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I want kids & have UC

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Posted 4/18/2017 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
I am 26 yrs old (female) & have had UC for 8 yrs. I am getting married in 06/2017. I have been on Asacol for 7 yrs & now am on Remicade for 9 months. I want kids so bad. I am scared about passing UC to them. Advice please...
Posted 4/18/2017 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know much about Remi. But I can say, I had my kids several years after I was diagnosed.

At age 13, my younger one developed UC. He was sick for a few months, but after that initial flare, he has been fine (knock on wood!) And the joy he finds in life, the talents he has (and the emotional intelligence;) the contribution he makes to the people in his circle (he is on staff at a summer camp) - neither of us regrets that he exists!
Posted 4/18/2017 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there UCjustsucks-
I have had UC for 12 years now. I've been lucky with only a handful of flares and usually I get into remission In 6 mos or less. My diagnosis was age 34 before I had kids. That first flare was 6 mos and involved sigmoid colon. I was symptom free until age 36 when I got pregnant. Had a flare right after my first beautiful baby was born. I later read that is not uncommon (having postpartum flare). I had my second beautiful baby at age 38. No flares postpartum. I nursed both girls into toddlerhood. There are studies that show that breastfeeding may possibly prevent UC in children. You can google them. The girls are now in grade school and so far no UC for them. They do have a touch of asthma. When you think about the microbiome and breastfeeding, it makes sense it would be beneficial for the immune system. Globally, weaning age is closer to age 4. Makes me wonder if part of the UC prevalence here in the developed world is correlated to the lack of breastfeeding and duration. Something to consider, anyway. I wish you the best! We have been blessed. I wish the same for you!
Posted 4/18/2017 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
You never know. 18-20 years from now when the child is most likely to have UC, there might be a cure or a much easier way to manage the disease.

That's my optimism.
Posted 4/18/2017 10:05 AM (GMT 0)
If you want kids then have kids. Are children with one IBD parent more likely to have IBD? Yes. Is it guaranteed they'll get IBD? No. In scientific studies the odds of passing on IBD to your children is between 5 and 22 percent (varies).

Here's a good read on IBD and families: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/assets/pdfs/WomenandibdFamily-IBD-Link.pdf
Posted 4/18/2017 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Do you know what your and your husband's genetic tree is? Unless there are serious genetic illnesses, go for it. Having kids is a risk even if all is clear.....
Please get tested for rubella before you do so, however. Even if you had German measles in thr past, best to check since you are in prep mode.

q
Posted 4/18/2017 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ucjustsucks, thank you for sharing your candid concern. I have the exact same concern, and uc (and Crohn's and sarcoidosis) run in my family.

Songlady's point was helpful! Even if it does get passed on, life is so much more than the sick parts.

Also UChealer is totally on to something.
Posted 4/18/2017 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
I agree you should go for it if you really want it as long as your illness is manageable.

Several people I know opted out of having kids due to IBD, but like me they were already on the fence and it was just another reason added to the list. I was always ambivalent and then with UC it does make it less appealing and I would not want to raise a child with a chronic illness personally.
Posted 4/18/2017 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I really want a family & so does my Fiance. I am 1 of 3 (triplets) with UC & my Father has a history of Juvenile Diabetes. I probably get UC from him because of his Autoimmune Disorder I'm guessing. I am hopeful for a future of better UC treatments & hoping for a cure soon.
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