Hi I've finally made the discussion to travel from San Diego to Cleveland Clinic, Ohio for a comprehensive evaluation of my j pouch & poss crohn's. Trying to coordinate work & husband schedule for trip sometime in late summer early fall. Looking for Dr. recommendations for initial consult. I will forward all previous medical info. & willing to stay for evaluation & testing...hopefully this can be accomplished in one extended visit. Has anyone else gone with this purpose. My concerns are that I'm on the right track in keeping my j pouch viable & healthy, that I'm currently on the best medications & to have an on going plan for the future. My j pouch is 3 yrs old (lost my colon due to necrosis) being treated for possible crohn's & also have rheumatoid arthritis. I am feeling the best I've felt in 5 years & want to keep it that way. From being on this site for several yrs it appears that the Cleveland clinic in Ohio is one of the best places to go. Any in put would be helpful

although he wasnt my surgeon there, i would recommend Dr.Remzi. He the most notable doctor there who deals alot with problem issues. although they are all very good.

My doctor was Dr. Stocchi. He is very knowledgeable and has a great reputation. He performed two of my surgeries and he did an excellent job. Either way, I think you are going to find a great doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. They only hire the best. Best wishes!

Jojo

I just scheduled an appointment with Dr. Bo Shen at Cleveland Clinic for chronic pouchitis. I have heard wonderful things about him.

Please share the outcome of your planned visits to Cleveland Clinic. It may offer some insight for others and their issues. Thanks so much.

Sherry

He's the man. Pretty much all he deals with is problematic pouches. AS Dr. Shen will tell you he has "lots of tricks". Also he is very compassionate as well as remzi. Just started going there myself. and only regret I have is that didn't do it five months earlier as CC has docs that care and have knowledge to sort out things.

Both of my visits to the Cleveland Clinic were on an emergency basis.. My normal surgen is Dr Kiran.. He is a very good doc.. very understanding... my second i was rushed in an ambulance and my doc wasnt in so I had DR Strong.. He was actually one of the docs to start the other Cleveland clinic.. he was the nicest doc I have ever met.. he did sucha great job on an emergency basis.. my cell phone was actually stolen at the hospital too and he was even down on his hands and knees helping my mom look for it.. Thats how nice he is! But like others have said.. I bet any doc is great there! Good Luck!!

I will definitely share my experience with Dr. Shen when I get back. My appointment is not until the middle of July though.

I am excited to go see a doctor who specializes in pouchitis. I have exhausted my options with the doctors here, they don't really know what to do with me anymore.

Hi,
Just wanted to post an update I'm schedule to an appt. end of August with Dr. Shen. Sending all my medical records prior to visit. I'm looking forward to going. Will let you know what happens. Patty

I had a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic 9 years ago and I have to tell you that all the stafff was wonderful-the nurses came running and Dr. Fazio actually came out of the OR and into recovery to talk with me-just like my NY doctors-ha ha ha ( spent a week again in the hosptial and not once did I even see my doctors-just their team ) see my post in the rant section

Hi Patty..
I also see Dr Shen as my GI. For a surgeon, I have Dr Kiran. Both are very thorough. I am having a resection on Tuesday with Dr Kiran. 1st time staying at the clinic...although I have has NUMEROUS pouchoscopies and dialations there with Dr Shen.

Good luck!

Hi Everyone,
Leaving tomorrow for Cleveland Clinic for a consult with Dr. Bo Shen. Don't know what to expect. Generally, I've been feeling pretty well lately & want to keep it that way. As with all who have visited this site I have been through a lot. This j pouch family has given me hope, advice & laughter but most of all that I'm not alone on this strange journey. Thank-you & I'll keep you posted.
Patty

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Patioray,

Hi to everyone..please continue to share your thoughts. It is so important for all of us that continue to have problems and need encouragement to make the move to CC. As you all know travel is not something we can deal with easily.
-Sherry

I just met with Dr. Strong on Thursday. He is the nicest and funniest docs I've had. I really feel comfortable and confident with him and his staff taking care of me. My surgery is yet to be scheduled but as far as my office visit, I was very impressed!

Dr. Fazio was my surgeon. I had a one step j pouch in 2004. He was absolutely wonderful!! I can't say enough good things about Cleveland Clinic!