Unfortunately, even though I've been having pain and want to get to my scheduled appointment at Cleveland Clinic on May 25th, I had to call and reschedule. My husband is out of town that weekend and we have no one to watch our son so I had no choice. Now I cannot get an appointment until July 13th....ARGH!!

My question is, they keep telling me that I need to see Dr. Zutshi in the "Pouch Clinic" and the problem is that she's going out of town for most of June. Is there a reason I cannot see someone else? Can you only get in to see a surgeon if you haven't yet had your surgeries? I'm afraid they're just sending me to her thinking it's a pouchitis issue, etc, but that's not the case. Since nothing has been seen on CTs and MRIs and nothing can be seen from inside the pouch, I assume it might be a surgical scenario. What if I wait all this time only to find out that she refers me to one of the surgeons?? Is there I way I can skip the middle-man and just see a surgeon?

Thank you!
Erin

Hi Erin,

I would make sure that they understand that you are having PAIN and cannot wait until July. Maybe, hopefully there will be someone else you can see! If I was in pain, no way would I wait until July. Good luck and let us know what you find out!

Jen M.

Well, I called back and spoke with the same girl and asked her what would happen if I get there and they determine that I need to see a surgeon. She then told me to fax my records (still waiting for them) and said maybe she could get me in sooner. She asked if I'd had any surgeries and seemed surprised when I said yes. I did get an appointment with a surgeon, Dr. Vogel, on June 7th which is WONDERFUL! At least I don't have to wait until July!

Now I'm just wondering what this "Pouch Clinic" is that they kept talking about before. Apparently, the doc only does it on Friday's. Could it be for people looking to get info about getting a pouch? I'm confused!

Anyway, I'm just glad I got an appointment sooner and with a surgeon, which is what I think I will need to get this figured out. They've tried everything non-surgical in the book and can't figure it out.

Only thing I have to figure out now is how to fax my records because they're going to be about 250 pages!!!!!

Thank you!
Erin

You can scan and e-mail them (this would take me forever just like faxing), or you can copy and fed ex them (probably the easiest on your part.) Also, request your films, ct's, etc. on CD so you can mail that along too.

It sounds like you avoided a wasted trip by calling and clarifying. I hope things go well.

Lori

Hi Erin,

I have been going to CCF often since my surgeries in 2003 and I have never heard of the Pouch Clinic or Dr. Zutshi. I see Dr. Church (surgeon) and Dr. Shen (GI).

I am glad you got in to see Dr. Vogel soon. I believe that all the surgeons at CCF are top-notch. The thing that I have noticed is that when you call the appt. desk to schedule your appt, they go by the book and schedule you for the next open appt which is usually several weeks away and they don't understand the severity of your problem. What you need is the phone number for your doctor's nurse and they can schedule you sooner and they are so understanding and helpful. I hate dealing with the middleman, it is so frustrating.

Good luck on June 7. I hope they can help you!

Donna