Tests/Imaging to request?

Good evening to all,

I have a question about further investigation of my Jpouch issues.

I have gotten a pouch scope done in August, an upper endoscopy done in September, a CT scan of the Pouch also in September, blood work, etc. The last test I am waiting on is a stool test showing possible inflammation.

All tests completed have came back negative (not showing any issues that are attributing to my symptoms) I am in pain everyday, sore distended stomach, gassy, back pain and pelvic pain.

My gut is telling me I have some blockage, bowel thickening, scar tissue, or a combination of all that or something in that family. Anytime I eat anything not low fibre I am in stitches for days, and even when following low fibre most days I am still symptomatic.

I do not have a big medical background and I do not know what else could be wrong or what else to do. I have exhausted my GI specialist and she said she can’t really think of anything else to help me. My family doctor the same.

The only thing I have yet to do is get back in touch with my surgeon, but it’s so hard right now because of Covid and I live in Canada.

Does anyone have any recommendations of what else I can be testing for or requesting from my doctors?

I appreciate any help in advance,

Happy New Years,

Michael

1/1/217:45 PM

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CTBarristerMember

The one test you didn't mention having is the MRI Enterography. It's the gold standard as far as visualizing bowel thickness. My experience with it posted here:

https://www.j-pouch.org/topic/...study-of-small-bowel

This will pick up strictures due to scar tissue or inflammation.

1/1/218:57 PM

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Former Member

If your gut is telling you that, then you are probably right! I think you should probably get a CDIFF test too. I did not know J-pouchers can get CDIFF until I read it online.

Have you tried probiotics?

1/1/219:32 PM

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Mpale033Member

Hi there.

Thanks for the heads up on the MRI I will inquire about it.

As far as CDIFF goes, I do not have issues with diarrhea really. Just a lot of pain, soreness and distended bowels.

Thanks everyone.

1/1/219:44 PM

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Former Member

@Mpale033 posted:
Hi there.

Thanks for the heads up on the MRI I will inquire about it.
As far as CDIFF goes, I do not have issues with diarrhea really. Just a lot of pain, soreness and distended bowels.
Thanks everyone.

You are welcome! Let us know how everything goes

Happy New Year Dear

1/1/219:47 PM

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tvstahlMember

Michael, the thought that came to my mind was that I would get back to your surgeon. I say that because I have never found a GI Doc that was nearly as comfortable with my J Pouch as my surgeon is. I have tried my long term GI Doc (did one pouch scope but was uncomfortable to be my doc for that) and a new highly recommended GI doc who did no better. So I am not much help but my bias is strongly toward the surgeon for non-routine j pouch issues.

Happy New Years and I wish you the very best. Todd S.

1/2/212:27 AM

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