Eleda wrote:I'm expecting to suffer same
as I have had a ULAR and being reversed on Thursday, I'm not on Facebook OSM but would appreciate any tips in regards to anything helpful, pictullarly foods !!!! THAT HELPED OR AGRIVATED???!
I am the type of person that predicts worst case scenario, then anything less is a bonus
Thanks Adele X
Hi Adele,
I also had a ULAR. I went on to develop major LARS (but you may not, or you may have a milder form). Although everyone is different, here are some tips that are drawn from a group of 900 people with LARS.
Make sure you have a good supply of calmoseptine cream and alcohol free wipes to keep your bottom from getting sore. A bidet is also helpful. Do your pelvic floor exercises as this will help with control.
It's normal to cluster (repeated urges to defaecate but only producing tiny amounts of stool). Resisting every urge helps. Incontinence pads and diapers give confidence to resist.
It's normal not to be able to tell gas from stool in the early stages. Ditto pads/diapers.
You may find beginning with a low residue diet (Google) helps. It's hard to list particular foods be because what is okay for me might be a disaster for you and vice versa. Introduce one new food at a time.
Immodiun and bulking agents such as metamucil can help loose stool.
It's normal to flip from loose stool to what seems like constipation (though often the stool is not hard and dry but sticky or pasty and hard to push out. Stool softeners can help.
Keeping meals small and simple will help you work out what suits you. Having an earlier evening meal may help avoid all-nighters on the loo.
Be sure to keep well-hydrated.
If your symptoms persist, you may have LARS. There is no one 'treatment' for LARS, there are management techniques for individual symptoms. Talk with your doctor (although you may have to educate him/her about LARS). If you do develop LARS i would encourage you to join the Facebook group. I wasn't 'on Facebook' either (still not really) but I made an exception for this one group. It really helps to have others who have experienced your issues.
Lastly, try to retain a sense of humour. You will have good days and bad days, but eventually the good will outweigh the bad. It's a marathon not a sprint. Best wishes.