So, I went to a new surgeon about 3.5 weeks ago hoping to get some insight about the bleeding, leaking, etc. I also went because I do not have a surgeon in the town I am living in, along with the fact that I am going to Central America for 1 month on Monday and thought I should bring some antibiotics just in case. I also suspected I had mild pouchitis.
Well, as I wrote in another post she made me feel extremely rushed, and didn't fully listen to all of my concerns. She did, however, do a rectal-pouch exam of sorts and take some biopsies. Oh, and also she told me from peeking (for about 1 minute) at my chart that I probably have had Crohn's all along and this surgery most likely wasn't the best option for me(made me feel great, as you can imagine- perhaps if she gave me a chance to tell my whole story she would have been a bit more sensative).
Anyway, at the time she said the pouch looked a little inflamed, but didn't want to start on antibiotics just yet until she got back to me with the biopsy results. So I wait. AND I WAIT. AND I CALL. and she doesn't get back to me. Then I find out from the office she is not on vacation and will not be back until after I leave. So an associate finally calls me- guess what- active UC in the cuff(which I suspecteed all along and for some reason I kept hearing a no on that) along with pouchitis, including an ulcer in the pouch that she saw(didn't tell me though).
Well, this would have been nice to know!! Now I am leaving on Monday and feel annoyed that I could have been doing something before I left- but just didn't have the info.
Man, that is annoying! So should I take the antibiotics she gave for me to take on the trip?? Also, this is the 3rd time I have been scoped and have been found to have pouchitis. Is this just a case that never died or should I be getting further opinions about Crohn's??? What do you guys think?
how very annoying I must say.
Andrea

I'd start taking the antibiotics. I guess it's too late to get a prescription for Canasa or hydrocortisone suppositories for the cuffitis (unless you have a Saturday clinic- you may be able to convince who's there to give you an Rx since you are leaving the country, particularly since you now have a diagnosis).

I would not jump to the conclusion of Crohn's, as this could just be stubborn and ineffectively treated pouchitis/cuffitis.

Jan

Thanks for the info Jan. Gosh, I just can't help but feel so annoyed be these events. I just feel like it was so irresponsible of the doctor not to call me back. I was already feeling worried about traveling for the first time since having my j-pouch, now I feel even mroe worried, since I will be going there on antibiotics. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid!
Jan- how long should I take them for?? The prescription does not indicate this, as it was written as a precaution should I get some bug down there- in other words it wasn't intended for some case if mild pouchitis that just wont quit. Would 2 weeks be reasonable?? I did 2 weeks of Cipro before and obviously it didn't take care of it all the way. Should I go longer??
Thanks very very much!

If you are checking this site while you are traveling, here's my opinion: Take the antibiotics the entire time you are out of the country at the lowest dose that keeps you feeling good.

Jan