Hi there! I'm Diane, fairly new to the site, and am scheduled for surgery at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Remzi on 9/29/2009. Looking to talk to and meet any and all people in Ohio (especially Central Ohio) who have J-pouches. If you've had surgery at the Clinic, let's talk as well! Best to you all!

Hi Diane! I'm Melissa and I live near Akron. I had step 1 about a year ago now, and TD was in April. So far so good (knock wood)-I didn't go the Clinic for my surgeries. But both of my surgeons had done residencies at the CC, so I felt I was in pretty good hands.

Best wishes on your upcoming surgery!

Hello, my name is steve and I had my surgery in Columbus, Ohio at Mt Carmel Hospital by Dr. Charles Taylor I am 5years post J-pouch I would like to start a possible support group.

Hi Melissa and Steve!

Thanks for responding! I am hoping you are both doing well and looking forward to hearing your experiences. I am hoping that by going to the Clinic for my first surgery that it will only be one and/or that it will be done laproscopically. My surgeon will be Dr. Remzi and I am THRILLED to have him. Just curious...have you had your takedown yet?

Steve, we have a good CCFA group here in town run by a fantastic couple. The husband has had a J-pouch for several years (5 plus) and is doing great. I will have surgery on 9/29 and there is another man in our group slated for surgery in Cleveland later this year. You should come to a meeting! I'll get you the date of the October meeting but alas I won't be there, as I'll be recovering from my initial surgery.

I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in the spring of 07. Went thru 6 weeks of chemo and radiation and was operated on Sep 25, 2007 with a j-pouch installed. Wore an ileostomy for 5 months and then had a reversal in Jan 08.

I have been told I should improve over time. At this point my getting better has been minimal. Some days are very good, however, many days are not with 15-20 trips to the bathroom not uncommon. Other days I may not go at all.

If anyone could provide any advice on what has worked to overcome this situation would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Diane,
My name is Katie and I live in Green (between Akron and Canton). Dr Remzi was my surgeon too and I think the world of him! He is so so kind and he always does the very best for his patients. He's got a great sense of humor too I had my j-pouch for 13 years and when it failed He gave me a k-pouch. Good luck on your upcoming surgery!!!

Hello. Diane I hope your surgery has gone well. My name is Mary and I had my surgery in Columbus at Mt. Carmel and my doc is Dr. Paddy (I think he is partners with Steve's Dr. Taylor). Anyway if you have time to post information on the support group in central Ohio I would appreciate it.

Hey, This is Steve Mac I would love to meet with the group for J Pouchers in Columbus, Mary, my understandng is Dr. Paddy which of course is his shorten name is partner of Dr Charles Taylor I would like to me others in Columbus, If possible. I hope that you. Diane I hope things are going well with you since your Surgery, let us know of any meeting coming up in Columbus would you please,thanks Steve

I am also from Columbus. It would be nice to get together some time. I think the CCFA Take Steps walk is in early June if we can't arrange anything before then.
-Kenadi

I would like to get in on the meetings for J-pouchers in Columbus if someone has it all set up.