I had successful j-pouch surgery(s) at Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Ian Lavery who has retired; Cleveland provided no succession plan. I am in central PA (Altoona) and Pittsburgh would be preferred destination. Really hoping for input from this group. I have not had scope or "check up" in about 4 years and need a go-to for maintenance. I deal with pouchitis 6-8 times a year, and some general ongoing discomfort. A recommended specialist is very important to me. Thanks in advance!
Tobi Rispoli
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I would recommend looking up gastros in your area and calling the offices and ask for the managers there and tell them your story and ask if they are experienced with J-pouches. I did that and everything worked out.
Dr Lavery repaired my horrible initial j pouch. I miss him so much. I had him in 1989! I'm going on 32 yrs this spring with j pouch. Not always healthy but coping for now. In between insurances I saw Dr David Medich in the pgh area. He used to be at Allegheny General Hospital. He trained with Dr Lavery. You could try him. He did my scopes & one repair surgery and treated my pouchitis. Best to you in finding care but you definitely should have a dr scopes are important.
Just looked him up Dr Medich is now with upmc. He's in the colon rectal division & appears to be in the cancer center.
@Fight like a girl posted:Dr Lavery repaired my horrible initial j pouch. I miss him so much. I had him in 1989! I'm going on 32 yrs this spring with j pouch. Not always healthy but coping for now. In between insurances I saw Dr David Medich in the pgh area. He used to be at Allegheny General Hospital. He trained with Dr Lavery. You could try him. He did my scopes & one repair surgery and treated my pouchitis. Best to you in finding care but you definitely should have a dr scopes are important.
Two questions 
Why did you need a repair?
What are you doing to celebrate your 32 year anniversary???
Funny you ask..I celebrate each yr April 24th..my grandsons b.d. too. I normally get a big piece of chocolate peanut butter pie! As far as repairs..I had a surgeon that said he could do j pouch. I was knieve & didn't ask his success. I was his 1st patient & he just about killed me. Dr Lavery saved my life. I spent 6 months in Cleveland clinic and 5 surgeries later .. here I am 31 (+) yrs later. Its not been easy but I work hard on this crazy j pouch. I know eventually I may have to have a permanent ileostomy if we can't control the infections & ulcers & now crohns...but enjoying life with it.
@Fight like a girl posted:Funny you ask..I celebrate each yr April 24th..my grandsons b.d. too. I normally get a big piece of chocolate peanut butter pie! As far as repairs..I had a surgeon that said he could do j pouch. I was knieve & didn't ask his success. I was his 1st patient & he just about killed me. Dr Lavery saved my life. I spent 6 months in Cleveland clinic and 5 surgeries later .. here I am 31 (+) yrs later. Its not been easy but I work hard on this crazy j pouch. I know eventually I may have to have a permanent ileostomy if we can't control the infections & ulcers & now crohns...but enjoying life with it.
I am glad you celebrate I celebrate my pouch birthday and takedown too
You were the first J-pouch patient for that doctor and he did not tell you????!!!! That doctor is crazyy! He needs to get sued lol.
For the infections, ulcers, and crohns- I would suggest REMICADE to your doctor, I think that would cure everything up
On entyvio every 4 weeks..started a yr ago
@Fight like a girl posted:On entyvio every 4 weeks..started a yr ago
Remicade has more success rates with all the symptoms you have, maybe you should mention that to your doctor if you would like.
