reversal surgery after rectal cancer

[Becboo7]

I had ultra low anterior resection after rectal cancer in October where most of my rectum was removed. I am having a reversal on Sunday and am v nervous. I know I may possibly get LARS. if anyone can share their experiences after reversal after having similar I would be grateful

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Becboo7,

I personally do not have experience with this but I will toss your question out in one of my cancer groups as I'm sure there are some in there willing to share their experiences. I did have one response already:

Yep. Bidet. Creams. Hot baths. More creams. Medicated wipes. Immodium, lomotil, motofen, diet experimentation. Not pleasant, but mine improved, though it took a long while. Emergency bag with change of britches and clean up gear.

As I get more responses I'll pass them along. I may send them PM to you.

I wish you all the best. I know this is a tough one to deal with.

Tom

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Another response: First 2-3 days I never strayed far from the bathroom, I wore adult diapers for 3-4 days after ( just in case, I never had to use them). A Bidet will be his best friend. Mine got better pretty quick

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Another response: Ditto to all of that … and Metamucil …

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Another response: I’m over four years out from reversal. I have half my rectum but lost about 30 inches of my colon. I’m on the super loose side of LARS, Literally Always Ready to 💩. Cholestyramine has been a game changer for me to be able to produce formed stools.

A quality warm water bidet with an enema/vortex wash is a must if he wants his tissues adequately flushed to remove the acidic poo residue that brings about painful bleeding hemorrhoids. Creams are only a bandaid. The only time I use creams is when I’m away from home. I own two BB2000 bidet toilet seats. I spent $450 on each of them. They’re the most popular toilets in the house. Worth every Penny. I suffered with two different cheap cold water bidets for over 2 years that did nothing more than get my butt wet.

The best cream I found is Aloe Vesta Barrier Cream. This cream will not add to the burn unlike creams with menthol or alcohol.

[Becboo7]

thanks so much Tom. X

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to Becboo7]

Another Response: It’s the first few months that are the most difficult as you try to find a new path - diet is entirely different the colon is settling, there is little to no routine. It can be tough.

Tell him PLEASE to be in touch with some of us old timers. We have short cuts and advice that can make life a damned side more pleasant during those early days. Most of us used trial and error, because no one told us what to expect.

It doesn’t r have to be like that for anyone else….

Note... There's a group you can join and interact with guys living with LARS. Just join. I can give you specific names you can private message (PM). I am a member. Scan the QR code below.

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[Becboo7 in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

thank you again. I will see how it goes. Such a mixture of outcomes! X

[MOLLYMILO007]

Lots of good luck on your journey..thank heaven for those doctors x

[Heathwalker]

I had a TME and ileostomy in December 2019 and a reversal in August 2020. The time I had the ileostomy was the only period of my like where I had no digestive pain. It was a revelation to me. Therefore I wrongly assumed that my previous issues were related to the cancer, this just wasn’t the case.

I regretted the reversal all day, every day for 18 months. After that I regretted it less, but only just. The experience was painful to the point of excruciating, humiliating and life restricting. I had virtually every LARS symptom listed.

Another 18 months on things have settled a bit and I am about to travel for work for the first time. I won’t say I’m not nervous!

It takes a long time, you may never be the same again, but you adapt and it does get better.