Hi there - i would highly recommend transferring to UCSF and be under the care of Dr. Varma. I at first considered surgery in the east bay at Alta Bates but they recommended and open procedure and had only done a few of the type of procedure I needed.

I can't speak highly enough about Dr. Varma and her colo-rectal team at UCSF. Also, it is nice that the nurses at Mt Zion actually know how to deal with iliostomy, colostomy, and jpouches as UCSF does a lot of cases.

Good luck!

Get her walking if u can. Try giving her prune juice or orange juice. Does she drink enough water throughout the day? Masaging helps too. I have been in the hospital with many blockages only to have them move after waiting in ER for hours. If it is serious, make sure u have the most experienced doctor in the area. Good luck.

According to US News & World Reports, at #30 for gastroenterology nationally, John Muir actually outranks UCSF. I know it is a high-end facility.

Here are the US News & World Report pages for both:
http://health.usnews.com/best-...dical-center-6930043

http://health.usnews.com/best-...dical-center-6933853

Hope your mom is doing OK and it was not something serious. At 85, any number of things can be going haywire. Fortunately, intestinal obstruction is pretty common and most any reputable hospital is equipped to deal with it. Since she does not have a j-pouch, that is not so much of a concern.

Jan