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Pregnancy with an ostomy...

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Posted 5/17/2010 1:00 AM (GMT 0)

Any ladies out there had a pregnancy with your ostomy?

I'm 28f had my colon removed March '10 due to Crohns. Now that I'm recovered, my husband and I are anxious to start a family.

I was told that being pregnant with an iliostomy would not be a problem

(if i was told that having my colon removed meant no babies, I probably would've put it off) 

I still have my rectum for now.  Once my fistulas heal down there it will be removed too. But Dr.s say there is no hurry for the second surgery. 

The only medication I'm on is Cimza 400mg/month.

Just wondering if anyone has any experiences to share. 

I'm wondering how much did your stoma stretch?, how did you deliver?, and any other advice/insight anyone can offer.

Posted 5/17/2010 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
a few women on here have been pregnant.
i wasnt plannign on it, but they gave me some info on it anyway, surgeon said that surgery can lower fertility rates, but not alot.
And that the main problem is the change in your stomach size, which can mess with the fit
and then at delivery, you will probably need a csection.
and im not sure how that would affect the rectum thing, because babies can stretch stuff out down there andsometimes it has to be cut for the baby to come out
Posted 5/17/2010 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
I have no plans for pregnancy with my stoma...but my doc did say, if I wanted to, they'd relocate my stoma during that time. Like summerstorm mentioned, scar tissue can lower your chances...but we are all different:)

Why did they leave the rectum to heal? I wouldn't wait too long waiting to have that removed...you'll feel so much better without it!!! Are they perianal fistulas? The skin that is affected should heal fine if they remove the rectum.
Posted 5/18/2010 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
My pregnancy was a breeze. My crohn's was actually better while I was pregnant. The stoma changing shape was the only 'problem.' It was like starting over...finding the right method for application, paste placement, etc. Eventually, I ended up with the same type of bag I had when I first had surgery--cut my own size and no convexity (obviously my expanding baby belly took care of needing that!). I was told b/c of my crohn's (I too had fistulas) that I would have to have a c-section. I didn't mind in the least!! After surgery I did have issues with the bag. My stoma was very stretched out and odd. I wish I thought to go to my surgeon and have her redo it, but I didn't. I have since had all of of my bits and pieces taken out (everything below my small intestines) and I have a wonderful new stoma.
Posted 5/21/2010 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
How old are you who have had babies? How long do you typically have to wait?

I feel that surgery is the only option left for me but my husband wants a baby and I am getting old. Don't know what to do.
Posted 5/22/2010 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
I was 25 when I delivered....I was not quite a year post op when I conceived (maybe 9-10 months post op). However, that ostomy surgery was done laproscopicly(sp) so the healing time was super quick.
Posted 5/26/2010 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
I actually had my loop illeostomy done when I was 17 weeks pregnant! I was pretty sick and they were worried I wouldn't be able to finish the pregnancy.  I didn't notice any issues with my stoma during or after.  All seemed pretty much the same.  Though my colo rectal surgeon was actually in the OR for my C-section so she may have been able to make sure things were squared away as far as that goes.  I ended up with the complete Colectomy when my son was 8 weeks old since I was not getting any better. I delivered when I was 1 week shy of 25 years old.  I'll say this, it was thanks to the "pouch" that I was able to deliver the most amazing little boy ever - he happens to be the most incredible 8 year old ever now!!! Go for it!!!
Posted 5/26/2010 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
I'm 29yrs. We are going to TTC next month!
woooo!
You all will be the first to know.
Posted 6/22/2010 3:41 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks everyone for sharing! I'm only 3 1/2 months post colectomy and couldn't feel better.  I'm excited to start a family.  I think I will find a high risk OBGYN and seek out some more advice, though.  The only medicine I take is Cimzia 400mg/month.  I was told by my GI that its safe to take throughout pregnancy. 

Thanks again for the encouragement.  Well wishes to you all :)

 

Posted 6/24/2010 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
I had my surgery when I was 16, and I had my children in my early 30's - no fertility issues (having too much fun and a very busy career). Normal pregnancies. Both were C-sections. Needed a mirror the last month to change the pouch! Both children are now in their mid-20"s. I have enjoyed very good health since my colon was removed. Neither of my children have had any chronic gastrointestinal troubles, and both are extremely healthy.
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