dto81
11-26-2008, 11:53 AM
I know this topic has been discussed a lot, but I wanted to post my experience for a specific reason. A lot of the posts out there about Hemorrhoidectomy recovery are very very scary, and rightfully so. Not everyone, however, has that same horrible time with this surgery so I wanted to post my experience thus far (still ongoing).
I am a healthy 29 year old male, but had a very large external hemorrhoid that just wouldnt go away, and the doctor recommended surgery. I had the procedure done two days ago. Everything people say about the pain afterwards is true, its pretty rough. The first night I did not sleep one wink, and the pain meds simply took the edge off but didnt relieve the pain. The worst part was feeling the pressure packing that they jammed up there to keep the wounds from bleeding. I couldnt wait to rip those out the following morning.
Morning after and next day, I took out the gauze and started sitz bathing, which really does help temporarily relieve the pain! I can manage to walk around a little and get myself stuff to eat as well. The most important thing I can advise is do everything in your power to avoid constipation. I started stool softeners 3 days before surgery, am drinking fiber, eating healthy (apples, veggies, etc), but the pain killers and anasthetic still made my first BM a little tough. Actually going to the bathroom didnt hurt my wounds that much, but because I had to push so hard to pass the hard stool it was a little painful. I had my first BM this morning (2 days after) and I'm doing ok. Here is the crazy part, I am actually getting on a plane in about 4 hours. 2 hour flight, I have a ride to the airport who is going to handle all my bags. Its going to hurt like hell and the pain meds are my best friend, but I dont want to miss this flight.
I guess I just want to pass some encouragement. It does hurt, but the experience isnt going to kill everyone out there. To me, not having to worry about that hemorrhoid any more is going to be worth the recovery. I'll let everyone know how I do after the flight. Im just parking it on a bed for the next 3 days afterwards, so I just have to push through about 4 hours more of pain.
I am a healthy 29 year old male, but had a very large external hemorrhoid that just wouldnt go away, and the doctor recommended surgery. I had the procedure done two days ago. Everything people say about the pain afterwards is true, its pretty rough. The first night I did not sleep one wink, and the pain meds simply took the edge off but didnt relieve the pain. The worst part was feeling the pressure packing that they jammed up there to keep the wounds from bleeding. I couldnt wait to rip those out the following morning.
Morning after and next day, I took out the gauze and started sitz bathing, which really does help temporarily relieve the pain! I can manage to walk around a little and get myself stuff to eat as well. The most important thing I can advise is do everything in your power to avoid constipation. I started stool softeners 3 days before surgery, am drinking fiber, eating healthy (apples, veggies, etc), but the pain killers and anasthetic still made my first BM a little tough. Actually going to the bathroom didnt hurt my wounds that much, but because I had to push so hard to pass the hard stool it was a little painful. I had my first BM this morning (2 days after) and I'm doing ok. Here is the crazy part, I am actually getting on a plane in about 4 hours. 2 hour flight, I have a ride to the airport who is going to handle all my bags. Its going to hurt like hell and the pain meds are my best friend, but I dont want to miss this flight.
I guess I just want to pass some encouragement. It does hurt, but the experience isnt going to kill everyone out there. To me, not having to worry about that hemorrhoid any more is going to be worth the recovery. I'll let everyone know how I do after the flight. Im just parking it on a bed for the next 3 days afterwards, so I just have to push through about 4 hours more of pain.
Sponsor
dto81
11-28-2008, 10:43 AM
Update for everyone. I did the two hour flight two days after my surgery. Pain pills were my friend, I actually didnt do too bad with the flight. The last half hour or so and drive hom e from the airport were rough just from being up all day, but I made it. I'm on day 4 now of the recovery and the worst part has been the hard bowel movements due to the pain medicine. Day 3 I went all day without taking a pain pill and now I am off them completely. I had a very hard bowel movement day 3 where I actually needed some Milk of Magnesia to help get my system going. There was much more bleeding than usual, but now day 4 I have gotten all of the hard stool out and I am starting to become regular/soft again. Again, I think my recovery has gone very well and Id like to encourage those who are considering the surgery that not everyone has the horror stories you hear about, even though this is no recovery to take lightly.
hoodster95
11-29-2008, 07:28 PM
thanks for the first positive post-operative experience I've read, since i started furiously reading posts on this topic. I'm scheduled for surgery 12/17, and intend to take 4 weeks off, at the direction of my specialist. I'm about ready to cancel, after reading all of the horrible side effects. not having control of my body...frightens me more than anything. I am considering living with stage 3 and 4 internal/external H's, and NOT going through with a 3 quad hemmorhoidectomy. How are you feeling now? any other symptoms that have arisen since your last post? shooting pains, drainage, involuntary or uncontrolable issues? thanks.
dto81
11-29-2008, 08:51 PM
I am nearing day 6 of my recovery and am still doing pretty well. I still have no need for pain killers, but the area is still a little sore and constantly "tight" feeling. I will be going back to work on Monday and should be able to manage but I suspect it will be a good 2 weeks more before I feel completely back to normal, but the worst is definitely over. After dropping the pain pills on day 3 my bowel movements have gotten completely back to normal. I go once a day in the morning, and its fairly soft. I'm not even taking the stool softeners at the moment. Pretty much all I do is sit around, take a sitz bath several times a day and re apply gauze (It still bleeds/leaks very slightly which is supposedly normal). At this point the only big inconvenience is the bowel movements. They don't hurt actually going, but it does leave the area tender afterwards. Hopping in a bath afterwards and then relaxing is quick relief but going back to work Monday thats my main concern, I wont be able to do the bath thing any more.
