Reverse the reversal

Hi ,

Sounds so rough . I am going to tag in Wellspring as I think they might be able to share their situation with you .

Take care ,

Court 

Hi again Malona1612

I think we’ve exchanged a couple of messages about your LARS. I’m sorry your colorectal nurses have not been more flexible. What about your GP - are they willing to refer you to a specialist hospital? You could also ask your GP about using glycerol suppositories to try to empty your system more fully and hence reduce the number of visits to the loo. And there are irrigation systems that some people have found make all the difference.

Meanwhile, have you tried taking 3 Loperamides four times daily? Also, could the GP prescribe Ondansetron? It has beneficial effects on bowel issues for many people, even though its prime use is for nausea relief. And have you tried sphincter exercises? Draw in tight and hold for 5, release for 5 and repeat 10 times. Plus 10 rapid pulls up. And then one or two half pulls for a count of 20. Do that three times a day.

Soluble fibre diet will be helpful also. No mushrooms, lettuce, cabbage, sweetcorn etc.

When I look back, I wanted a stoma again but I’m so glad that I was able to keep going. My surgeon had assured me that none of his patients had ever regretted a reversal, and I was sure that I’d be the first!  I appreciate I had a very empathic team of Colocrectal nurses to provide advice and encouragement. And the experts at St Mark’s have helped me too.  But I’m so glad I have persisted and the daily effort of doing the exercises had been worth it  

There are loads of options that can help you to the other side of a new normal, one that you can appreciate once more. 

Thank you so much Wellspring I’m booked for a reversal Friday. I will keep your advice bookmarked. I have been doing the pelvic floor for a year but I’m afraid my sphincter is asleep. It’s going to have a shock wake-up call soon.  
Best wishes 

• Many thanks Court .

HI Wellspring

Yes we have exchanged messages already and I really appreciate any advice.

You have given me a few avenues to try for sure.

I already take 12 to 16 loperamides per day plus 3 30mg codeine phosphates.

I am currently only eating one meal per day this means I am on the loo for about 15 times in the early hours but it means I can work and only visit the loo 2 or 3 times in the day. This is exhausting and depressing but with 3 small meals it's 30 to 40 times.

I don't think my colorectal team are aware of LARS but I have left them a voicemail to discuss.

I was so looking forward to losing the bag but my experience since has been dreadfull. At least I know now it's not just me and there may be options and hope.

It's been a bit of a shock as I know 2 others who had reversals and they are very happy with theirs.

Thanks again.

All the best for Friday. And please be patient. Any questions, please pose them on the LARS section of the Macmillan stoma site. 

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy-and-colostomy-discussions-forum/f/stoma-reversal-and-lars
Just add the forum link for Lars 

Hi Malona1612. Just remembered about this and thought it might be helpful?

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

Its an interview with a gastroenterologist that was posted on the bowel cancer uk board which might have some ideas that have not been suggested yet

Hi Kareno62

Thank you I have just watched this very useful. 

Out of the blue today I received an appointment with my consultant. I had some capacity tests done 6 weeks ago so it is probably to discuss the results but I will certainly follow the advice in this video and push to get some help with my situation.

Thanks Karen. I watched the video too on my way to the hospital for my pre op . Was really encouraging.