Hi Folks,
I need some advice. I've had a j-pouch for years, but things are starting to deteriorate.
I'm having frequent pouchitus and am taking Cipro and Tinidazole together. The medicine helps, but pouchitis returns.
I went to Cleveland Clinic for an exam and after many discussions have decided to have an ileostomy. The surgeon told me that this surgery is pretty standard, but the "second surgery" to remove the pouch is much more extensive. The doctors won't know whether I will need the second surgery or not.
Is the second surgery a necessity? What determines the need for the second surgery?
I know that the Cleveland Clinic can do the second surgery, but unfortunately my insurance will not fully cover it because it is out of their coverage district.
I'm thinking of having the ileostomy at my home hospital and if the second surgery is necessary, having it done at the Cleveland Clinic. Any advice that you can give me would be great!
Thanks.