I live in Albany, New York and would love to hear from anyone in this area with a j-pouch. I've had my j-pouch for 21 years, so I have alot of info. and experiences to share!

Hi Linda

Congrats on 21 years with your pouch! I have only had mine for 2 years this past January. So far things are going well for the most part. I am from Troy. I am thinking about changing GI doctors. Do you have one localy that you recommend? I still see the surgeon at Albany Med and I like him alot but I have chronic pouchitis/cuffitis and I thought a GI with pouch experience may offer some different insight??
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Lynne

im from the albany area 2, ive had my pouch now for just over 4 years, with no problems until the last year and half

Gerard

Hi. Glad to know there are more of us around here!Did you have your surgery done locally? Are you happy with your drs? I am looking for a new GI. Any suggestions?

Thanks

im happy for the most part, i had my surgery done at albany med by dr leee, and now i see one of the gi dr`s there. i went to layhey clinic last year for a second opinion and if you ask me it was a waste of time.

I had my surgery 21 years ago at the Cleveland Clinic. I have had an array of problems on and off. It's still better than UC. I'm psyched to have found some local people. I will answer e-mails asap, so get in touch! My follow-up GI is Dr. Notis--very good, but too busy!

hi Linda

Sorry that you had the blockage...I hope you are feeling better. I had one last year and it is not fun.

My son (who has Crohn's) sees Dr Gumustop. He is in the same practice as Dr Notis. I like Dr Notis but like you said he is very busy. I wasn't able to get my son into see him so we went with Dr Gumustop. I have been seeing Dr McDermott at AMC. (I was sent by ambulance from Samaritan hospital to AMC and he was the GI I was given there just before my surgery) He is nice but he he has been having medical problems himself. My daughter also has UC. She is only 17 and perfers a woman dr so I am trying to find a new dr for her. Her dr is leaving the practice. It would be nice to have us all see the same Dr but we are all so different and like differnet things in a doctor and we all have to feel comfortable with the one we have.
Well feel better!! Looking forward to hearing from you.

Gerard....My surgeon is Dr Valerian. Dr Lee's partner. I like him alot and Dr Lee is really nice too.

im sorry but i disagree, i cant prove it but i honestly feel i`d be six feet in the ground if dr. lee didnt step in and take over for dr notis. in my opinion he is not a good dr. (again that is my opinion)

Hey Linda

Hope everything is OK? Are you feeling better? Did you have a blockage? Well just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. Take care my Capital District JPouch buddy!

Gerard, Sorry you had a bad experience with Dr Notis. I have a similar feeling about my former GI. I am forgever grateful to Dr Valerian. Without him I am not sure i would be here today. Hope all is going well for you. Take care my other Capital District JPouch Buddy!!

I also had my J-pouch & takedown done by Dr.Lee & his staff at Albany Med. Ctr.in May & August, 2006. I am also in upstate NY. Greatest problem has been with frequent bowell movements; 10+ per day. Any thoughts? Thanks, Lou

Hi Upstaters!
I'm not from Albany but a neighbor to the West here in Syracuse. Didn't know there were many jpouchers in the area!! Just about to have my jpouch created - 3/24. My procedure will be 3 steps bc step one was an emergency due to toxic megacolon....ugh...I'm trying to get in good physical shape before surgery...any other suggestions? Thanks,
Les

Hi Les...
Just wondering if you had your surgery in Syracuse and who your surgeon is?

Good luck with your jpouch creation on 3/24
Take Care.
Char......

Hi Everyone,
I live in the Albany area also and agree with the posts about Dr Notis's practice (always busy) I see Dr Orris there and have lately been wondering if this practice is a good choice for me. I had my surgery done at St.Peter's and my surgeon is from Cap Dist Colorectal group. I would love to hear from anyone local with regard to GI doc or anything else.
Take care

Hi Barbarian

Welcome to the site! Did you have your surgeries recently? I am from the Albany area also. My GI is at Albany med but I am considering switching to one at Albany GI (same practice as Dr Orris). Have you had good luck with them other than them always being busy?? Are you also looking to make a change in Doctors?? It is nice to hear from another JPoucher in the Capital District!!