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

Yes, I have enteropathic arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis type arthritis). It is typical for this to arise independently of IBD, even though there is an association between the two. Many extraintestinal disorders associated with UC occur along with the activity of the colits, so they disappear with the colon. But, there are several that are independent.

Jan

Hi Brian,

Mark didn't travel by air but we left Oregon to go to our surgeon of choice in California. We hesitated often b/c we kept thinking to go to Oregon doctors, but our research and instinct said the facility in Cali was the right choice. It was rather scary going into this surgery being 8 hours from our home in Oregon, wondering about after care, etc. But the surgeon and facilities reputation were worth the travel. Now a few weeks out from Mark's step 1, it was totally the right choice. However, the 2 hour drive home from the hospital to his family home in Cali was difficult b/c he was sore but luckily he slept in the car. B/c we were traveling 2 hours away the doctors also decided to keep mark in the hospital an extra day. If we had lived near the hospital they would have sent him home sooner. Make sure you stay until you are sure you are ready to leave.

Anywho, you'll be fine with the travel and you are doing the right thing by seeking the care of the doctor of your choice. This type of surgery requires the best, so seek the best and the travel home will be uncomfortable but worth it. I hope you have someone travelling home with you?!

Megan

I went for a consultation about 30 miles away from my GI and the two surgeons I had planned to interview in order to choose one to do the actual surgery. My GI doc strongly suggested that even though I might be tempted to use a surgeon at the major IBD center (30 miles away) that I select a surgeon much closer to home because of follow up appointments or any possible emergencies. I had many wonderful surgeons to choose from closer to home. I followed my GI doc's advice. I haven't regretted doing so.

I believe my daughter is developing asthma. She has never had it before her jpouch. She has had her jpouch for 7 years now and maybe only two bouts of asthma in the last 2 years. She has been doing great otherwise. It may also be that she moved to California, LA where it is so polluted, she never had asthma problems here in the suburbs of NYC.