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Post LAR

PamRav
PamRav CSN Member Posts: 348 Member
edited February 2022 in Colorectal Cancer #1

I'm 6 weeks out from my LAR ( had an end to end anasmatosis most all of rectum was removed ) and am having lots of poo issues.  Clustering/going 10-20x a day, then constipation, rectal pain, urgency... I'm trying to keep track of want I eat in relation to the symptoms I'm having. Anyone have any thoughts on how long after you've eaten a food that it starts causing trouble??  its difficult to figure out if it's certain foods or ALL foods.   Also I've started back on chemo Folforii & Avastin so that may be contributing.

There are days I'm afraid to leave the house, and other days where I feel pretty darn normal.  Trying to be patient but this is frustrating  

Thanks for any input or advice. 

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Comments

  • scohow66
    scohow66 CSN Member Posts: 11
    #2
    Post LAR

    Sounds like you did not get temp ileostomy?  I just went thru LAR (robotic) end April but have the ileostomy.  I hear there can be some challenges once reconnection occurs.  You may want to search LAR Syndrome.

    Good luck!

    Scott

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  • PamRav
    PamRav CSN Member Posts: 348 Member
    #3
    Thanks Scott

    nope no ileostomy.  It seems during this past week that "things" are improving. I could never quite figure out if it was a specific food.  I think it was ALL foods!  I used Imodium when the clustering became unbearable and it really was a great help. At first I was afraid to try the Imodium due to constipation issues, but I'm sure glad I did. 

    Hope you're doing great after your surgery.  

     

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  • JoanMar
    JoanMar CSN Member Posts: 19 Member
    #4

    Hi All, I was diagnosed with T3N1MO in July. Just finished up TNT, radiation short course/16 weeks of FOLFOX. I have my scans scheduled in 2 weeks. The plan is for surgery next, however if a complete response shows on the scans then the option of the WW approach is on the table. The surgeon is planning on a LAR, with temp ileostomy. I have not read or heard of any positive outcomes with this surgery. The thought of LAR syndrome is just something I do not think I can agree to. Everything I read and hear confirms that 80% come out of surgery with significant bowel dysfunction which is life changing. I am an active 73 yo woman, still working, travel for work, spend a lot of time and vacations with my daughter and grandchildren. Seems like I would have to give most of that up, can you sit on a lakeside dock all day in your bathing suit, run out to the grocery on a whim, doesn't sound like it. Can anyone out there tell me that they came through this on a positive note.

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