LARS Symptoms Post-Ileostomy Reversal: Seeking Advice and Experiences

I hate that I can't search without a premium membership, so sorry if this has already been answered.

I'm 6 weeks post-op ileostomy reversal, no chemo or radiation. I found out recently from my surgeon I only have 5 cm of my rectum remaining. Surprise to me! Anyway, does the severity/frequency of LARS symptoms depend on how much rectum remains? I'm no longer incontinent but have urgency, frequent trips to the toilet, and long sits sometimes (feels like more needs to come out but it doesn't). I get hemorrhoids sometimes and have tried witch hazel and zinc ointment.

My main concern is going back to work in 2 weeks. I don't have a nearby restroom for urgency. I'm a teacher and nervous. I made the mistake of going on a LARS Facebook group, and it seems a lot of people are suffering more than me, and now I had to leave the group because it made me more fearful. Do these symptoms stay with you forever? Does it get better? What are your experiences?

Thanks so much, Amy

Sorry to read about your bowel trouble.

It does take time for your body to adjust and recover from surgery. At 6 weeks, you're still in the healing stage. Have you had a rectal competence test? If not, you might consider it.

Hate to say the word... Depends. But with restrooms at work far away, you might have to resort to that until your bowel slowly returns to normal function.

Please continue to post your progress. It will help many Ostomates.

Hey there. I don't have a premium membership either, so I understand. I am also sorry to hear you are having these issues, but like Beach Boy said, it's still very early. I had a reversal, but I had a colostomy, not sure how different it is from ileostomy reversal, and I've never heard of LARS until your post… but I understand what you are saying as my surgeon said I could have those issues—maybe he just didn't put a name to it. I read up on it a bit, and I read that things go best when there is at least 4 cm of rectum, and that symptoms can last for some months but can get better, so don't lose hope.

As for the bathroom, I got a note from my surgeon that when I had to go, I had to go… I know that won't work in every situation, so is there a way you can extend your leave for a bit longer until you are more comfortable? Or maybe you can have a classroom assistant for a while, so you can leave the classroom when urgently needed? I too have had hemorrhoids flare, and I think it's due to my fiber increase. I wasn't eating much fiber before reversal for fear of blockage. That and my recent colonoscopy seemed to flare me up. Like you, I've used Prep H and Desitin, but Tucks works better for me. A sitz bath and Prep H suppositories work the best for me, but check with your doc before using those since you are just out of surgery. Mine are better now.

You will hear a lot of horror stories online. I would advise against it right now and have your care team answer your questions. With time, I have faith your situation will improve. I'll be praying for you!

Hey Amy, I did a quick search and didn't find much that was specifically helpful to your LAR question. There was someone who explained it well sometime last year… I'll see if I can find it a different way.

Thank you! I guess I will keep my pack from the big box store instead of donating them. LOL.

Pelvic floor therapists or certified continence nurses can help with retraining your body after reversal and/or managing LARS. You might check to see what services are available to you.

Thank you. I have accommodations for restroom use, and I have classroom aides. I was just worried about urgency. The online group I found for LARS support scared me, and I left after 2 days. Lol.