Bowel cancer

Welcome to the forum . There are some people with experience on the boards and I hope they will be along soon . 
However I wondered if you have seen this leaflet 

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/RegainingBowelControl_BowelCancerUK.pdf

If you click on it , it will take you to the right link . There is general information but also more specific information on regaining control including diet / medications , getting referred to a dietitian. Also there is an email address in it and you can access a nurse who could guide you further .

Our own helpline staff would be happy to chat on 0808 808 0000

The leaflet also indicates that a group of patients need to see a gastroenterologist. Something to also think about .

You definitely need some support and help for your quality of life .

Take care ,

Court 

Hello

I am three years down the line (resection May '19,) & still find that this can sometimes happen to me. I had nearly a foot of bowel removed - & was told that digestion is far more speedy.

I eat virtually anything & everything, without any problems. However, I have determined that two things can make me dash to the loo, within the hour - eggs & coffee. Not sure why eggs, but coffee is highly acidic - which irritates the stomach lining. Much as I love it - I've decided to give it up now.I always thought that wine was also acidic - & yet, that doesn't affect me at all. (I think I would have found that far harder to give up!)

I would suggest that you carry on eating what you normally do/ like - but when you make a dash to the loo, consider the food/ drinks you had beforehand - & make a note - which might give you an answer.

Something else to consider eating is Jelly Babies (Waitrose own brand is full of natural juices, & are delicious!) The gum in them can firm up your stools.

Best wishes

Marianne

Hi Kylkimry. There is a syndrome called LARS (low anterior resection syndrome) and a good fb page about it that you can apply to join. 
My surgeon told me that I would probably have to take immodium/loperamide regularly and I find certain foods can cause issues eg salad. You might also like to watch this video talk on regaining bowel control from a leading gastroenterologist 

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/f/bowel-colon-rectum-cancer-forum/232375/regaining-bowel-control

Take care

Karen x

Thanks Karen this was very helpful.take care x

Thanks court I have read the leaflet hopefully.the exercises will help.hope ur ok  

Thanks marianne I will try the jelly babies .how long after your op did u stop.having a problem x

Hi Kylkimry. 

Good that you’ve already received some good advice. Not sure whether we’ve yet to suggest speaking with the stoma nurses who will have experience of patients learning to live without stomas whose experience is similar to yours. Also, there’s a new site within the stoma specifically for LARS and related issues that you might find useful. After over 18 months post reversal, I’m still finding improvements in natural bowelling, so please persist. 

Hi, Kylkimry, yes there is a sub group for LARS 

Stoma reversal and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) support forum, although it is in the stoma group there is probably not enough footfall for us to have our own. Perhaps your collecterol nurse can give you advice as well, maybe there is a help group in your area. 

All I can say is it does get better! I am 2 years out now and it has settled more than it did. Doesn't mean that I don't need to check where the loos are if I'm out, but does give more confidence. All the best!

I had 2 colon cancer ops left and right resection which left me going to the toilet 12 times a day and when you needed to go you had no time, the Co sultant has put me on 10 immodium and 60 my of codeine per day this has helped but does not solve every problem and the fact is that my toilet irritates my bottom so cream on it every time you go to the toilet