Hi all!
As regular readers will know, I am part of the POLARiS study into Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, which some of you probably suffer with, as I do. I have been fitted with a temporary sacral nerve modulator implant, which over-writes and controls the nerve signals that control the bowel and bladder. The aim of this was to see whether it might help me. I am pleased to report that it has been a huge success, and my bowel function is probably the best it has been for several years, probably since before the cancer!
On Monday i am reporting in to the hosptal, and the temporary device will be removed. We can then set a date for me to have a permanent SNM implant put into me, wired up to my spine, and see how it goes. The study will undoubtedly be putting it through its paces, but i am happy to do it, as this will help a great many people. The POLARiS study is looking at other treatments as well with other people as their guinea pigs. I have promised to keep everyone updated about this here, so will report back again when there is more to tell. But for right now, for those who have very unstable bowel function after having a resection, I can happily say that there are treatments out there that can help. Hopefully after this study, a really effective treatment protocol can be devised, so that many more people can get back a quality of life they have been missing for so long!
Stay tuned!
Robin
