This site is dedicated to the people, 1.8 million new cases just in 2018, that have been diagnosed with rectal cancer and in particular to those that have had the procedure known as the Low Anterior Resection. More than 80% of those who have had the LAR are living with Low Anterior Resection Syndrome.
This site has been created by patients for patients and offers support and information to help you understand this condition and learn how to manage it.
Important note: this site is not intended to be medical advice. Your doctor and/or care team understand your specific medical condition and history and together you can work with them to create a plan that may help you improve over time. If you wish to use any information on this site for treatment purposes, discuss it in detail with your doctor to confirm whether it is suitable for you.
There is also a private group FACEBOOK page for people who are living with LARS. If you have LARS, you are invited to join the conversation and receive fantastic support from other survivors. Click here to see our group.
The creators of this website have also prepared an extensive patient-to-patient guide that provides this important information on LARS in printable form. Download the guide by pressing the button below.
Living With LARS 
This site is awesome and the checklist and guide is very helpful!
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I meant to add that I am a patient that never had cancer but am suffering with extreme LARS as I scored a 41 on the check list. I have had a colostomy because of diverticulitis as well 2 ileostomies and many bowel surgeries including Low Anterior Resection surgery last August. I feel like we should be represented as well. Or am I an unusual case?
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Hi Mary,
You are certainly not an unusual case as LARS is not widely understood by the medical community and many doctors have little knowledge of the condition. I had a fantastic surgeon who performed the LAR but he gave no practical information or advice beforehand and offered no help after the surgery.
Fortunately, other doctors, including a terrific group from the University of Auckland and others in the US are helping to advance insight into LARS. There is strength in numbers so as our voices get heard, support will grow.
Regards,
Joe
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Thanks Joe! I have a fantastic surgeon but she never told me about LARS either. When I asked her she said to try the FODMAP diet but I had to bring up LARS, she never offered any information either. I heard about it from those on the Reversals-Ileostomy/Colostomy Reversal Discussion and Support Group.
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Wow! You did a great job on this site! It still blows my mind that surgeons have no idea of the aftermath that they have created for their patients. None! Thank you for all the time & effort you poured into this valuable resource!
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