As for you, if your hemorroids are as bad as you say, I must imagine they are affecting your life yes? The recovery for your surgery will be painful, but if you already have set aside a good 4 weeks of recovery then I would definitely go forward with it. My one larger hemorrhoid was actually becoming less painful (but still large) at the time of my surgery and Id still do it again. Its gone, things are totally gone down there. My biggest and most important piece of advice is to do everything in your power to find a pain killer that doesnt affect your bowel movements too much, and try to get off medicine as fast as you can and tough it out. Use them just for sleep if you can, and live in a sitz bath during the day.
As for you, if your hemorroids are as bad as you say, I must imagine they are affecting your life yes? The recovery for your surgery will be painful, but if you already have set aside a good 4 weeks of recovery then I would definitely go forward with it. My one larger hemorrhoid was actually becoming less painful (but still large) at the time of my surgery and Id still do it again. Its gone, things are totally gone down there. My biggest and most important piece of advice is to do everything in your power to find a pain killer that doesnt affect your bowel movements too much, and try to get off medicine as fast as you can and tough it out. Use them just for sleep if you can, and live in a sitz bath during the day.
hoodster95
11-29-2008, 09:09 PM
awesome advice. thank you, I'm very happy to hear you have done so well. did you have anyone to help you around for the first few days?
well my current condition IS affecting my daily life, but it passes and then flairs up if you can relate to this... i'm fine for a week or two, then something happens...working to much around the yard or house,,,stress, or diarrhea, and I also have motorcyling as my hobby and life's enjoyment...it's not horrible, but i do suffer the consequences of a 200 mile ride or more in one day, and well, if it is bad enough to go to the initial evaluation, then it's bad enough...right? i just don't know if i'll be like YOU, and everything goes FINE, or miserable and regret ever doing it.
take care, and i so appreciate your quick response. I was so shocked to see all the negatives, and yours being only the first 'ok-not-so-bad" experience I've read thus far.
send any and all updates, I'll be watching. peace.
well my current condition IS affecting my daily life, but it passes and then flairs up if you can relate to this... i'm fine for a week or two, then something happens...working to much around the yard or house,,,stress, or diarrhea, and I also have motorcyling as my hobby and life's enjoyment...it's not horrible, but i do suffer the consequences of a 200 mile ride or more in one day, and well, if it is bad enough to go to the initial evaluation, then it's bad enough...right? i just don't know if i'll be like YOU, and everything goes FINE, or miserable and regret ever doing it.
take care, and i so appreciate your quick response. I was so shocked to see all the negatives, and yours being only the first 'ok-not-so-bad" experience I've read thus far.
send any and all updates, I'll be watching. peace.
dto81
11-29-2008, 10:56 PM
Yes, you will most certainly need someone at your side for minimum the first two days, and better if longer (assuming yours will be tougher than mine since I Just had one big one done).
I too read, and became scared by, what I saw on message boards. I darn near cancelled the surgery, but I am glad I didnt. Remember, more people will be inclined to post about these things the worse they are, it provides an outlet for pushing through......which is exactly why I felt compelled to share my "not so bad" side. Don't get me wrong and nothing against other posters who have very tough experiences, this surgery is very tough and it does hurt, but always keep in mind the reason for it. Once they are taken care of and you control your diet, you can be rid of these things for a long time and not have to worry about a flare up just from sneezing.
Good luck and stay positive!!!
I too read, and became scared by, what I saw on message boards. I darn near cancelled the surgery, but I am glad I didnt. Remember, more people will be inclined to post about these things the worse they are, it provides an outlet for pushing through......which is exactly why I felt compelled to share my "not so bad" side. Don't get me wrong and nothing against other posters who have very tough experiences, this surgery is very tough and it does hurt, but always keep in mind the reason for it. Once they are taken care of and you control your diet, you can be rid of these things for a long time and not have to worry about a flare up just from sneezing.
