InterStim after 10 years of LARS

[Surroundedbylove]

Hello all,

I used to be a frequent reader and poster here but as the years of survival added up and I dealt with other health challenges, I stepped away. But I’m back now as LARS has worsened over the years. I did a long course of pelvic floor physical therapy with biofeedback which helped - just not enough. I do think everyone should try it if only to help identify those who may have damaged nerves. My new surgeon (old one changed hospitals) did my most recent colonoscopy and my colonic j-pouch is of good size she said - actually stretched larger than she might have expected. So one reason I may have trouble fully evacuating - and this clustering - could be a mismatch of the size of the neorectum (about the size of a real rectum) and the small size of the remaining rectal stump to which it is attached(3cm I think she said).But we know for sure from the biofeedback that there is some kind of disconnect in the brain to bowel nerve signaling so I had the Step1 surgery for the InterStim sacral nerve neuromodulator. I’m doing the trial and so far it is about a 100% success on my bladder (urge and frequency ever since radiation) and on the bowels so far i’ve had improvement in evacuation and total number of bowel movements in a day. Also definite improvement so far in urgency.

[Gravelyguy]

That is great news. I hope it continues to help. 10 years is a long time to deal with LARS.

Dave

[Rob in PA]

That is great news to hear, especially since i am dealing with the same thing. Im one of the old veterans on here and have been away for awhile also. Im doing well, except for the rectal pain.
Wishing all the best to everyone on here!
Rob

[CRguy]

I used to be a frequent reader and poster here but as the years of survival added up and I dealt with other health challenges, I stepped away.

AND we are VERY glad you chose to come back with some promising news about yourself, and to share about this InterStim therapy.

MEGA cheers and Harmony SBL

your friend
CRguy

[sadysue]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I've never heard of InterStim and plan to speak to my GI doctor about it when I see him in July. I am almost 8 years out from my surgery and deal with many trips to the bathroom, sometimes all day long, before I can leave the house. My entire rectum has been removed and part of my colon. My surgeon built me a "pediatric rectum" because she felt it would give me better control. Perhaps it has given me more control but I can't imagine my bowel control being much worse than it is. On most days, from the time I get out of bed until 1-2 in the afternoon, I deal with lengthy cluster sessions - solid, small and at times, difficult and painful to void. Please keep us updated on your progress. Good luck and thanks again!