A MOTHER who suffered years of bowel problems has spoken of how her life has been transformed after having an operation to fit an innovative pacemaker for constipation.

Adele Burlinson, from of East Rainton, near Durham, is one of first people in the North-East to have electrical neuromodulation therapy.

The 36-year-old spoke as leading experts gather for a conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham, where they will to place Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders under the spotlight tomorrow (Friday, June 3).

Mrs Burlinson, who has suffered with bowel problems since she was a toddler, said: “I have a condition called slow transit.

“This means that I suffer chronic constipation which can last for anything up to four weeks. Before my treatment, I suffered from severe pain, bloating and fatigue and, some days, I just felt so ill that I couldn’t get out of bed.”

Mrs Burlinson was referred to Professor Yan Yiannakou and his team at the Durham Constipaton Clinic University Hospital North Durham.

She said: “In January 2014, my life completely changed. I had a sacral-nerve stimulator fitted under my skin at the base of my spine. It was a fairly easy procedure and I feel so much better.

“The pulses that it sends help to regulate my bowel and I was back at work in four weeks. I can now control my condition and my life via a remote control device which is just brilliant."

Prof Yiannakou said: “There is a lot of help around for people now, and there are clinics with specialists providing treatments, support and advice that can really improve the lives of people who may have become resigned to their symptoms.”

The Durham Constipation Clinic serves the whole of the North-East and is one of the largest dedicated constipation clinics in Europe - helping around 1,500 people a year.

Over 150 patients are expected to attend tomorrow's Bowel Independence Day at organised by the Durham Constipation Clinic, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT).