Hello everyone,
First a little background. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about 2 years ago. Mesalamine failed rather spectacularly (pancreatitis) and since then I have rotated through Remicade, azathioprine, and Entyvio. I have been on azathioprine and Entyvio for about a year now, and, while it does seem to have taken the edge off, I have never actually achieved anything approaching remission since disease onset. It also isn't particularly impressed by steroids. My most recent colonoscopy showed severe inflammation, bleeding, and ulceration the length of the descending colon, they didn't go any further for fear of damaging things, so I don't know how far it actually extends. My GI was impressed enough that she withdrew her suggestion I try Tofacitinib and recommended j-pouch surgery. I've had no prior abdominal surgeries and am currently in relatively good health (for someone with persistent UC).
I am located in Baltimore, so Johns Hopkins is my obvious choice for having the procedure performed. I met with Dr. Bashar Safar, one of their colorectal surgeons, and was happy to hear he had significant experience making j-pouchs, particularly via laparoscopy and robotics. However, I have been unable to find many patient testimonials as to his work. Has anyone here been his patient, and could you give me your opinion as to the quality of his work?
Further complicating matters, Dr. Feza Remzi is now at NYU, which is a reasonable trip from Baltimore. I will be going there for a second opinion within the week and, while keeping the surgery in Baltimore would be very convenient, I would definitely choose him if it is likely to have a positive effect on the final outcome.
TLDR; Can anybody who had their pouch made by Dr. Bashar Safar at Johns Hopkins tell me how it went and whether they would recommend him to others? What if Dr. Feza Remzi was the other option?
Thank you!