FMT while pregnant?

Treatments, possible treatments, unsubstantiated/unproven treatments. Consult your doctor first.
august14
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Joined: Wed May 06, 2015 8:13 pm

FMT while pregnant?

Postby august14 » Wed May 06, 2015 8:20 pm

I might have a doctor willing to do this. I've had c-diff 3 times since becoming pregnant and I'm only about halfway through. However, my OB is uncomfortable with it because there haven't been studies on pregnant women. (Duh, half the doctors I've spoken to don't have a clue even with non-pregnant patients. Not surprising that there's a lack of research.)

The doctor is willing to do it by enema, and hold off on the colonoscopy for now. He has had good success rates and he thinks the benefits outweigh the risks in my case, as dehydration and not being able to gain weight are also risky for pregnancy.

I'm desperate here. Vancomycin worked, then relapse, tapering has failed, and even when I had 5 months in between episodes (first was pre-pregnancy) I was only *just* starting to feel somewhat back to normal and less pain when I got it again (while pregnant.) I haven't tried Dificid yet but it doesn't seem to be much better than Vancomycin.

Any advice?

beth22
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Re: FMT while pregnant?

Postby beth22 » Wed May 06, 2015 8:35 pm

If the doctor thinks it is ok to do an enema, I would do it, but check with your ob/gyn as well. A colonoscopy is something I would not do while pregnant, but enemas are pretty gentle.

august14
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Joined: Wed May 06, 2015 8:13 pm

Re: FMT while pregnant?

Postby august14 » Wed May 06, 2015 8:47 pm

My OB won't ok any of it. Based purely on "there are no studies on pregnant women." She was advised to say this by the hospital perinatologist (sp?). The nurse that called said it's a liability issue. They won't say anything else about it, period. They want me to see an infectious disease doctor but that doctor can't see me for several more weeks, and I'm back on 4x/day vancomycin right now and not really wanting to attempt another unsuccessful taper. But I guess I may not have a choice.

beth22
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Re: FMT while pregnant?

Postby beth22 » Wed May 06, 2015 9:28 pm

Vanco taper did not work for me, but FMT did. I think you will just have to use your best judgment with this. I don't know of anyone else who got FMT while pregnant, but maybe someone else will read this and answer you. Most of the time, doctors want you to do a laxative prep before FMT and that is the part that would worry me, as it can be harsh. To do an enema without it may not work. You are in a very difficult position. Obviously, you want to get well, but not endanger the baby either. See what the infectious disease doctor says about it. I would try to get a few more opinions before you decide.

seekingcure
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Re: FMT while pregnant?

Postby seekingcure » Wed May 06, 2015 9:49 pm

STANDARD INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to the site. Read the first forum “All Users Read This First” and subtopics “Site History” and “Information and Guidelines for Posting to our Discussion Boards.” (Note limits on posting.) This will guide you in using the site and answer some of your questions. Read Dr. Borody's articles. Also see the topics under “CDI” – particularly Recent CDC Report, The C. diff. Bible, Tests, Antibiotics, Hygiene, and Nutrition.

“Doctors” lists physicians our posters recommended and also a list of C. diff. specialists throughout the world with contact information. (Many perform FMT's.) See the new forum “FMT’s and FE’s” or “Media Reports” for new information on C. diff.

The majority of patients (about 80%) recover with one to two rounds of Flagyl or Vancocin. An unfortunate small percentage doesn’t and can suffer for months. Most recover unless there are factors such as advanced age or other severe health problems. New treatments include FMT's, which have a high cure rate, and Dificid. Other drugs and treatments are in the pipeline, and there is increased recognition of C. diff. You can help by educating your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Help us make others aware of C. difficle – which will lead to further advances in treating and/or preventing the infection. If antibiotics contributed to your C. diff, be careful about taking them again. Some people tolerate them; some develop C. diff again. Don’t take medications for C. diff. unless you are tested.

If a medication contributed to your case, please fill out an Adverse Event Report online at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm. Under "Resources for You," in left-hand column, click on "Report a Serious Medical Product Problem Online." (Allison provided this information.)

The best protection for you and others is thorough hand washing and good hygiene. (See Dr. Borody’s articles and “CDI.”) For more information, see other support groups on Facebook, including http://www.peggyfoundation.org, the Mayo Clinic and Web MD web sites, and “The FMT Foundation” under “Links” on the homepage.

This is a support site not a medical site. We can’t give you medical advice but can tell you what worked for us and offer support. No one will understand what you are going through except someone who has/had this unpredictable disease. All of our moderators and frequent posters had/have C. diff. (or a loved one with it) and know how physically, emotionally, and financially disabling it can be.

Again, welcome. Remember, the odds are in your favor. (End of letter.)

I just wanted to give you our standard introduction and say how sorry I am that you are having to deal with this during your pregnancy. Beth has given you good advice. Call the ID doctor's office and ask if they have a cancellation list. If you explain your situation and let them know how desperate you are, maybe they will try to get you in sooner. How long of a taper have you done? See CDI for taper/pulse regimens that have worked for some onsite.

Sending prayers and hugs your way. I hope you can get some real help soon. Keep us posted.
Bea

august14
Regular User
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed May 06, 2015 8:13 pm

Re: FMT while pregnant?

Postby august14 » Wed May 06, 2015 10:27 pm

Thanks for the advice!

I am really hesitant to even try Dificid, since it doesn't seem much more effective than the Vancomycin I've already had three times this pregnancy. Flagyl got rid of it for five months until I went back on abx for UTIs right after becoming pregnant. But I guess if I have no other options, then I have no other options.

My other concern is whether I will be able to breastfeed. If I get mastitis I'll need abx, and mastitis is common. I don't want to start from square one again. It seems like FMT is my best shot to truly be back to normal, but I can't get any good advice because the medical community has to cover their own bases...

seekingcure
Long Time Contributor
Posts: 1907
Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2013 1:28 am

Re: FMT while pregnant?

Postby seekingcure » Wed May 06, 2015 11:02 pm

Use the search box in the upper right hand corner of this page to search for "mastitis." It will bring up several posts about this issue. There's one mother who says she was able to clear mastitis without antibiotics. Also consider sending a PM to mjmcgetr. She is a young mother who recently had a fecal transplant for c-diff and is doing pretty well now. I think she got c-diff after her delivery, but I'm sure she will be glad to chat with you. She's very helpful and friendly.
Bea


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