Dealing with LARS (low anterior resection syndrome)

Posted by shilo @shilo, Dec 6, 2018

I need help!!! Losing alot of weight down to 98 lbs. Have LARS very bad. Seen several doctor’s here and not really able to help. Stuggling with depression for the 1st time in my life. I also am not able to sit down, to much pain with swelling and numbness on the right side since last colonoscopy. PLEASE…tell me where to go for some answers .. I am desperate!!! Thanks

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer group.

threedgrad | @threedgrad | Dec 22, 2018

In reply to @shilo "Have not heard back from the Mayo Clinic for an appointment yet. Any suggestions??" + (show)

Call them.

Jackie, Alumna Mentor | @travelgirl | Jan 4, 2019

@shilo Hope your Holidays were wonderful! Just checking in to see how you are doing? Have you heard back from mayo clinic yet?
Jackie

shilo | @shilo | Jan 5, 2019

In reply to @travelgirl "@shilo Hope your Holidays were wonderful! Just checking in to see how you are doing? Have..." + (show)

I have heard from them but have not scheduled an appointment as yet. Still extremely struggling and trying to deal with possible nerve damage on my right side ..can't sit..and walking is a struggle.. Just wish could get some answers. About ready to just give it all up! Thanks for your concern.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 6, 2019

In reply to @shilo "I have heard from them but have not scheduled an appointment as yet. Still extremely struggling..." + (show)

@shilo, are you waiting to hear back from Mayo AZ to schedule an appointment or is the decision in your court and you're considering whether to book an appointment or not?

Anne Jacobsen | @annejacobsen | Jan 14, 2019

I am a 12 year stage 3 rectal cancer survivor. The first 2 years were pretty rough for me, but I know a lot depends on your surgery and how much rectum was removed. If you are on Facebook, I urge you to join a group there called “living with low anterior resection syndrome”. You can’t believe how many people are out there with this health issue. So many have suggestions and doctor recommendations and just general support. I wish you well and hope you get to a doctor ASAP.
Anne

shilo | @shilo | Jan 24, 2019

Can anyone please advise where to find a doctor that deals with the after effects of rectal cancer. I have been struggling with LARS for over 4 years now. Have either constipation or diarrhea on a daily basis. Tried just about everything to help me with no improvment. Want to avoid the bag at all costs. Please tell me where to go. I am suffering from depression now and home restricted.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jan 24, 2019

Hi @shilo,

I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles, but I want you to know that you’re not alone. I’m tagging @soul @maestro and @coliemore who has shared some incredible insights in this discussion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-reversal-surgery/
Did you hear back from Mayo Clinic?

shilo | @shilo | Jan 25, 2019

In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi @shilo, I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles, but I want you to know..." + (show)

Thank you. I did hear back and am holding off on an appointment. They said they diagnose but don't treat my conditions. I don't understand why that is?

eastham1995 | @eastham1995 | Apr 18 12:45pm

I JUST had an anterior resection. as I had. small cancer. My surgeon is brilliant and compassionate. She is away on vacation. My hospital care left a lot to be desired. Any tips for care at home? Foods to avoid? I'm a nurse practitioner and obviously know quite a bit. However, I'm a patient now. Thanks for any tips!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 18 8:33pm

In reply to @eastham1995 "I JUST had an anterior resection. as I had. small cancer. My surgeon is brilliant and..." + (show)

Welcome, @eastham1995. While we wait for others like @annejacobsen and @shilo to join in, I thought you'd appreciate this article written by a clinician become patient.

– Eating with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/blog/eating-with-lars/

It sounds like diet is largely trial and error and what works for you and based on the specific symptoms you're experiencing. What symptoms are you finding most challenging? Have you discovered foods that you have to avoid?