maintain the AS, she always had some aches though her pain tolerance is abnormally high so she could handle the aches. She gets fillings at the dentist with no freezing.. that's how high her pain tolerance is.

I had severe Hyperemesis during my 2nd pregnancy and almost lost my life and the baby. I was so scared it would happen to me again if I got pregnant. Well I did finally get pregnant and the Hyperemesis did come back but not as bad as before. All I have to say is when you hold that baby in your arms it is all worth it. Good luck to you. Have you tried cortizone shots? They may help.

I'm so glad I came across this post. I have been suffering in silence about this. I have cronic pain from DDD. I thought I would be able to get off meds while pregnant. I was able to stop the bad ones, but the pain was too bad to stop all of them. I feel like a wimp because I know there are women who can do it. When I go without meds I feel like the pain and misery alone can make me lose my babies. Everything is growing perfect now (still early) and I'm confident it will be ok. Just know you're not alone & we are here for you girl.

Have you looked into all natural medicine or treatment. My aunt goes to a halistic doctor i think it is . It helps for six months at a time and its for three days of treatment and a vitamin suppllimented diet every day . She had to learn what to eat and not to eat . You should look into it .

I have crohn's (diagnosed in 1989) and have been on this IF journey. I have been in remission and on 6-MP since 1997/1998 (I got divorced around that time from my 1st hubby, kinda ironic).
We are currently working on our 3rd IVF cycle (1 retrieval, 1 FET). My Dr's agree that I should stay on the 6-MP while pregnant and I even checked with the Univ of Chicago where they do a lot of research on GI issues.
I am here for ya if ya ever need to chat about either crohn's or IF. Take care.

I have multiple sclerosis and trying to get pregnant before my neurologist tells me I must start medications--I'm already pushing her original limit, once I start the MS meds, all baby making will have to go on hold--since I'm almost 37 that pretty much means it'll be over. I also worry about carrying a child (altho many say ms gets better thru prgnancy) and I definitely worry about what the future holds--will I be able to care for this child properly? It's scary, but I try to have faith that things will work out.