New forum for stoma reversal and LARS discussions

Hi nothappyanymore

I'm so sorry to hear about everything you're going through, that sounds so uncomfortable and distressing.

I hope you've found the information and support from other members to be helpful. Please do also speak to your nurse to see if there's anything else they can do for you and to make sure you're keeping them updated on changing or worsening symptoms.

You can also find some information and support from Macmillan here. If you’d like to talk anything through with an expert at Macmillan, I’d encourage you to contact the Support Line.  Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

I hope you can find some relief soon and that the Community can support you through this.

Hi Artsie

Welcome to the other side. And I’m sorry your journey has started like this.

I’d suggest a second opinion on meds as it’s not an instant transition. Going too often is draining and you will need all your strength to recover from the op. I was told to take up to 3 Loperamides up to four times a day to stabilise things and when stronger, to start to experiment. Well over 18 months on, and it’s still getting better! 

I can’t remember whether you’ve listened to this chap, but he’s worth hearing. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aW4niaa-Wus&feature=youtu.be

Bless you Karen. 
Thank you 

I took slims pads in and bought large pack of  faecal pads. Thank goodness i did because I woke up in knickers.  My ward was not up to bowel issues. I asked for my dressing changed she tried to lean me forwards , I said it’s my tummy. 
They tried their best but I really felt anxious about the after care. Thank goodness my surgeon is amazing I totally trust him. 
I’m glad I’ve bought the huge pads at least I can sleep. 
I have taken four loperamide today I didn’t fess that to my nurse. I hope that I haven’t ruined my bowel working however I wish the colorectal team had told me before I had the operation! I would not of listened to the ward doctor. He told me to do that! 

Thanks for your encouragement.
I am feeling very sorry for myself.

I need to get on with it. 

I’m going to start designing my new tattoo tomorrow my ipen is charging. I’m having daisies and looking at the size of my scar it’s going to be a mega bunch xx

Thank you Wellspring I read your bio mines a walk in the park up to what you’ve been through. I also listened to the doctor on the way to get my op. Really encouraging and informative

I do feel really weak as I’ve not been eating well. The nurse said that was wrong. It’s okay telling patients they’re doing harm to themselves when they didn’t inform what they need to do post op 

When I’m stronger I’m going to gather research for others here that are not well informed on their after care. I was admitted to the ward at seven discharged at eleven next morning. I had two Tramadol that was it. I asked they wouldn’t give me anything. 
My nurse today said that’s what a reversal is like. 

Well that needs to change and when I’m fit I will address it. 

Attagirl, Artsie

I’ve come to realise how very special the team that’s been on my case has been, and continue to be. I wish everybody could say the same. I asked for this section to be set up so we can focus on post reversal issues. And if you can add some post op care advice, that’d be brilliant. 

I had an open wound to help rebuild the tummy wall and that took 6 weeks to close with almost daily ministrations from the district nurses. 

And I wasn’t discharged until they were confident my system was at least operating. And that I’d some experience of addressing any issues. Can’t believe how you were booted out with so little support. 

Thanks Karen for the links , listening to Dr Andreyev was good as he listed all my symptoms of LARS , I have got a phone appointment with my gastro team on 21st and will talk to them about having the tests done he mentioned and trying Normacol , my big fear is that last time I spoke to them they said I was at the end of what could be done and going on a bag was the option knocking on the door , I think being rejoined in November 2019 meant that due to COVID any treatment/help didnt happen 

Hi Wellspring 

But you had a lot more to contend with than me. They just snipped mine off and put me on a ward where they thought my dressing was on my bottom. Bless the nurse. Twas quite funny. Can I take a look she added as she leaned over my back. I looked eye to eye. It’s on my front. 
We did mask smile !

Hi not happy anymore 

I really hope that you have some positivity from the tests and you can enjoy life without worrying where the toilet is 

Good luck on the 21st

Hi Artsie , so you Havent been reversed yet ? you had the same as me T2NOMO , when they removed the cancer its was T1 

I was reversed Friday last week

 A cancellation apparently. But they weren’t sure if they had a bed then in the afternoon they weren’t sure if theatre was still open I was still dressed at 4,15 thinking I’m going home then they called me in. So I’m adjusting at the moment 

I had a LAR keyhole then incision he lifted my bowel to get at the cancer then removed my rectum and joined me up. That’s thirteen months ago. So I’ve no storage and don’t I know about it! 
Yes I think we are same I was told stage two though. I didn’t get to involved in the things I could do nothing about just the things I could do myself. I found it all overwhelming as there was other things going on. So I just handed myself over to the master plumbers and let them take care of it. He did a good job. Cancers in the bin 

How are you?