quote:
it's more like a funnel with the narrowing at the end
Not sure if you mean the pouch inlet or the pouch outlet. I have narrowing at the pouch inlet. I have had pouchitis for 17 years (treated with antibiotics) and inflammation above the pouch which is of uncertain etiology. Crohn's is suspected but the pattern of inflammation is unusual and they are not sure if the pattern does not reflect "fecal stasis", i.e., a pooling of the feces above the pouch inlet due to the severe narrowing of the bowel in that area.
I am taking two meds traditionally used to treat Crohn's (Entocort and Pentasa) as well as antibiotics with good results. My docs are concerned by the narrowing which could lead to blockages and/or twisted bowel if it gets any worse, so we have been very proactive.
It's hard to rule Crohn's in and out and WAY too many people get caught up in that, what is more important is using treatments that might apply with either diagnosis (Crohn's or pouchitis). In other words the treatment should not hang its hat on one diagnosis and rule out another. Fortunately my Docs have believed that as well.
By the ways my diagnostic tests were negative for Crohn's except showing inflammation above the pouch and narrowing at the pouch inlet.
