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It is widely known that constipation is something that may affect everyone at some point in life and whilst for many it is a small inconvenience to be endured, for others it can be a chronic condition with serious implications on their life.

One such person who spent many years experiencing problems of this nature was John Delamere, pictured above, a now retired salesman who lives in Hampshire. He first started having problems over twenty years ago when he began suffering from haemorrhoids brought on by constipation. He was given a painful haemorrhoidectomy which served only as a temporary solution. The recovery from the procedure was incredibly painful, but for a while “I felt quite relieved,” John says “but over a period of time, sitting down, driving around all day for my job the constipation and urge to continually want to go to the toilet situation came back and now the technology had moved on and it was decided to treat the condition with key hole surgery” Again this fixed the situation but a few years later he still suffered with rectal prolapse.

“I always knew it was there” he says when asked how his condition affected his daily life. “If we were going somewhere we had to check he was alright” says his wife, Hester, “Sometimes we couldn't go out. It was frustrating. I used to shout at him for taking forever on the toilet. Then as time went on I began to worry; nothing seemed to fix this. ”

Eventually after further surgery did not work, his surgeon discovered that the issue was with the lining of John's bowel and so he was referred to a surgeon capable of carrying out STARR. Soon he and his wife went to Southampton to meet her. “She sat us both down and showed us exactly what the procedure involved. She made me feel safe; everything was explained to me. I felt very comfortable with her. I knew that she knew what she was looking at.”

Two weeks later this surgeon drove up to John's local hospital to perform the surgery. “I was given Ibuprofen when I woke up” says John “but it was just a bit of discomfort I had. Two days after the operation I got myself dressed. After the operation defecating was very painful but that was only temporary. About a month after the surgery I felt like I was back to normal.”

Nearly two and a half years later John has not had any recurrences of his symptoms and so far is delighted with his results, so much so he is anxious to convey his experience so that others may not continue to suffer with their condition in silence.

Constipation can be a symptom of many conditions and as John has proved it is not always straightforward to diagnose. However John is now optimistic about the future. “I'm very confident that all is well,” he says, “I will always worry though; I suppose you just have to be sensible.” He says how he is careful not to let himself get constipated and not strain on the toilet. When asked if he would recommend this procedure to patients suffering from the same condition his answer was simple, “Yes!”

It is widely acknowledged that although bleeding from the back passage and constipation are fairly common, medical advice should be sought; this is to rule out the potential onset of bowel cancer.

Some symptoms which may be present in a patient suffering from Obstructive Defecation Syndrome are:

• Repeatedly needing to go to the toilet and a feeling of fullness.
• Not fully evacuating and straining to do so.
• Feeling as though the patient is sitting on a lump.
• Continuous use of laxatives.
• A desire to put pressure around the anus and inside the vagina to relive symptoms.

You and your patients can find out more by phoning the confidential helpline on 0800 028 2231 which is staffed by qualified nurses.

As with any surgical procedure, the STARR procedure may present risks.  Patients should consult with the appropriate healthcare professional to discuss which type of procedure is suitable for them.

References

1. www.bristolsurgery.com Retrieved 11JAN2010

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