Looking for Recommendations on IRA Surgeons

Hi all, I know IRA surgery isn't performed as much as J-pouch, but I still have 10 inches left of sigmoid colon and a current end ileostomy. Last week, I had scopes and was told everything looked great and if I wanted to pursue surgery I should. I saw Dr. Remzi in NYC last year and discussed a J-pouch, but he never mentioned an IRA which suggests to me that he preferred a J-pouch since that's his specialty. I just recently found out about the sigmoid colon and size. I was wondering if anyone else had IRA surgery and who the surgeon was and how the experience went. Thank you all for any advice, it's very much appreciated as I navigate what I will choose: either a J-pouch, IRA, or keep the ileostomy. Thank you.

 

 

I have an IRA… no abdominal colon left—only 8” of rectum. Amazing surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. She said to have done a J-pouch on me would've been malpractice.

Good point, Jodie.

If you are seeing a surgeon in his specialty, of course he'd recommend a J-pouch.

Heed the warnings of these pouches.

It's not 100% fixed.

If you are managing well with your ileo, be happy. Be baggy.

I found with my own health condition, if you go looking for trouble... it will find you.

Let us know your thoughts. We can offer help, advice for you, and those on the sidelines viewing.

Would you mind sharing the name of the surgeon? Thank you.

Thanks, I know there are two schools of thought... if it isn't broke, keep well enough alone, and you don't want to wonder if you could've been reconnected... I still haven't decided which way I'll go, but I do feel I owe it to myself to make an informed decision, realizing it's a very personal decision and each situation is unique. I'm really just looking for recommendations on surgeons who specifically perform IRAs. Remzi is definitely my choice if I do a J-pouch, or in the end, I may choose to keep my stoma... just weighing my options. Thanks.

...Yes, absolutely... exploring options... you owe it to yourself.

You will have good and bad experiences here. The important thing is honesty.

We give you the pros and cons.

Best place to get your shirt right.

And no fees from us. Ha ha...

Peace of mind is priceless with these knife-happy surgeons.

Keep us posted. Others want to know but don't chime in. Thanks.

 

Oh... (several minutes later...)

The idea was an IRA back in 2016... but I never ever heard that name or term as "hook up" later was how I was calling it... layman terms... joined this group and found out exactly what it was. Whoa. Fudge that.

So the dilapidated colon just hanging out unattached for several years decided Crohn's was not done with me. The remaining stump developed Crohn's.

Game over. Ken butt.

Some of us had no options due to emergency surgery... You go girl...

 

Thanks, Warrior. They originally diagnosed me with Crohn's/indeterminate colitis, but now after 3 years have decided it's UC and not Crohn's. I'm still on the fence on which way I'll go. At the very least, I want to have a discussion with the colorectal surgeon. I appreciate you weighing in and will definitely keep everyone posted. Enjoy your weekend.

I know we spoke already, and I told you the name of my surgeon. But I was also thinking that there is a guy on here “Colin Sans Colon.” If you go in the reversal section, he has a good thread. He's a big reason why I am choosing to move forward with reversal. He is in NY. Look him up on here; maybe he can chime in.

Hi Mermaid. I replied to your DM! Happy to help answer any questions.

JVM261 - Thank you for the kind words and all the best!

You and “Crappy Colon” are big inspirations to me. I know we are all different, but I am hoping also for a good outcome. Hopefully, we will each get to report back with good outcomes and share our stories as well.

I sure picked a good username, didn't I? 😆

I would not do it! Don't do it. My original surgeon told me that I am not a candidate for it. Plus, I know a woman who did it and had so many complications that eventually she died. It's not worth your life.

Mermaid, I believe you're very wise to research it all. I had the J-Pouch done; it was so freeing and very nice wearing clothes that fit well. I loved it. Then I developed an anal/vaginal fistula. Not fun! Having leakage from my bottom to my vaginal area was disgusting. I also had to use diaper rash ointment on my bum due to irritation/acid inflammation when I had to go to the restroom. Went back to ileostomy. It's been 14 years now, and I am happy and glad my internal med doctor suggested going back to the bag, which I did. Life's pretty good. God bless.

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm weighing all my options with the good, the bad, and the ugly and deciding if the risks are worth it. I'm going Friday to discuss with one of the recommended surgeons to discuss IRA.

... even Clint Eastwood would wonder if an IRA would make his day. Great movie. 😆

We will be anxiously waiting to hear your decision on yours.