Hey everyone, I just joined to gather some information as I'm considering getting surgery to rid my body of UC which I've had for 12 years now. I'm currently on 6MP, Remicade (every 6 weeks, 10mg/kg), Prednisone, Colazal and Rowasa). My Remicade is not lasting the full 6 weeks and wears off around the 4 week mark. Around that time, my symptoms come back terribly. I was just in the ER last night for a cat scan of my abdomen due to severe abdominal cramping. I've been suffering for the last week with severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and gas to name as few...which my GI and I are starting to believe is due to Remicade starting to fail. I can't stay on Prednisone much longer as it's already caused osteopenia in my body and is no long term solution...even tho it works beautifully. I'm about out of drugs to try. My sister had her colon removed due to severe UC 17 years ago and has been leading a very healthy life with her J Pouch. She had no choice for her surgery as she was virtually on deaths door as it was so severe, her colon fell apart in the surgeons hands it was so ulcerated. I've been reading through the site learning about the process of what exactly is done during the procedure. Honestly my biggest fear is that I would end up with a bag for the rest of my life. I haven't spoken to my GI yet regarding surgery but was wondering if there was resource to find out about good CR Surgeons in my area. My sister had her operation at West Boca Medical Center which is right next to my GI's office. If anyone has some information where I can research surgeons in my area I'd appreciate it. I'm sure my GI will have some suggestions as well.

Thanks
Gordon

You should post this in the General Discussion forum and you'll get more people responding. Often, members don't read this far down.

Welcome to the site but I'm sorry you have to be here.

kathy

Hello fellow Floridian. I am from South Florida and had my surgery in St Petersburg at the Palms of Pasedena. I am not sure my surgeon does the jpouch since it is the BCIR program but always a good 2nd option to have.

Dr Ernest Rehnke at www.bcir.com