LARS

Hi SonyaJ and welcome to the stoma group.

I see you also posted in the bowel cancer group, so let’s hope that between the two groups there will be someone who can give you some relevant advice and support.

I can understand your relief at the cancer being removed, but incontinence of any sort will have a huge impact on your daily life -no wonder your mental health is being affected. 

I have no experience myself of LARS-I didn’t have bowel cancer-but I have got 2 permanent stomas, so my issues are different. However, let’s look to get replies from any members here suffering the same type of issues.

I hope too that your referral to the incontinence clinic might offer a way forward.

Sarah xx

Hi SonyaJ,

your experience mirrors my own and it’s a miserable way to live but there are options to help.
The incontinence team are very knowledgeable and in my case I was referred to the stoma nurse even though I done have a stoma. She had seen how many patients were dealing with LAR syndrome and so initiated training and support for us alongside stoma patients. After living with LARs for 6 years alone, the stoma nurse arranged for me to have Piristeen Coloplast trans anal irrigation system and It’s a life changer. 
it’s not a full solution as LARs will still be there but it definitely helps, so worth considering when talking with your medical team.

I was also referred to the hospital dietitian who found a version of FODMAP diet that helped to avoid the triggering foods. It’s not foolproof but can help so may be worth asking about that too? In terms of sore skin, a peri bottle has an angled spout ( used after birth) and is great to wash over the toilet, it means less wiping so less soreness.

I hope some of my reply is useful and that you can find the support you need to improve things for you. It’s an isolating condition and can be lonely to deal with so mental health is easily brought down isn’t it.

Regards

AJ x

Thank you AJ, thats really helpful to know. I just want to be able to live as normal a life as possible x