The reason you're doc is planting seeds for surgery is to prepare you should it be necessary. Meds are serious, that is a fact. But it comes down to quality of life. If the meds are making you sick, then it may make more sense to have surgery. I really hate when people scare people about meds and about surgery, because ultimately everyone is different, how their bodies respond to the meds and surgery. So I think it's best to get another GI opinion if you feel your doc isn't presenting all your options. The more information you have, the more in control of your decisions and your body you'll feel.

As far as having children, I would suggest discussing that with a good OBGYN who can address high risk pregnancies or who works with people who have chronic health conditions or who are on medications. Also, often when women get pregnant, their UC symptoms often stop. Then they often start again after pregnancy. So work with an OBGYN to help you know what you're up against, what you could expect and how to have a safe pregnancy and healthy baby.

One thing I will say, we all should have goals and make plans, but we should also be prepared to alter those goals and plans as our circumstances change. Tomorrow is promised to no one so we have to just prepare ourselves the best we can for whatever happens in life and then find a way to live the best we can after that.

You need to have a consultation with a GI that specializes in women's health. I did that when I was first looking at starting Remicade. I found out the facts about pregnancy with UC and the various medications. You need to know what you are looking at with a chronic illness, medications, and what it would be like with the surgery. Look at all the options.

I have heard that often women will go into remission when pregnant, or even be in remission when pregnant, and then have a flare after the birth of their child. No one can tell you how bad the flare will be or how long the flare will last.

Any and every pregnancy you have will be a high risk pregnancy. You will need to work closely with a GI and OBGYN that specialize in high risk pregnancies. Not trying to scare you, just inform you.

We all have plans in life. My plan did not include a chronic illness that caused me to become disabled at the age of 31. We need to have plans and goals in life and we need to be able to roll with the punches when things don't go our way. Aim for your 4 children. With the knowledge that with your condition it might not happen the way you want it to. Be prepared. Be informed with all the information you can get.

There are many women who have had UC, had normal pregnancies, and been able to be healthy enough to raise their children.

Just get all the information you can about pregnancy and UC. Pregnancy and J-pouch.

Sleepover, Have you given any thought to alternative or "complimentary" medicine? It's only been about 4 months now, but my UC is being controlled for the first time after 13 years of uncontrolled, by a mixture of things. I still have to be careful, and pay attention to my stress levels, activity levels and what I eat, but it's been so much better than being on harsh pharmaceutical medicine. I say it's at least worth a try.