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Conception

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Ileoanal pouch and TTC

3 replies

Katyrah · 26/04/2011 16:25

hey!

I've been on here a few times asking abOut ulcerative colitis and TTC, DH and I have been TTC for a year and a half now, and with my PCOS it's not happened. We went to see the GP but had to stop on that avenue because I have now been told I have to have surgery, an ileoanal pouch. I know TTC is on hold for the next few months but I was just wondering if anyone has any experience of having these conditions or a pouch and successfully conceiving and any advice?

Please help me MN!

OP posts:
RunnerHasbeen · 26/04/2011 16:40

I have an ileoanal pouch, have had for 10 years, and I'm pregnant without any intervention. It did take 10 months, but I have arthritis as well and think that was the bigger problem - so if you have the chance to get rid of your autoimmune problems then it is worth it. In the future, the fertility service will fast-track you to check that your tubes are clear as the scarred tissue is the biggest fertility risk. Having the surgery before it becomes an emergency is also the best course to maintain fertility.

As far as I remember, the colectomy part of the surgery and formation of a stoma is not linked to any decrease in fertility but the formation of a pouch (2nd op) increases your risk of infertility from approx 10% to approx 20%. However, both these options are better than with active UC. Therefore, if you are already thinking of TTC you could consider having the stoma while you have your children and having the pouch formed later. This is a personal issue, as a stoma can be difficult, but it is an option your surgeon and nurse should be able to discuss with you.

It doesn't sound like you have been very well informed, the first operation has a three month recovery and 6 month gap before they will form your pouch at the second operation - so you will have TTC on hold for about a year. Most surgeons insist on a third operation after that before pouch is attached. If you just have the colectomy, it will be 3 months but you will then have a stoma. You will be UC free then though, which shouldn't be underestimated. There is a support group but it is very biased towards bad stories, so I would approach the support nurse first, the people who have had nothing but success tend not to join support groups as they are too busy and it doesn't occur to them.

FWIW, these operations were the absolute best thing that I have ever had done - you won't realise how much the UC is ruining your life until you get rid of it. Good luck!

RunnerHasbeen · 26/04/2011 16:45

P.S. You can PM me if there is anything you want to ask that you don't want to put on a public board - I'll do my best to answer

Katyrah · 26/04/2011 16:49

Thank you very much for that information! After talking to my surgeon he made out that both operations will be completed in 3 months and I could be back at work 2 weeks after the first op! I am pleased it's getting done, the UC is ruining my life so im glad somethings been done, but as you mentioned before there are so many things on the Internet that are scary so I tend to avoid google!

It is good to hear that it can happen naturally, I think I best talk to my nurse about this at my pre assessment on the 5th!

Thanks again!

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