Good luck and stay positive!!!
hoodster95
11-30-2008, 11:26 AM
you are exactly right. thank you again.
dto81
12-07-2008, 08:25 PM
Update: Almost 2 weeks since the surgery, and I went back to work 1 week ago. The discomfort is still there, especially after bowel movements, but overall I was able to make it through a week of work at a desk job. I brought a pillow in for my chair. Day 1 at work was very uncomfortable. Mainly its just after bowel movements. The movements themselves dont hurt, it just makes it sting afterwards. I don't have any "pain", just discomfort that is tolerable. Each day the level of discomfort is about the same after a bowel movement, but the time it takes to ease is growing shorter each day. By the end of each day I'm usually feeling pretty good and barely notice, but the cycle restarts after each bowel movement. Doc says this is totally normal. I'm still putting gauze down there, and the wound is still leaking pus throughout the day. Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to go to the gym for the first time in a month. I am not worried about the pain, but I do hope I don't somehow slow my recovery because of this. I might call the doc just in case but I can't stand sitting around any more. I'll probably avoid situps for another couple weeks to not put too much pressure down there. Overall I am supposedly doing really well, Im just nervous that the wound wont heal properly even though I have no real reason to be (just don't know what to expect). However, this is the first two week span in over 5 years that I havent touched preparation H, so thats quite nice. Surgery was still worth it in my opinion.
hoodster95
12-08-2008, 08:54 AM
thank you for the update. i go today to my surgeon, to ask many more questions before my scheduled surgery on 12/17. I will decide after this meeting if it is worth it or not.
I really surprised to hear you are 2 weeks post op and still having drainage. That doesn't seem right. Thank you again for your informative posts and for your sincere opinion of your surgery.
I really surprised to hear you are 2 weeks post op and still having drainage. That doesn't seem right. Thank you again for your informative posts and for your sincere opinion of your surgery.
dto81
12-09-2008, 06:28 PM
My surgeon said it was completely normal to still have drainage and slight bleeding because the wound still hadnt healed completely. It's being made worse though by the fact Im back at work and sitting all day long versus lying back, but he said it was normal and could even take up to 6 weeks to stop completely. I'm still improving, today barely stung at all after bowel movement and sitting wasnt uncomfortable afterwards. Blood has nearly disappeared from the stool, just a little on the paper afterwards. I think I'm going to give working out a shot starting this weekend and give it a few more days to heal. Let me know about your meeting Id be curious.....don't be scared especially if you have allocated 4 weeks for yourself.
Good luck.
Good luck.
hoodster95
12-10-2008, 08:49 AM
i decided against the surgery. goodluck with everything. looks like mine will be staying with me for the duration.
thanks for your thoughts.
thanks for your thoughts.
Mercurio
12-31-2008, 08:45 PM
I'm scheduled for surgery for my hemorrhoids, and I'd love to have someone to talk to. At the very least, some of the more positive stories I've read here have given me some courage -- especially considering some of the horror stories I've also read. Anyone still around on this thread who might be willing to talk to me? Any advice would be helpful, although I'm also just plain scared. I'm having laser surgery. Has anyone had that?
MntGirl
01-01-2009, 10:17 PM
I am scheduled for surgery in three days - reading your posts has eased my nervousness a little bit - but I'm still not looking forward to the pain I will have next week...I have no pain with my hem but just want it GONE. Am looking forward to next month when all of this is behind me.
Thanks again for posting something positive for us out there yet to go through it ourselves...
Thanks again for posting something positive for us out there yet to go through it ourselves...
MntGirl
01-06-2009, 12:21 AM
Update. I had my surgery today and am feeling great. I know its only day one and I am still numb from the surgery, but I have no pain at all. Am still a bit nervous about my first bm tomorrow (eek), but right now its 8 hours since my surgery and I haven't yet taken any pain meds. Based on how I'm feeling now I am very positive about the experience. I was REALLY nervous after reading some posts here, but know that every experience is different and I am already SO happy that I went through with it. I plan to keep up the water and high fiber foods and to keep my feet up and rest for a few days - but so far so good!
PBS1959
01-12-2009, 11:33 PM
I had a hemmorhoidectomy for 3 external hemmorhoids on Jan. 5th. It was a difficult decision to go for this surgery because unlike many of your other reports, even though I had stage 4, severe hemmorhoids, I had no pain or discomfort just the hassle factor of wearing a sanitary napkin every single day for bleeding. Also, I did not have any of what I have read as the predisposing factors such as constipation (I am regular as a horse), pregnancy/childbirth or lifting heavy weights.
It's been kind of a mixed bag re: recovery. I was on dilaudid for first 3 days, although I cut down my dose on the 3rd day as I was practically falling asleep while eating. On the 4th day, I had not had a BM, so cut out narcotics altogether and now am just on ibuprofen. I have been having a problem with stool softeners and am wondering if any of you have feedback. When taking them just before bedtime, they starting kicking in after about 3 hrs. so I was up most of the night having BM's. I made the bad decision to not take a stool softener last night and while I slept beautifully am not able to go today so back on stool softeners. The frustrating thing is that the stool softener I am on should not have a laxative effect but for me, I was going 6 times in 6 hrs. My doctor did advise for me to take in the morning so at least I am going during daytime hours, but this is really challenging. How long did it take for people to go normally without a stool softener?
Other than that issue, my pain has been fairly well controlled. I vary from sitting on an ice pack or on a pillow if I am in pain, but the pain is related more to the BM's than to the surgery. Thanks for your responses!
