An update.

Hi everyone. I hope most of you remember me. I haven't posted here in a long time. I had J-pouch surgery a few years ago and initially had trouble for over a year. We determined that I had pouchitis and started taking antibiotics. They helped tremendously but as soon as I stopped them things got worse. My surgeon wanted me to take them again and slowly tapper off them. I got down to taking them every second day and things seemed fine with some problems every few days. The surgeon said that some people have to take them continuously and the trick is to take as little as possible. I recently upped them to once a day to get through my vacation.

My 8 year old daughter, wife and I are currently on a road trip that started last Monday with a flight from Toronto, Canada to Las Vegas. We spent 2 nights there on the Strip. That was more than enough. We then rented a car and visited Hoover dam then Grand Canyon West. We took a helicopter ride to the bottom of the Canyon and cruised on a boat on the Colorado River before flying out of the Canyon. We then went to Grand Canyon National Park South Rim and managed to hike about one mile into the Canyon before returning. We then drove to Monument Valley and had a tour this afternoon. It is a very stunning place. We are now in Page Arizona and will visit a few attractions tomorrow before heading to Bryce Canyon National Park.

So far our trip has gone as planned and we will be returning to Las Vegas on Thursday for 2 more nights before returning to Toronto. This trip would not be possible without my J-pouch or the antibiotics I am taking.

Take care,

Nice to hear from you, Paul! Sounds like a great vacation. I just got back myself from Ontario, Niagara FAlls area, etc. Love the family vacas! Glad to hear things are better with your jpouch- I'm ok with Humira, only took Immodium 2x during vaca, & one dose was when we left for the 10+ hour car trip home. Have fun!

Hi, Paul! Are you going to post us more photos after you get home? Glad to read that you're enjoying some hiking, but sorry about the pouchitis problem. Maybe it would help to look into probiotics. There are likely a number of members here who would advise you about them. Best wishes & watch your wallet in Las Vegas, LOL! / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

Hi Paul! I'm glad to hear that things are going good again but it kind of stinks that you have be on antibiotics for a while if not long term. But I am still happy for you! :) We went to the Grand Canyon this past June and it's an awesome place. We didn't go down in the canyon for any hiking but we did walk the south rim...that was enough for me! lol The most spectacular sight we saw in AZ was the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert. That was truly remarkable! I'm glad to hear your vacation is going well and you're having fun.

Paul,

Good to hear from you! I, too, am currently on vacation having just spent 6 days hiking in the Sierras. No beds, no bathrooms, no computers, no comforts of home. I loved it and this would not have been possible without having had surgery. I'm still on the road but once home will check out your FB page and will post my photos on my FB page. Will be in touch. All my best to you, your health, and your family.

Sue

Friday night we saw Cirque du Soleil, KA at MGM Grand in Vegas. It was incredible. Our seats were second row centre stage. We finally arrived home about midnight last night. It will take me a while to sort out and post our pictures. It was an amazing trip.

Post Edited (Paul L) : 9/5/2010 9:51:59 PM (GMT-6)