Pregnancy after Colectomy

My stoma changed during pregnancy. It was a pain sometimes b/c it was like starting over and trying to find the right bag to fit. After my stoma was larger than it was pre-pregnancy but not grossly big or anything. However, I had no complications anything bad come of it. Good luck!!!

I had mine reversed right after my colectomy, so technically i don't have one anymore.

I am concerned that some kind of complication from the pregnancy might induce me to need one again. I don't exactly have alot of extra small intestine, ya know? lol

Does anyone know of any resources that I can look at on this? I know my google works as well as yours, but I can't find ANYTHING?

Any help? Pretty please?

thanks cattieos.

I just am so worried over it.

I also heard that having had colon surgery increases your chances of infertility by like 30%. I also have PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) that makes me 58% more unlikely to have children, and I have lost one ovary during my surgeries.

I mean good gosh. I just want to have another baby. So my chances are like negative 10 now, right?

I haven't had the experience of being pregnant with the ileo as of yet, but my decision for the permanent ileo was heavily weighed by the fact that future pregnancies are safer with this route than with a j-pouch.  My surgeon explained that process of the permanent ileo surgery and the j-pouch surgery, and then the pros and cons of each.  In the end we decided that it is definitely safer for ourselves, my body, our future pregnancies (we would like at least one more biological baby, we'll adopt later in life), and our spirits if we just nixed any future complications. 

My GI, surgeon and OB/GYN said the pregnancy with the ileo would be a normal pregnancy with no other risks as a 'normal' pregnancy.  SOLD!!!  I had a high risk pregnancy with my son, as I had active UC throughout and on all kinds of meds...so not fun.  So, even though the fertility rate has lowered, I don't care.  We'll start trying around this time next year and I can't wait!  We talk about baby names all the time, and even though our toddler is running us ragged the idea of another baby is very exciting!!!

I am very eager to learn more about your pregnancy and experiences with the ileo!!!  I'm sure it may be a little more difficult to conceal...but oh well!!!  I'm almost to the point where I really could care less about people seeing my accessory.  : )

 

I've spoken to many women who've had vaginal births (both with j-pouch= j-pouch.org and with ileo= UOAA.org)

I've been told that a c-section is NOT mandatory-by my surgeon.
From my research, it seems to be almost 50-50 that a women in our situation would need a c-section.

The decrease in fertility after multiple surgeries is due to scar tissue/adhesions. Everyones body heals differently and we've all had different #'s of surgeries, so it's hard to say who will have problems or not. But there have been studies on post j-pouch fertility, and it is decreased significantly (according to the Mayo Clinic studies the Dr.'s showed me when I went). But those studies were based on open procedures, and to my knowledge, there haven't been any finished studies on fertility after laproscopic procedures.

Like JJJ said, most women report their stoma changed in size. Occasionally they might experience a obstruction-I spoke with one woman who got an obstruction and had to have an ileostomy placed WHILE she was pregnant-SCARY, but most of the time, the obstruction will resolve on its own. Just push the baby out of the way.

I plan on TTC this fall. I'm very nervous about the experience, but looking forward to a better post-pregnancy experience (with NO meds). And I'd like to have my j-pouch done after that. Then, maybe try for another. That's my plan.......we'll see.

Good Luck to you BigMomma! Let us know how things go if and when you get preggers.

I had my entire colon taken out about 8 years ago after one really bad battle with Crohns/UC (they were unable to officially diagnose it before it ruptured).  I had the pull through surgery after a few TERRIBLE months with an illeostomy, the pull through was never a question for me.  I have the J pouch and have had mild pouchitis most of the time, nothing antibiotics (not allowed during pregnancy but yogurt every day and cutting out caffeinne has worked miracles!) occasionally can't keep under control. 

I am pregnant now, 21 weeks in, and the only problem I have experienced is partial previa.  I'm only 22 so this isn't too common unless you have had prior surgeries, usually dealing with your uterus and prior pregnancies.  This being my first pregnancy, I am assuming it is becuase of all of the emergency and reconstructive surgeries I went through.  My healthy (fingers crossed!) baby girl was an accident so obviously getting pregnant isn't a problem!  My OB knows my medical history and is still hoping for a normal vaginal birth so long as my placenta grows out of the way in time.  The only downer to being pregnant with the huge scar down your belly is that bc of all of the scar tissue my belly is pretty numb so I only feel the kicking on my sides for now. 

hockeymom97 said...
I am now 40. Ten years ago I had a total colectomy. At that point I had already had an 8 month old. I was diagnosed with FAP. I went down to NY City to have the surgery.

I wanted more children so I talked to my local gastro doctor, my ob/gyn, and my surgeon. they all said that I could succesfully have more children. I had normal pregnancies and I felt great. There was no difference between my first and the other two. I had both of the last two babies derlivered scheduled c-section. Not because of my colectomy however due to my first delivery. I had a large infection and needed an emergency c-section. I was planning on a v-back but the Dr. said no way. My deliveries went smooth and as planned and I have 2 very beautiful children now.

Good luck to all.

Hi Hovkrymom97

I am a chinese woman living in calgary with my son, I have severe constipation, 5 months only have a few times, and it was very little. I coundn't stand, I am thinking remove the entire colon, but I heard someone diaherra 30 times/day and want suicide. Can you tell me how many times diraherra you have after surgery, now have how many times per day. also please tell me lifes after colon removal.

Your feedback is highly appreciated

best regards
smarty

Congrats rpb09!
I've not experienced pregnancy with either ostomy or j-pouch. You could j-pouch.org and they could probably give you better advice.
But please keep us posted.

Hey guys! I am a 31 year old & 7 weeks pregnant. I had a total colectomy in' 93 & reversal of my ileostomy in ' 95. I have had multiple bouts with pouchitis. I was wondering if you had any advise for someone with my history. I was told I would only get pregnant through invitro , which proved to be incorrect. To my surprise, despite my GI history & polycystic ovaries, I have gotten pregnant. I was wondering what kind of nutrition advise anyone can offer. I am concerned bc without a large intestine one's hydration / nutrition absorption is compromised. I am so happy to be able to speak to others who share in this life experience.

Hi I'm pregnant after a colectomy and an ileostomy take down. I was wondering if there were any bad things that could happen I should know about. Please write back thanks:)

Hey guys! I had my second son in May of 2006 and had my colostomy in June of 2006. I got pregnant with my daughter and she was born in May 2009. I didn't have any complications. The only thing that changed was the size of the stoma due to stretching and it was a bit difficult to change the wafer, it was hard to see. Nothing a low mirror can't fix. Oh and I got the wafers that you cut to size. It was actually less noticeable because of the elastic of the maternity pants. If you have any concerns, talk to your gynecologist.

Hi friends! Thanks for the uplifting posts, really helped :) I did go to see my Ob/Gyn yesterday and was brave enough to ask if I would have any issues becoming pregnant after my surgeries; and she also said no. Did anyone have difficulty actually getting pregnant and/or during you actual pregnancy? Thanks Again!

~ Meg