Hi Leftie,

I, too, have been dealing with ongoing pouchitis that can't seem to be treated right now. I'm also considering going to Mayo to see how they could help. Have you had your appointment yet? Did they give you any new treatment plans that hadn't been recommended to you before?

Thanks.

I actually haven't had the appointment yet.

Hi, I went back to Mayo for chronic cuffitis and also found out I have IPS. I am really glad I went. My local GI didn't know what else to do for me and I asked him to refer me again. He sent me there in 1998 for a second opinion. I saw Dr. Edward Loftus, Jr. both times. Big piece of mind and I can call one of his 3 nurses, who each has over 20 yrs of IBD experience any time for advice. If they can't help they get the answer from him. So far they answered right away when I called. My chronic cuffitis is under control.

As my local GI says, he treats the entire digestive system and the GI's we see at Mayo know more as the treat IBD only.

Good luck I hope you receive the help you need.

I did have my appointment and was impressed with the doctors at the Mayo. It turns out the issue was not with my pouch but it seems to be a issue above the pouch in the small intestine where it has narrowed down. That is the area that they believe was infected and causing me problems. The antibiotics seem to have helped a lot and I am feeling better. I have been off the antibiotics for 2 weeks now and am watching my diet. Hopefully I am over the infection.

I'm glad you are feeling better Leftie!

I go to the Mayo too they are great had my two surgeries there. Marie I also see Dr. Loftus he and the staff are great (I talk to Deb all the time about my chronic pouchitis). I actually have an appointment there this Thursday.

MNgirl,
Sorry about your chronic pouchitis but I'm confident he will figure it out. How long does the drive take you? It's about a 3 hour drive for me. Please let us know how you are doing.

Thanks Marie it takes about 4 hours from Duluth. My pouchitis seems to be under control right now with the help of Cipro. But I've been having a lot of abdominal pain without the usual pouchitis symptoms so they are going to start with and ultrasound and go from there.

It's nice living close enough to go there. I've not had an ultrasound of my pouch yet, sounds a lot better than drinking contrast or barium It will be interesting to find out what the ultrasound uncovers.

Well I didn't end up getting away with just the ultrasound lol. They weren't able to find out anything with the ultrasound and I had to go back for an upper endoscopy and a scope of my pouch. They just found a small area of pouchitis on the pouch and took some biopsies which I'm still waiting on the results. I also had to do the barium x-ray the next day and am waiting on the result of that too. They said I may have to switch antibiotics because it is possibly causing me to have too much stomach acid but hopefully I hear back soon!

Oh no you had my favorite tests of Mr. Barium and Endoscopy choke, no fun Are you waiting for the results in Rochester? One thing about them they can cram in a lot of procedures in a few days.

I've been complaining for a week about my endoscopy and dilation a week ago. I ended up with a partial blockage because, as I discovered, the medication put what is left of my intestines to sleep. So I hope you are/were careful and didn't go through the same pain.

Please let us know what they find out.