I am stuck between a rock and a hard place and am hoping that someone can provide me with some guidance.
I am 30 years old and have had (sorry - HAD) UC for 5 years.
I was managing my UC very well with Remicade....... UNTIL the neurological symptoms started. Needless to say, I was immediately taken off the Remicade, which is when all the trouble began (or began again). I managed to fight an uphill battle with my UC for 7 months until I was left with no choice but to have emergency surgery. I now have a sub-total colectomy and will need another 2 surgeries to make the j-pouch / re-connect in the future.
Of course, it is great news that the stoma/pouch is not permanent. HOWEVER, my husband and I have been discussing starting a family (actually we started the discussion a while ago, but my health issues keep delaying the process) and I am now faced with the decision of being pregnant with or without the stoma.
My doctors feel that I should get pregnant with the stoma and have the j-pouch procedure after delivery for the following reasons:
- it would allow me to have a child earlier in life (if I have the surgeries first I will have to wait 2 years before I can start attempting to conceive - taking into consideration the wait time between surgeries and to give time for the j-pouch to heal properly);
- it would be easier on my body/avoids stress to the j-pouch (which decreases the chances of pouch failure); and
- to avoid potential decreased fertility issues (apparently the j-pouch procedure increases the chance of infertility to 40% due to the potential for scaring around the fallopian tubes).
I, however, am concerned about being pregnant with the pouch because:
- I really dislike the pouch and would like to have it out of my life as soon as possible. In fact, I am having a very hard time mentally adjusting to the stoma/pouch;
- the fact that the pouch will be even more visible with a protruding pregnant belly and in maternity clothing; and
- I feel it will be very hard to empty the pouch in the later stages of pregnancy.
Further, I would have to undergo the next surgeries with a small child at home. Frankly, recovery from the first surgery was incredibly hard and I can't imagine also having a small child to worry about.
I know I should go with the doctor’s advice and have the surgeries after pregnancy, but I am still worried about the mental toll it will have.
I am sure others have had to make the same decision. I would be grateful if they could provide me with some advice. PLEASE!
Thank you!
I am 30 years old and have had (sorry - HAD) UC for 5 years.
I was managing my UC very well with Remicade....... UNTIL the neurological symptoms started. Needless to say, I was immediately taken off the Remicade, which is when all the trouble began (or began again). I managed to fight an uphill battle with my UC for 7 months until I was left with no choice but to have emergency surgery. I now have a sub-total colectomy and will need another 2 surgeries to make the j-pouch / re-connect in the future.
Of course, it is great news that the stoma/pouch is not permanent. HOWEVER, my husband and I have been discussing starting a family (actually we started the discussion a while ago, but my health issues keep delaying the process) and I am now faced with the decision of being pregnant with or without the stoma.
My doctors feel that I should get pregnant with the stoma and have the j-pouch procedure after delivery for the following reasons:
- it would allow me to have a child earlier in life (if I have the surgeries first I will have to wait 2 years before I can start attempting to conceive - taking into consideration the wait time between surgeries and to give time for the j-pouch to heal properly);
- it would be easier on my body/avoids stress to the j-pouch (which decreases the chances of pouch failure); and
- to avoid potential decreased fertility issues (apparently the j-pouch procedure increases the chance of infertility to 40% due to the potential for scaring around the fallopian tubes).
I, however, am concerned about being pregnant with the pouch because:
- I really dislike the pouch and would like to have it out of my life as soon as possible. In fact, I am having a very hard time mentally adjusting to the stoma/pouch;
- the fact that the pouch will be even more visible with a protruding pregnant belly and in maternity clothing; and
- I feel it will be very hard to empty the pouch in the later stages of pregnancy.
Further, I would have to undergo the next surgeries with a small child at home. Frankly, recovery from the first surgery was incredibly hard and I can't imagine also having a small child to worry about.
I know I should go with the doctor’s advice and have the surgeries after pregnancy, but I am still worried about the mental toll it will have.
I am sure others have had to make the same decision. I would be grateful if they could provide me with some advice. PLEASE!
Thank you!