It's been kind of a mixed bag re: recovery. I was on dilaudid for first 3 days, although I cut down my dose on the 3rd day as I was practically falling asleep while eating. On the 4th day, I had not had a BM, so cut out narcotics altogether and now am just on ibuprofen. I have been having a problem with stool softeners and am wondering if any of you have feedback. When taking them just before bedtime, they starting kicking in after about 3 hrs. so I was up most of the night having BM's. I made the bad decision to not take a stool softener last night and while I slept beautifully am not able to go today so back on stool softeners. The frustrating thing is that the stool softener I am on should not have a laxative effect but for me, I was going 6 times in 6 hrs. My doctor did advise for me to take in the morning so at least I am going during daytime hours, but this is really challenging. How long did it take for people to go normally without a stool softener?
Other than that issue, my pain has been fairly well controlled. I vary from sitting on an ice pack or on a pillow if I am in pain, but the pain is related more to the BM's than to the surgery. Thanks for your responses!
lacyinCO
01-16-2009, 03:54 PM
I am 8 days Post Op and still in pain although not as severe as before, my new concern is having to have a BM every time I go to the restroom to urinate??? My stool is soft formed as it should be but there is still a lot of pain and stinging afterwards, not to mention the ritual of spraying my rectum then doing a sitz bath after EVERY BM!! Has anyone else had this problem? I'm contemplating going on a liquid diet for a while just to give myself a break?? Any help will be appreciated.
PBS1959
01-17-2009, 11:31 AM
I am 8 days Post Op and still in pain although not as severe as before, my new concern is having to have a BM every time I go to the restroom to urinate??? My stool is soft formed as it should be but there is still a lot of pain and stinging afterwards, not to mention the ritual of spraying my rectum then doing a sitz bath after EVERY BM!! Has anyone else had this problem? I'm contemplating going on a liquid diet for a while just to give myself a break?? Any help will be appreciated.
I feel for you. It takes time for the bowel stuff to resolve and it is frustrating. My surgeon's office was very helpful in advising me. For me the sitz baths became a pain in the ass (pun intended) so I just started doing a very quick shower after BM's - much faster and for me felt much more hygienic. The pain does resolve. I had my surgery on Jan. 5th and the pain finally started to go away on Jan. 14th. Today after having BM, no pain at all - yeah.
I feel for you. It takes time for the bowel stuff to resolve and it is frustrating. My surgeon's office was very helpful in advising me. For me the sitz baths became a pain in the ass (pun intended) so I just started doing a very quick shower after BM's - much faster and for me felt much more hygienic. The pain does resolve. I had my surgery on Jan. 5th and the pain finally started to go away on Jan. 14th. Today after having BM, no pain at all - yeah.
lup328
01-21-2009, 09:42 PM
I also have a story to share. I did my Hemorrhoidectomy on Jan 13th Tuesday early in the morning.
According to my doctor, I had 3-4 big external hemorrhoids and he would try to take the maximum possible (3 or 4). He said they were already in stage 4.
I was put in Anesthesia and was fully unconscious of what happened. It took around 2 and half hours.
Apart from a little pain while driving back on the car, nothing looked that bad.
The real pain started when I tried to pee. It was paining like Hell.
After the cotton stuffs got removed and the bandage what was around my rectum was removed, I was expecting a slight relief for a while. All my excitement went away when I had the first bowl movement. The pain and the force what came to release the stuffs stock in the rectum area for clotting, came out with very difficulty.
To make things from bad to worse, I developed constipation and I was having a very hard time peeing every time. There was no gas movement and if there would be any, it would result in severe pain in the area.
I did not sleep at all for the first couple of days, all I was doing was making too many trips to the restroom making me really weak and tired.
I called the medical advise nurse [I am with Kaiser] and they did not have much suggestion, except to increase the frequency of the painkiller. I tried but did not help me much.
I had to call my doctors office and finally he was scheduled to see me on Friday morning. When I went there, he just looked at the wound and how it was coming. Accrording to him, he was happy with the progress I was making. [ To me there was no progress, I was not able to sleep or rest for 5 days in a row.]
He increased the pain medication and gave me a lotion to apply locally. I hoped things would be better after that.
Even after the higher dose on pain medication nothing changed for me. I was not relieved of any pain that I was receiving.
I again called the medical advise nurse on saturday and again on Sunday morning and they advised me to go to the ER for my pain treatment. I had never been in such a pain. That was a very terrible experience.
After I received the ER doctors discussed and were still shocked to see a big hemorrhoid there. They were confused as to how come such a big hemorrhoid would be left after the surgery.
They were not sure on what to do next, and wanted to consult my surgeon but later enrolled me in the hospital and have me pain medication through IV which helped me lower the pain.
I was discharged yesterday, and were given a more stronger pain medication.
I still feel the pressure whenever i go to pee or bowl movement.
I feel a little better today and hope this improvement continues.
I usually do 8-10 sit baths everyday. And they have given me two different types of lotion to numb the rectum area.
Please advise how I can feel better.
