Hi. I am new to this site. I have numerous complications and am hoping to find some comfort and advice. I was diagnosed with severe UC when I was 17 that did not respond to any treatments. I had emergent j-pouch surgery at 18. It was a 2 part surgery. I am now 29 and have been married 7 years. Since my surgery, I have had complications with frequent BMs and nightly incontinence. I have been to numerous drs, as well as the Cleveland Clinic with no success. I have tried numerous meds and fiber supplements. My bottom is constantly raw, bleeding, and itchy. To make matters worse, my fallopian tubes are blocked by scar tissue from surgery and endometriosis, making me unable to have kids. I have a large cyst on my right ovary in which surgical intervention will be required by year's end. My biggest fear is having to have an ostomy again. I would like to have my tubes opened during this surgery. My husband fears if I get pregnant, I might end up with an ostomy bag or lose the baby. I have problems keeping weight on and am constantly tired. We just had a failed adoption due to the birthmom changing her mind after 10 days of us having Gabriel. Adoption is out at this moment. Is there any reason I should not have my tubes open when I go in for surgery and try to get pregnant? Does anyone have similar problems or just some advice to help us through all these challenges?

Husbands are funny. They do so much worrying, we don't have to worry ourselves! You are not likely to wind up needing an ostomy if you get pregnant, but you might be mightly miserable if you do, considering how miserable you are without having a baby sitting on your bladder and pouch!! Plus, you will be somewhat limited in the medical treatment for your high output, particularly in the first trimester. That aside, there are a great many ifs you need to overcome before you even get there.

IF they can clear your tubes surgically, that would be wonderful, but you cannot count on this. It is a very delicate surgery and there are no guarantees.

IF the tubes are cleared, your overall health has to be optimum, or your body will not allow pregnancy. You will not even ovulate unless you have an adequate amount of body fat on board.

I am not saying these things to discourage you. On the contrary. If you are very motivated to carry your own child, you need to be prepared for some possible bumps in the road and will need to get some weight to stay on. Will you be prepared to try IUI or IVF if regular intercourse is not successful after 6 months or so? If you are up to the challenge, you will join the ranks of many here who did what it took to have their family.

It must have been very painful to give up your son when you were just getting acquainted. I'm so sorry you had to go through that.

Good luck!!

Jan

Thank you, Jan. It feels so good to find a site with quick replies. I feel so alone sometimes. There are very few people out there that truly understand what it's like to have had UC and deal with the after effects. I have appointments in the upcoming weeks to talk with doctors regarding the surgery and any complications. Thanks again for your reply.

You may want to post in the Women's Health and Pregnancy Forum. Lots of women there who have dealt with infertility. Of course, a great number of the members here know very well the way UC can affect their lives. Granted, there are those with FAP, cancer, motility disorders, etc, who also have j-pouches, but EVERYONE here understands the toll chronic illness and life altering surgery can take.

Jan