I keep getting conflicting advise from ob's and GI docs about the risks of childbirth. Turns out that none of these docs have much experience delivering for mothers with no colon and a j-pouch. Can anyone recommend an experienced OB/GYN in the Tampa, FL area, or anywhere in the Southeast? We want to have kids and want to work with someone experienced.

How about the Cleveland Clinic in Fla?

Unfortunately, you'll probably continue to get mixed advice. Most GIs/surgeons will recommend that you have a C-section while most OBs are going to recommend vaginal birth. Not to discourage you at all, but this will probably be a decision you'll have to make on your own.

If you take a look at previous posts on this topic, you'll see that all of our doctors tell us something different. Also, some of us saw high risk OBs and some of us didn't. You don't necessarily need a high risk OB to deliver your baby if it's vaginal as long as they understand the risks of pushing too long and tearing.

There's a lot of conversations on this forum regarding this topic, so hopefully you'll find them helpful! I had a wonderful natural delivery, and am very happy with my decision.

Thanks for the replies. I've noticed that there are diverse opinions and experiences on the site. And you are right about the different advice from GI's and OB's. My OB said that she flat out wouldn't do a c-section without a GI surgeon in the room b/c she was afraid she would disconnect things when she pulled organs out to remove the baby.

My high risk OB suggested the same thing, and we agreed on it. I sought out the colo-rectal surgeon he recommended and had a consultation with him and he agreed to show up the day of surgery to assist. I think it was a great idea and the 2 docs seemed to enjoy working together once it was clear the important stuff was out of the way - baby out and Mom not bleeding to death. They excised some scar tissue and talked about the work that had been done inside me, and then made small talk. OB consulted with me on proper close as I have a skin allergy to adhesive tapes, that BADLY includes steri strips, and also to metal, that makes staples out of the question, so he had his intern do a plastics close on it. It looks pretty good for someone who scars really badly, she took her time and did a great job.

Hello Roarkasg,
I live in the Tampabay area as well and am also looking to find an experienced OBGYN who can assist a J-poucher through pregnancy. My last surgery was approx. 1 year ago and my husband and I are thinking about a baby but I am kind of afraid as I haven't found a doctor yet. I have read through a lot of posts here and thank everybody who has shared their personal experiences!!
Roarkasg, please let me know if you find a good doctor - I will do the same. :-)

I went to a high risk OB-GYN for the first few months of my pregnancy. She said I was doing great and could return to my regular OB. I had a great pregnancy. I had a colon-rectal surgeon present for the C-Section, just in case. For me, that was very important. My regular OB had only had one other person with a J-pouch, so they were extra careful with me. I had a ton of check-ups. Other then that, it was very uneventful.

I got no conflicting advice. My OB and surgeon were all on the same page. I was fortunate enough to have a high risk OB who had other pouch and ostomy patients. He told me he would let me try vaginal delivery if I wanted but that if I needed an emergency c-section he wouldn't be able to take precautions with my bowels. We agreed c-sections were best to allow him time to plan more cautiously - I have a perm ileo. Two uneventful, normal c-sections.

I just wanted to say that I am so happy to have found a thread like this! I am also in Tampa.