I know this topic has been discussed a lot, but I wanted to post my experience for a specific reason. A lot of the posts out there about Hemorrhoidectomy recovery are very very scary, and rightfully so. Not everyone, however, has that same horrible time with this surgery so I wanted to post my experience thus far (still ongoing).
I am a healthy 29 year old male, but had a very large external hemorrhoid that just wouldnt go away, and the doctor recommended surgery. I had the procedure done two days ago. Everything people say about the pain afterwards is true, its pretty rough. The first night I did not sleep one wink, and the pain meds simply took the edge off but didnt relieve the pain. The worst part was feeling the pressure packing that they jammed up there to keep the wounds from bleeding. I couldnt wait to rip those out the following morning.
Morning after and next day, I took out the gauze and started sitz bathing, which really does help temporarily relieve the pain! I can manage to walk around a little and get myself stuff to eat as well. The most important thing I can advise is do everything in your power to avoid constipation. I started stool softeners 3 days before surgery, am drinking fiber, eating healthy (apples, veggies, etc), but the pain killers and anasthetic still made my first BM a little tough. Actually going to the bathroom didnt hurt my wounds that much, but because I had to push so hard to pass the hard stool it was a little painful. I had my first BM this morning (2 days after) and I'm doing ok. Here is the crazy part, I am actually getting on a plane in about 4 hours. 2 hour flight, I have a ride to the airport who is going to handle all my bags. Its going to hurt like hell and the pain meds are my best friend, but I dont want to miss this flight.
I guess I just want to pass some encouragement. It does hurt, but the experience isnt going to kill everyone out there. To me, not having to worry about that hemorrhoid any more is going to be worth the recovery. I'll let everyone know how I do after the flight. Im just parking it on a bed for the next 3 days afterwards, so I just have to push through about 4 hours more of pain.
According to my doctor, I had 3-4 big external hemorrhoids and he would try to take the maximum possible (3 or 4). He said they were already in stage 4.
I was put in Anesthesia and was fully unconscious of what happened. It took around 2 and half hours.
Apart from a little pain while driving back on the car, nothing looked that bad.
The real pain started when I tried to pee. It was paining like Hell.
After the cotton stuffs got removed and the bandage what was around my rectum was removed, I was expecting a slight relief for a while. All my excitement went away when I had the first bowl movement. The pain and the force what came to release the stuffs stock in the rectum area for clotting, came out with very difficulty.
To make things from bad to worse, I developed constipation and I was having a very hard time peeing every time. There was no gas movement and if there would be any, it would result in severe pain in the area.
I did not sleep at all for the first couple of days, all I was doing was making too many trips to the restroom making me really weak and tired.
I called the medical advise nurse [I am with Kaiser] and they did not have much suggestion, except to increase the frequency of the painkiller. I tried but did not help me much.
I had to call my doctors office and finally he was scheduled to see me on Friday morning. When I went there, he just looked at the wound and how it was coming. Accrording to him, he was happy with the progress I was making. [ To me there was no progress, I was not able to sleep or rest for 5 days in a row.]
He increased the pain medication and gave me a lotion to apply locally. I hoped things would be better after that.
Even after the higher dose on pain medication nothing changed for me. I was not relieved of any pain that I was receiving.
I again called the medical advise nurse on saturday and again on Sunday morning and they advised me to go to the ER for my pain treatment. I had never been in such a pain. That was a very terrible experience.
After I received the ER doctors discussed and were still shocked to see a big hemorrhoid there. They were confused as to how come such a big hemorrhoid would be left after the surgery.
They were not sure on what to do next, and wanted to consult my surgeon but later enrolled me in the hospital and have me pain medication through IV which helped me lower the pain.
I was discharged yesterday, and were given a more stronger pain medication.
I still feel the pressure whenever i go to pee or bowl movement.
I feel a little better today and hope this improvement continues.
I usually do 8-10 sit baths everyday. And they have given me two different types of lotion to numb the rectum area.
Please advise how I can feel better.
I know this topic has been discussed a lot, but I wanted to post my experience for a specific reason. A lot of the posts out there about Hemorrhoidectomy recovery are very very scary, and rightfully so. Not everyone, however, has that same horrible time with this surgery so I wanted to post my experience thus far (still ongoing).
I am a healthy 29 year old male, but had a very large external hemorrhoid that just wouldnt go away, and the doctor recommended surgery. I had the procedure done two days ago. Everything people say about the pain afterwards is true, its pretty rough. The first night I did not sleep one wink, and the pain meds simply took the edge off but didnt relieve the pain. The worst part was feeling the pressure packing that they jammed up there to keep the wounds from bleeding. I couldnt wait to rip those out the following morning.
Morning after and next day, I took out the gauze and started sitz bathing, which really does help temporarily relieve the pain! I can manage to walk around a little and get myself stuff to eat as well. The most important thing I can advise is do everything in your power to avoid constipation. I started stool softeners 3 days before surgery, am drinking fiber, eating healthy (apples, veggies, etc), but the pain killers and anasthetic still made my first BM a little tough. Actually going to the bathroom didnt hurt my wounds that much, but because I had to push so hard to pass the hard stool it was a little painful. I had my first BM this morning (2 days after) and I'm doing ok. Here is the crazy part, I am actually getting on a plane in about 4 hours. 2 hour flight, I have a ride to the airport who is going to handle all my bags. Its going to hurt like hell and the pain meds are my best friend, but I dont want to miss this flight.
