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Posted 11/27/2014 9:26 AM (GMT 0)
For those that can remember, I've had an extensive history where my bowel has came unconnected and I became septic. Once was after a surgery for inflammation from my original pain, and second after an attempted but obviously failed ileostomy takedown. It's been a year and a half since that attempted takedown. Now that school is near conclusion, I intend to seek a surgical takedown from Cleveland Clinic. Problem is, I'm not sure off hand what department I need to specifically call for an ileostomy takedown. Would anyone know the name of the department I'd be precisely calling to set up an appointment?
Posted 11/27/2014 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
wouldn't it just be colo-rectal surgery? I'd imagine the Cleveland Clinic has dealt with this kind of thing before, so... once you explain what you're looking to have done, they'll point you in the right direction.
Posted 11/27/2014 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
my.clevelandclinic.org/services/digestive_diseases/departments-centers/colorectal-surgery/department-of-colorectal-surgery

Dr. Remzi is the specialist surgeon who fixes pouches that have problems. I'd use him if I had a problem with my pouch.

If you have questions about your pouch then jpouch.org is a good resource

Post Edited (ks1905) : 11/27/2014 7:50:46 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/27/2014 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Matt91, You will be in great hands at Cleveland Clinic. I cannot say enough positive comments about how wonderful they are. I live closer to Cincinnati but was not getting the help I needed. When I went to Cleveland they jumped right in and in my opinion saved my life. Dr. Remzi is the head of Colorectal Surgery at the clinic. He is not my surgeon but he was my hospital roomate's surgeon and she was very happy with him. I am going back for my takedown in February. Good luck to you!
Posted 11/27/2014 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you guys! I will call colo-rectal surgery. Dr. Remzi is who I should ask for?
Posted 11/28/2014 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
It maybe difficult to get into Dr. Remzi, I don't know for sure. Maybe you would be better off getting in the door and letting them assess you first. I don't know, but all of the Drs I have encountered were wonderful. My first surgery was done on an emergency basis. My surgeon appeared at my bedside and said she was coming in the next day a Saturday to operate because she couldn't let me go one more day in that condition. I just had my jpouch creation surgery Oct 22 and everything went great. My surgeon does colorectal surgery and colorectal research. If you have questions about the clinic please ask.
Posted 11/29/2014 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
I plan to make an appointment next week or so. I don't want to have the actual surgery until spring-summer when school ends, but I wanted to get the ball on the roll. Meet the doc, do whatever testing they need, etc.

So you wouldn't recommend asking for a particular surgeon? Just make the appointment and meet with whoever. Whoever I meet will have to have my records from Ann Arbor, Michigan sent to them regardless. But that's something I'm sure would be discussed on first meeting.
Posted 11/29/2014 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Since it sounds like you have some time I would probably go ahead and ask for Dr. Remzi. I was just thinking if you wanted to get it done in a hurry you might be disappointed if you had to wait a long time to get an appointment. Definitely get all your records together and bring them with you. I didn't take any records because my fiancé took me to Cleveland Clinic ER. I had to do alot of tests that might have been avoidable and they ended up getting my records from Cincinnati too anyway.

The colorectal surgery office and staff are very good. I never wait long to be taken back for my appt.
Posted 11/29/2014 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
How long do you think he would booked? I'll ask for him, since you guys swear he's the best. Is that an unanimous agreement? I've had to have surgery four times because twice it failed. My small intestine is limited obviously now. I just want to make sure it's done right and I get THE very best. Someone who can figure out how to keep my bowel from becoming disconnected and leaking contents inside the belly.

Additionally, I don't really have anyway of getting my records to Cleveland. My GI doctor from UofM in Ann Arbor said he could have anything Cleveland faxed over if they ask for it. My UofM surgeon is out of the picture. So unless my information is available online through my personal profile on UofM website, it sounds like I'll just have to have it faxed over after I meet this Dr. Remzi. Meaning, I'm going empty handed.
Posted 11/30/2014 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
From my understanding the medical records are yours not your surgeon's. If you ask for them I think they need to provide them.
Posted 11/30/2014 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with ks. The records are yours and they will give them to if you request them. A lot of times hospitals have a records department and they could get your record. Your new doctor ifs definitely going to want to see them. I don't know if Remzi is the best or not but you are going to the right place.
Posted 11/30/2014 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
So I'm a little confused. How exactly do I get my records then?

As for Remzi, he specifically deals with Ostomy takedowns that have failed?
Posted 11/30/2014 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
After I make the appointment, I'll ask whoever I speak to what I specifically need to bring. In the meantime, I'll have my records faxed over in the interval between making the appointment and the actual appointment.

The only thing that remains is if I specifically should ask for Remzi or just go with whoever they assign me.
Posted 12/1/2014 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Head over to jpouch.org and search around for posts about Dr Remzi, the Cleveland clinic and any of the complications that you had from your previous surgeries. There's lots of great info from other people who have had similar problems.
Posted 7/4/2015 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sure you won't remember me; I didn't post nearly as much as I should. But I made an appointment a few months ago at Cleveland with Remzi. He convinced me he could successfully take down my ileostomy and would get me better. My surgery is July 14th. I'll have a temporary ileostomy for three months but then he will do a permanent takedown. I meant to come and tell you guys originally after the appointment, but I'm generally super busy. I'll keep you guys updated after the surgery. As you can imagine, I'm ecstatic to get this takedown!
Posted 7/4/2015 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Matt! Hope everything goes super smooth.....Keep us posted!
Posted 7/4/2015 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Matt, I did remember your posts after re-reading. Glad you got into Dr Remzi and he is able to help you. Good luck with your surgery! As I told you a few months ago I love Cleveland Clinic. The colorectal floor where you will be after your surgery is great. The nurses and aides are wonderful and they will take great care of you.
I had my takedown surgery in February and I am doing great. I have my life back. Hope everything goes great for you and let us know how you get along when you are up to it!
Posted 7/4/2015 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
All the best to you Matt,
All you J-pouchers make me want to rush and have mine done.... And at the Cleveland Clinic!
I'm in KY so it's not an impossibility and I'm a candidate for it, not one of the very best but still... I go to UKMC in Lex where I'm not really satisfied with my dr. now. My original one left-who I loved and trusted. I've had many medical complications and had put J-pouch out of my mind. Until now, renewed vigor! Lol... I will think about it more and may possible see Remzi myself!
Good Luck!
Posted 7/4/2015 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Matt. I will keep you in my prayers!
Posted 7/5/2015 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
I know everything will go well for you with your surgery!! Will be praying though. Everyone can use that!!

When you are able, be sure to let us know how it went!!
Posted 7/7/2015 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone! Means so much :)

I will try to let you know how it goes. The surgery is one week from today. I'm so excited!!!
Posted 7/7/2015 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
good luck! I am sure it will go great. I've onlyy heard incredible things about the CC. tongue
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