Hey,

I had a scope done in Feb which showed I have pouchitis and inflammation in the remaining bowel (which I assume is the same as cuffitis, although the doc didn't use this term).

I received the results by phone and after speaking with my surgeon, he didn't seem all that concerned with seeing/treating me. He said to come back in June. Well, I want to talk to him in more depth about treatment options, etc. and will see him in the next week or so (I've been so busy with work this is my first opportunity to make an appointment)

What I would like to hear are your views (your docs views) on leaving pouchitis/cuffitis untreated for any amount of time. My doc was unconcerned with letting it go on til the middle of the year. Does leaving it untreated allow it to worsen?

Thanks.

Treatment generally is decided based on symptoms. Virtually everyone will have some level of inflammation, if only seen microscopically. If you are having issues with any or all of these: frequency, pain, cramping, sensation of incomplete emptying, bleeding, fatigue, etc.; then it should be treated. If the inflammation is mild and you have no symptoms, then they usually just wait and see. If the inflammation is significant it should be treated, even if you have no symptoms.

But, to answer the question: no, delaying treatment does not necessarily mean that the inflammation will progress to something more serious.

Jan

Thanks for the info. I have urgency and frequency issues in the evening, and I'm getting up about 4-6 times a night. But the days are fine, and in general it is so much better than with UC.

I will see him next week and talk to him about the level of inflammation. We only had a short phone conversation when I was given the results of the scope.

One more question:

Over time, antibiotics can become less effective, yes? So if pouchitis/cuffitis symptoms are mild and quality of life is ok, is it an idea to put off using antibiotics until it is really needed? ie. save the big guns for if/when things become worse.

No, the idea is to hit it good and hard early before the problem gets too big to handle. But, you don't use it longer than needed or in doses higher than needed.

Jan