in the process of finding new doctors and making sure they are covered I found coverage at Cleveland Clinic which was recommended to me here. Anyone specific?

I've been seeing Dr. Bo Shen at the Cleveland Clinic for just under 3 years and have been very happy with him. He is excellent at treating pouchitis and troubleshooting pouch issues in general. I've seen other patients of his speak highly of him on this board as well.

Thank you!!! I am in the process of setting things up! It means so much to have a plan and have hope in it. Big thanks!

I had Dr. Bo Shen also, and I highly recommend him. I had Dr. Geisler for my surgery and I definitely recommend him as well. But I feel sure that the whole staff there is great.

I have an appointment but it is for late March. My family doc who has helped me through many medical conditions is writing a letter in hopes of getting me an earlier appointment. Otherwise the option of a colleague does exist and it is likely to be taken since this condition isn't one easy to live in....even with the luxury of not working. (not calling that a luxury just it is making things slightly easier)
so now I am frustrated with the increase in fatigue and pain ...and yet this is while trying harder to get better?

Anyway, thank you very much for your help in finding a doc. It helps to have a path even if I don't know yet how it will turn out.

I also travel to the Cleveland Clinic to see Dr. Shen for pouchitis. He is great and I highly recommend him. If you call the digestive disease appointment line directly, you may be able to get in sooner than March. Just a thought. Good luck.

How do I do that? I know my family doc is trying to get me in sooner so I haven't given up yet. Thank you!

The website shows the clinic # to be (216) 444-6536. If you call and explain, they may be able to find an quicker time or a cancellation.

Things are complicated as far as traveling to cleveland clinic so I supsect I won't be getting in early. anyway, thanks for everything and I pray and hope that when I update on how the appointment went I have great news.

Next question...do others of you that have traveled to Clevlenad clinic bring current scope tests with biopsies with you? This is a 8 hour drive so I am hoping to not do so too much and with a young kid don't want to be gone long so are there suggestions on preparing and making the trip worthwhile?
Thanks again!

I would contact them and ask them what records to send in advance. It is better for the doctor to review your records before you get there, so he is up to speed on your case and ready to evaluate you better. That way you make better use of your time there. You can have your doctor's office fax them directly to them.

Jan

Dr. Shen was my Doc for about 2+ years while we lived in Ohio. While I do think he is a great doctor and no doubt a pouchitis expert, I will say that my experience was that at times he's not very responsive and very difficult to get ahhold of at times. Simple things like prescription renewals aren't so simple and sometimes have taken me over a week before they are called in. I think he's a great doctor if you are close enough to see him when you have issues. I was 3 hours away and at times just needed to 'doctor over the phone' and again, his responsiveness was spotty.

I saw Dr Kandiel to talk about managing my UC and I liked him.

But I'm seeing Dr.Remzi for my surgeries starting in March and I really liked him and I know others who have seen him too and had him do their procedures and all love him.

Mike, I'm surprised to hear you had communication problems with Dr. Shen. Except for when he is out of town, he has always responded to my emails within 48 hours. I realize we all have different experiences with our doctors, and I'm not trying to undermine the problems you had as his patient. Your complaint just surprised me because his communication is one of the things I like most about him. I'd be curious to hear what experiences other patients of his have had when trying to communicate with him long distance.

I have been a patient of Dr. Shen's since 2005. I agree that prescription renewals can take time, but I believe that is an issue with the process at the Clinic and not Dr. Shen. He is the first doctor I have had that will consult and advise over email, and he has always been extremely responsive. Under his treatment, my pouchitis has been in check since 2005. Excellent doctor.

Thank you everyone for the replies. I should be seeing him on April 2nd. I am not concerned about the refills since it is likely that after he rights a prescription the next one will be done by my family doctor if it is continued. I am now looking into where we will stay since it is likely I will need to spend a night there.