OMG I am panicking! I have just been to see the obstetrician (10 weeks along) and he is supposedly the inflammatory bowel specialist, referred to by my GI, he has never heard of a j pouch! He is quite interested in researching my condition, and is a high risk clinic for general reasons but honestly I'd feel better having someone who knew what they were talking about! What would you do?

Go back to your referring doctor and ask whether they accidentally gave you the wrong doctor's name. Let them know the one they referred you to has no idea what a j-pouch is and you're not comfortable with that and ask for a more appropriate referral.

Hey, at least he told you he hadn't heard of one. I sometimes think my doctor just smiled and nodded and didn't say a thing about it and then probably researched afterward. Yeah, I would look in to getting someone else, even if just for peace of mind.

I'd definitely ask to see another doctor. It's kind of nice that this doc is willing to research. It's even very nice of him to admit he's never heard of it....but for your own peace of mind, I'd go ask for another doc.

We had a HUGE doctor shortage here a few years back and I FINALLY got to see a doctor (regular GP) and she NEVER heard of a j-pouch and told me that I didn't know what I was talking about. She told me I'd have to come back with all my files so that she could read through and explain to me what REALLY happened.
I NEVER went back....

Thanks everyone, sounds like we all know what its like getting the a "j what" story.

Will have a word to my specialist, i just fear i won't be spoiled very spoiled for choice around here. Does anyone think there could be risks if I went with him ?

Thanks
Tam x

I think that if he is willing to research and he finds a colleague he can speak to (or even your specialist), everything should be fine.

Having a j-pouch does not create any risk to you or your baby....so you wouldn't be high risk.

For your own peace of mind, try to see if you can get another doctor. If not, I'm sure everything will be fine.

Thanks

Hope all is going well for you x

Hi

I have to agree with Missa that having a jpouch doesn't mean there are any other risks to your baby.
The only thing to consider is the fact that in most cases we jpouchers go for a c-section rather than natural birth so you want to make sure that your doctor understands the reasoning behind this decision.

FYI, l am from Melbourne and my Gyno knew about jpouches and was very good.

All the best Rosa

EKKS! I would look for another doctor who's familar with j pouch. I was a high risk because I was pregnant with twins and had ostomy bag still. Having a J pouch would not put risks on ur baby just have to watch for blockage and leaks from baby pushing it off. I had my baby B kick my bag off and made a mess all over the bed.

Not pregnancy related but when I had a hysterectomy the dr opened me and my ovaries were glued to my j pouch. I don't know if this could cause any problems but I was not permitted to have 2 drs in the or and had to wait several hours for a colorectal surgeon to arrive.The gyn would not attempt anything alone at that point.

Hi, I had my second child with a pouch and the delivery was a planned c section. 1 HOUR before delivery and the doctors were still scratching their heads as to what they were going to find when they opened me up. In the end they said we will give you a epidural but if we don't like what we see we will knock you out! Baby was delivered safetly and there was plenty of curious proding and poking at my pouch when they were stitching me up.

I do think there are risks with going with someone who has no idea what a j-pouch is. Though there aren't necessarily problems, there certainly could be and may, and you need to be advised by someone who knows what they are talking about. I personally get very anxious when I go to a doc and they have no idea what I'm talking about--it makes me question everything I'm told. For your own peace of mind, try and find someone who knows more--as in something--about the j-pouch. (It's of concern that an IBS specialist wouldn't know what that is...)
Hope that doesn't add more stress to your difficult decision...
JWG

Thanks for your great advise everyone.

Well it looks like I am going to be staying with my ob, supposedly he is excellent in high risk, and well hes is about all the choice I think I have. I shall keep all you lovely ladies posted on (his) progress!

xxx

I went to an excellent high risk clinic and they didn't know what a j-pouch was. As long as your OB is keeping in touch with your GI and consulting him/her on how your IBD and pouch will be affected you should not have to worry. see your GI regularly during your pregnancy and make sure there is communication. Congratulations by the way! Babies are a delight.

Well that does make me fell a bit more at ease, thankyou