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Patients

Welcome fellow MEN2b'er! If you're here, you've found your flock. Whether you are newly diagnosed with MEN2b or are a lifelong patient, you belong.

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​Contact Us

We would love to get to know you. Contact with us and we'll keep you updated on events, studies, and other resources that our community might benefit from.

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Men2b Social Events

Our community has learned a lot from our health care providers about what to expect from living with MEN2b, but that's only part of the story. One of the most successful and rewarding parts of the MEN2b Foundation is our regular events where those with MEN2b can meet others with MEN2b... and learn from one another. 

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Maternity and Family Planning

Can I have a baby?

If you have MEN2B, you might wonder whether it’s possible for you to safely carry and birth a child.  The answer is yes!  There are some extra precautions and accommodations that may need to be made but several of us have been able to carry healthy children to term successfully.


Should I have a baby?

There is a 50% chance of passing MEN2B on to your child.  Some people opt not to have children at all, some let God or fate decide, while others undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) to ensure the baby or babies that do develop do not carry one of the genes for MEN2B.  There is no one right answer/choice that will fit every case.  We ask that you thoroughly consider all of the positives and negatives for each choice before making a permanent decision.  If you need help with this, we can connect you with members of our community who have been through this process.

Pregnancy, Labour, and Postpartum Recovery

 

Things you should do or consider beyond what is usual for pregnant women:

 

  • Prevent severe constipation - With pregnancy, your body produces more of the hormone progesterone which relaxes and slows down your bowels.  This allows your body to absorb more nutrients but can also cause constipation to develop more easily. This is of concern for those with MEN2B because the majority of us already struggle with chronic constipation on an everyday basis and pregnancy can make it even worse. Therefore, it’s very important throughout your pregnancy to take measures to prevent severe constipation.  Severe constipation is not only extremely uncomfortable but it can also put the mother’s and baby’s health at risk.

  • Take extra hydrocortisone - If you’ve had one or, especially, both adrenal glands removed, you will likely need to take extra hydrocortisone during your pregnancy, labour, and/or postpartum recovery to help your body cope with the additional stresses it will face. This may mean increasing your daily dosage and having an emergency dose of liquid hydrocortisone on standby in case of an adrenal crisis.  Liquid hydrocortisone administered through an injection or an IV is recommended in an emergency situation because it is absorbed more quickly than taking it by mouth.

  • If you have a pheochromocytoma, you may have an increased risk of preeclampsia? How to treat or prevent? Or would doc just monitor closely?

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