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Apparently I've had ulcers in my pouch most of its life (about 23 yrs) - I've went back and reviewed all biopsies throughout the years.  There have been some in the ATZ from time-to-time as well.  My latest scope notes the pouch ulcers are superficial, mid-pouch, geographic. 

Honestly, I don't know if they cause problems or not, as I have no real pain inside, no bleeding.  However, I do have pouchitis 2-3 times/yr. which respond to antibiotics, chronic cuffitis which is treated with Canasa and Anusol, RV fistula with seton, at the dentate line (no ulcers at the interior fistula opening) - and a recent, "official" Crohn's dx. 

If there seems to be no pain or problems with the actual ulcers (???) how important is it to "treat" them?  I understand this is a strange question after having had ulcers this long - but none of my docs - including Shen and my CC surgeon - seemed to ever make a big deal out of them, so neither did I.  I know, the old "head-in-the-sand" approach....  But I'm seeing my new-ish GI guy next week, and would like to be prepared to discuss this with him.

Yeah, I am still considering pouch removal - mostly due to fistula - but in the meanwhile - and just in case I decide to hold on to it for a while longer - I'm wondering if there's any need to try to act on the pouch ulcers now, or continue as is.

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That's a good question, Scott.  I'm inclined to think the ulcers don't give me symptoms that I'd blame on the fistula, but perhaps the pouchitis, and frequent flu-like episodes that I experienced for about 8 yrs. until the fistula appeared?  These nasty episodes have mostly disappeared since the fistula appeared 5 yrs ago, but the pouchitis/cuffitis remain.

I'm leaning towards leaving it alone, too - but would consider something "mild", like asacol/pentasa IF it might help resolve the ulcers and smooth things out.

n/a

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