I guess I just want to pass some encouragement. It does hurt, but the experience isnt going to kill everyone out there. To me, not having to worry about that hemorrhoid any more is going to be worth the recovery. I'll let everyone know how I do after the flight. Im just parking it on a bed for the next 3 days afterwards, so I just have to push through about 4 hours more of pain.
jvoss
05-16-2009, 10:49 AM
I had stage 4 internal and external hemorrhoids since the birth of my first daughter 5 years ago. After years of pain, bleeding and cleanliness issues, I had the surgery one week ago. I was nervous about the surgery and my body cleansed itself the day before, but there was no prep for the actual surgery other than no food or water 12 hours before surgery.
Friday/Surgery Day: I couldn't hold down anything (water, gatorade, broth, jello) after the surgery due to the anesthesia. Took 1-2 Hydrocodone every 4 hours (don't know how much was absorbed), used a bit of Lidocaine cream on outside sutures.
Sat/Day 1: I held down lots of water and ate a few Triscuit crackers thruout the day and had chicken broth with tiny orzo pasta for dinner. I didn't take stool softener that day. Had 1 Hydrocodone every 4 hours & applied Lidocaine cream & Dermoplast spray.
Sun/Day 2: Had a nice day: I had fruit, one sticky bun and soup for Mother's Day brunch and ate chicken broth/orzo soup for dinner...LOTS of water thruout the day and dried blueberries & cherries thruout the day. Didn't take a stool softener. Took 1-2 Hydrocodone every 4 hours and still taking sitz baths 4-5x/day.
Mon/Day 3: Had lots of gas (painful coming out), otherwise a good day. Had cream of wheat for breakfast and bought stool softner, Metamucil & GasX after reading posts. Took stool softner with dinner: a small piece of tuna, beluga lentils and avacado salsa for dinner. Took 1 Hydrocodone every 4 hours
Tues/Day 4: Continued to have painful gas and had 1st BM at noon. Had 4BMs in 1/2 hour (half on toilet half while squatting in shower with hand-held nozzle on gentle setting). BMs got non-painful towards the end, but was like birthing a baby - lots of moaning and positions, sweating, faintness (hence the move to the tub), nausea. Once it was over, got in the big tub and soaked in hot water & called hubby to come home to care for 2 girls. Stools were initially harder, then soft and thin. Used Rx Lidocain cream on pooper. Swore off solid food!
Wed/Day 5: Rested everything, ate jello and Naked Blueberry Monster juice. Took Hydrocodone every 4 hours. Was in the bath more than out of it. Used Lidocaine cream.
Thurs/Day 6: Had another painful BM in the morning after taking stool softner. Didn't get the pain pills in before the BM hit. Had cold sweat and nearly passed out on the toilet & had to lay on the floor and let the shakes subside then hubby helped me into the tub & gave me pain pills. Thank God for telecommuting spouses! Rested, applied cream, drank lots of water.
Fri/Day 7: Had a good day! Took girls to the library and stopped to get groceries. Had a not so painful BM after dinner: Crab legs, whole grain brown/wild rice & broccoli, although I've sworn off looking in to toilet after...it's too disappointing. You think it is going to be some long, coiled monster and it is just a little poop staring up at you. Sitz bath 3x today
Sat/Day 8: Had (non-penetrative) sex last night and slept better than since the surgery, although not through the whole night. Had a BM after eating a handful of blueberries at 5am. It came suddenly after a little gas and was gone just as quick with just a bit of pain from the internal stitches and remaining 'roid (Dr told me I might need 2 Sx when initially consulted). I'm wondering how long it will take to train my bowels again (did the same after previous births one vag/one C-sect). Have a B-day party to go to and am thinking twice about eating at it for fear of having to run instead of skip to the loo.
Thruout my recovery I wouldn't have changed having my surgery. I probably would have switched to Tylenol, or alternated it with the Hydrocodone to keep things moving better and have less gas/pain. I would've taken stool softner on day 1 and continued it while I was on the Hydrocodone. The Lidocaine cream and Dermoplast spray were life savers and helped so much with the outside stitches and the small 'roid that peeked out on day 2. The spray also helps keep things clean (antibacterial) and I haven't had much seepage. I just wish my Dr was able to get them all this time around. I'm hoping he can do a band around just this one giving me grief next time since it isn't so involved. Best of luck and stick with a good diet to get you through & keep up your strength.
Friday/Surgery Day: I couldn't hold down anything (water, gatorade, broth, jello) after the surgery due to the anesthesia. Took 1-2 Hydrocodone every 4 hours (don't know how much was absorbed), used a bit of Lidocaine cream on outside sutures.
