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I had the J-pouch completed at the Cleveland Clinic in Fl back in 1999. Today I am 38 years old and I consider the surgery a success that saved my life. Mild complications. Back in 2009 I found I had an iron deficiency which has been managed with a tablespoon of liquid ferrous sulfate daily. However, since about 2 years after the surgery I began to develop sinus problems. I seemed to become allergic to everything. I was tested by an allergist and all the test came back negative. By process of elimination I have been told I have Non-allergic rhinitis. I am hyper sensitive to dry air from the heat in the winter or when the AC is running and blowing dry air in the summer. I have had all the air ducts clean. It's not dust. I am hyper sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. It's gotten progressively worse over the years. Three times I have had to have sinus polyps removed, and the last time they grew so big they were nearly down the back of my throat. I have become so hypersensitive that I can't help but wonder if there is a connection between whatever caused the UC which forced my J-pouch surgery and whatever is making my sinuses so easily inflamed. I was told recently that a thyroid problem is common in UC patients which can also cause sinus problems. This issue is getting worse and worse each year...and I am curious to see if any other J-pouch patients have similar problems. If so, did anything work. Antihistamines do nothing for me. The only thing that works is Flonase. And the last thing I want to do is become dependent on steroids again. I though that ended when I had my pouch.

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Flonase (or Rhinocort) are nothing like oral steroids, in my experience. The systemic dose is much, much lower, and I believe insufficient to cause adrenal suppression. The side effect profile is nothing like oral steroids in terms of frequency or severity. If nasal steroids control your significant problem, you'd be much better off using them, IMO. I find it hard to make a direct connection between this condition and the J-pouch.
Scott F
Connie's son, Thomas, has been plagued with sinus problems pretty much since his surgery. It is definitely IBD related, but not specifically j-pouch related. There is not a whole lot of literature on this, but it is out there. There is more about other IBD related respiratory problems, like bronchiectasis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12751702

If Flonase works, stick with it. It is a local/topical treatment, so the risk is extremely tiny. My husband has been on it for years and it is the main thing that keeps him sane. (Funny, he has UC too...)

Jan Smiler
Jan Dollar
Thanks for the feedback. I'd like to think it will pass. But it's been worsening for 8 years. I have been out of the J-pouch community and haven't researched much in the way of IBD since my surgery. I was mentally trying to put it past me. But IBD is like a pad penny that won't go away. It seems to pop up in one way or another. I just pray my kids never inherit my genetics. I am almost hoping its thyroid related and curable. But I am sure it isn't. Which means nasal polyp surgery every three years or so.
JF

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