New to group...subjects I haven't seen discussed much

Welcome. You’re def using the site correctly. It’s a place where people can post their questions and help others by making comments. 

Mad dor your questions, I can’t say bc I have a fairly new pouch -9 months - and haven’t had pouchitis. I hope others will comment to help you out! 

My husband has had pouchitis on and off throughout the years (he has had his pouch for close to 24 years). He takes VSL#3 and when he does get it, he takes antibiotics. Just make sure it doesn't get out of hand.

I too had my colon removed with the j-pouch made in Sept of 2002, with the hook up in Feb. 2003. I had an adhesion surgery in 2005 and two incisional hernia surgeries where the stoma was. I have been iron anemic since I got hooked up to the j-pouch. My B-12 and protein levels have always been good. I have been on Remicade, Humira, another one, and now Entyvio. I had a reaction to the iron glucose, so I have to endure three IV's of iron sucrose. I pushed to have surgery a couple of years ago, but they act like this medicine is going to heal the ulcers in my intestines. They talked me out of it with all the possible drawbacks, but these days they are now approaching me about having it done. I'll likely go to the Mayo Clinic to have it done, but not excited about the pros and cons.