I am wondering if those who have had pouchitis, do you have to get a scope every time to be able to treat it? I feel this is a chronic problem and to scope every time seems not beneficial.
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Pouchitis frequency varies a lot. Regular scoping intervals vary a lot. Flexibility with prescriptions varies a lot. Some folks have a pretty reliable pouchitis pattern and over time have arranged with their docs to keep antibiotics on hand for prompt treatment. Others need to make contact to get a prescription when symptoms arise. It usually takes a while to schedule a pouchoscopy, longer than is reasonable to delay treatment.
Thank you. I didn’t understand the rationale from my doctor. I have had the symptoms of pouchitis for years so I believe I have chronic pouchitis. I have been treated with Flagyl and Cipro with good results but upon finishing the symptoms return.
I would align with a GI who has a thorough understanding of our situations.
My doc and his nurse practitioner will always prescribe antibiotics whenever my SIBO flares up, usually every 5-6 months.
They understand we know our own bodies, and that we are suffering and will treat on symptoms.
If your doctor understands that you have (or may have) chronic pouchitis and needs to sometimes monitor the treatment effectiveness or confirm the diagnosis then scopes may be warranted. If your doctor doesn’t understand chronic pouchitis then you probably need a new doctor.