@Joanne posted:Thank you, Mary. My GI doc, Bo Shen, formerly from CCF and now in NYC at Columbia Presbyterian has cautioned me that there are instances where women with a J-Pouch who get a hysterectomy have serious problems with their pouch after that surgery. I am 76 years old and have had my pouch for 21 years. I have CLL, a blood cancer that makes me vulnerable to secondary cancers and the gynecological surgeon is recommending a hysterectomy since I am have some problems with my uterus. Your situation is very encouraging. Thank you again for responding to my question. Take care.
Agree, very encouraging Mary. I was also told by Shen to not have any pelvic organs removed unless cancerous as he sees worsening of pouch function. It was a bit hard to stomach as there are lots of gynecologic issues that are painful, life altering, and have a negative impact on the pouch, so the “save the pouch” at all costs attitude came across as a bit obtuse from such a smart guy. Or maybe it’s just a function of not having a uterus and ovaries ;-)