Sat/Day 1: I held down lots of water and ate a few Triscuit crackers thruout the day and had chicken broth with tiny orzo pasta for dinner. I didn't take stool softener that day. Had 1 Hydrocodone every 4 hours & applied Lidocaine cream & Dermoplast spray.
Sun/Day 2: Had a nice day: I had fruit, one sticky bun and soup for Mother's Day brunch and ate chicken broth/orzo soup for dinner...LOTS of water thruout the day and dried blueberries & cherries thruout the day. Didn't take a stool softener. Took 1-2 Hydrocodone every 4 hours and still taking sitz baths 4-5x/day.
Mon/Day 3: Had lots of gas (painful coming out), otherwise a good day. Had cream of wheat for breakfast and bought stool softner, Metamucil & GasX after reading posts. Took stool softner with dinner: a small piece of tuna, beluga lentils and avacado salsa for dinner. Took 1 Hydrocodone every 4 hours
Tues/Day 4: Continued to have painful gas and had 1st BM at noon. Had 4BMs in 1/2 hour (half on toilet half while squatting in shower with hand-held nozzle on gentle setting). BMs got non-painful towards the end, but was like birthing a baby - lots of moaning and positions, sweating, faintness (hence the move to the tub), nausea. Once it was over, got in the big tub and soaked in hot water & called hubby to come home to care for 2 girls. Stools were initially harder, then soft and thin. Used Rx Lidocain cream on pooper. Swore off solid food!
Wed/Day 5: Rested everything, ate jello and Naked Blueberry Monster juice. Took Hydrocodone every 4 hours. Was in the bath more than out of it. Used Lidocaine cream.
Thurs/Day 6: Had another painful BM in the morning after taking stool softner. Didn't get the pain pills in before the BM hit. Had cold sweat and nearly passed out on the toilet & had to lay on the floor and let the shakes subside then hubby helped me into the tub & gave me pain pills. Thank God for telecommuting spouses! Rested, applied cream, drank lots of water.
Fri/Day 7: Had a good day! Took girls to the library and stopped to get groceries. Had a not so painful BM after dinner: Crab legs, whole grain brown/wild rice & broccoli, although I've sworn off looking in to toilet after...it's too disappointing. You think it is going to be some long, coiled monster and it is just a little poop staring up at you. Sitz bath 3x today
Sat/Day 8: Had (non-penetrative) sex last night and slept better than since the surgery, although not through the whole night. Had a BM after eating a handful of blueberries at 5am. It came suddenly after a little gas and was gone just as quick with just a bit of pain from the internal stitches and remaining 'roid (Dr told me I might need 2 Sx when initially consulted). I'm wondering how long it will take to train my bowels again (did the same after previous births one vag/one C-sect). Have a B-day party to go to and am thinking twice about eating at it for fear of having to run instead of skip to the loo.
Thruout my recovery I wouldn't have changed having my surgery. I probably would have switched to Tylenol, or alternated it with the Hydrocodone to keep things moving better and have less gas/pain. I would've taken stool softner on day 1 and continued it while I was on the Hydrocodone. The Lidocaine cream and Dermoplast spray were life savers and helped so much with the outside stitches and the small 'roid that peeked out on day 2. The spray also helps keep things clean (antibacterial) and I haven't had much seepage. I just wish my Dr was able to get them all this time around. I'm hoping he can do a band around just this one giving me grief next time since it isn't so involved. Best of luck and stick with a good diet to get you through & keep up your strength.
BCfella
10-08-2009, 12:50 PM
I have suffered internal and external hemorrhoids for 21 years. I'm 39 and finally had the surgery 4 days ago. My doctor tried to talk me out of doing both procedures at the same time due to the discomfort of recovery but I knew I could subject myself only to a one shot deal and am glad I did.
It seemed that the discomfort was increasing over time and I learned that, both the internal and external hemorrhoids had begun to meld together. Besides the regular itching and burning sensations I regularly passed blood in my stool. The most inconvenient part was that external hemorrhoids prevented me from ever really getting cleaned from toilet paper alone and I had to always shower after a bowel movement. So yes it is so far a painful ordeal but I would do it all over agian just to have the chance for even some success.
When I came home on Monday from the surgery I suppose I was so doped up that I really did not have more than a minor discomfort. I actually had some soup that evening and slept pretty decently for the most part.
Tuesday was very uncomfortable. I used up the 6 Demerol’s that I was provided and they really helped. The downside is that they can constipate you. I drank lots (3 Metamucil drinks, and a pot of mint tea) throughout the day. It honestly felt like I was sitting on an ice pick. I realize now that the pressure of the gauze and swelling (and pending stool) made things pretty rough. I felt like I had to go all the time but was unable to. Urinating took a lot of work but I was able to get by. I think that the combination of rectal pressure and drugs affected the "stream" control. All I ate this day was one piece of toast and a bowl of soup for dinner. I took 2 extra strength ex-lax tabs before bed.
A restless night brought me to Wednesday. I used the sitz bath on the toilet and yes it was quite pleasant. I think though, that spending most of the day sitting on the toilet (for bowel movement false alarms) began to bring discomfort. I later found that Epson salts in 4 inches of water in the bathtub allowed me to position myself in such a way to take the pressure off the rectum. I was taking my Tramacets regularly. All day I was really worried about having a bowel movement. I continued drinking Metamucil’s and also took another 4 ex-lax tabs throughout the day. I was able to manually remove some gauze and thus find a bit of temporary relief. I then realized that my butt was pretty much blocked with swelling and that was preventing me from going. Thankfully, in the late afternoon I was able to find success. It was a lot of effort for little results in the bowl but at least things were moving. The pressure of having to go, with the crippling waves of gaseous stomach cramps, overrode any worry about a painful movement.....I just wanted to go. For the record the movements were not really that uncomfortable after all.
Another restless night. My mistake was taking all those damn ex-lax tabs because they were finally catching up. I was running to the toilet every 2 hours all night from about midnight to 8am. Again, a lot of effort for little results. I think I must have had about 5 movements to finally clear my bowels. What joy! I am now trying to not take anymore Tramacets due to the constipating affects... a real catch 22. After the bowel movements I noticed it was easier to control the flow of urine at least temporarily. It was a real uncontrollable spry-fest so I began to go in my tub...standing at the far back and leaning forward holding myself up against the wall....arching my back which seemed to open the flow for relief. After the bowel movements I would wash up with my shower pick then sit in a sitz bath or Epson salts and tub.
I routinely fold up some toilet paper and place between my cheeks then put my underwear overtop. This is changed every time I go into the bathroom and keeps up with the blood spotting. I am also dealing with some intermittent spasms where the sphincter will clamp up.....very painful but manageable if you can try to stay relaxed.
This is day 4. I am still hesitant to resume eating full on solid foods but will try to increase the intake. A yogurt smoothy, some pasta, and more soup are on the agenda today along with as much liquids as possible. I have only 2 weeks booked off from work and hope that it will be enough. I asked my wife not to stay home from work. There is not a lot someone else can do for you during this time. I prefer suffering the day alone to avoid getting testy with anyone unfairly.
It seemed that the discomfort was increasing over time and I learned that, both the internal and external hemorrhoids had begun to meld together. Besides the regular itching and burning sensations I regularly passed blood in my stool. The most inconvenient part was that external hemorrhoids prevented me from ever really getting cleaned from toilet paper alone and I had to always shower after a bowel movement. So yes it is so far a painful ordeal but I would do it all over agian just to have the chance for even some success.
When I came home on Monday from the surgery I suppose I was so doped up that I really did not have more than a minor discomfort. I actually had some soup that evening and slept pretty decently for the most part.
Tuesday was very uncomfortable. I used up the 6 Demerol’s that I was provided and they really helped. The downside is that they can constipate you. I drank lots (3 Metamucil drinks, and a pot of mint tea) throughout the day. It honestly felt like I was sitting on an ice pick. I realize now that the pressure of the gauze and swelling (and pending stool) made things pretty rough. I felt like I had to go all the time but was unable to. Urinating took a lot of work but I was able to get by. I think that the combination of rectal pressure and drugs affected the "stream" control. All I ate this day was one piece of toast and a bowl of soup for dinner. I took 2 extra strength ex-lax tabs before bed.
A restless night brought me to Wednesday. I used the sitz bath on the toilet and yes it was quite pleasant. I think though, that spending most of the day sitting on the toilet (for bowel movement false alarms) began to bring discomfort. I later found that Epson salts in 4 inches of water in the bathtub allowed me to position myself in such a way to take the pressure off the rectum. I was taking my Tramacets regularly. All day I was really worried about having a bowel movement. I continued drinking Metamucil’s and also took another 4 ex-lax tabs throughout the day. I was able to manually remove some gauze and thus find a bit of temporary relief. I then realized that my butt was pretty much blocked with swelling and that was preventing me from going. Thankfully, in the late afternoon I was able to find success. It was a lot of effort for little results in the bowl but at least things were moving. The pressure of having to go, with the crippling waves of gaseous stomach cramps, overrode any worry about a painful movement.....I just wanted to go. For the record the movements were not really that uncomfortable after all.
Another restless night. My mistake was taking all those damn ex-lax tabs because they were finally catching up. I was running to the toilet every 2 hours all night from about midnight to 8am. Again, a lot of effort for little results. I think I must have had about 5 movements to finally clear my bowels. What joy! I am now trying to not take anymore Tramacets due to the constipating affects... a real catch 22. After the bowel movements I noticed it was easier to control the flow of urine at least temporarily. It was a real uncontrollable spry-fest so I began to go in my tub...standing at the far back and leaning forward holding myself up against the wall....arching my back which seemed to open the flow for relief. After the bowel movements I would wash up with my shower pick then sit in a sitz bath or Epson salts and tub.
I routinely fold up some toilet paper and place between my cheeks then put my underwear overtop. This is changed every time I go into the bathroom and keeps up with the blood spotting. I am also dealing with some intermittent spasms where the sphincter will clamp up.....very painful but manageable if you can try to stay relaxed.
This is day 4. I am still hesitant to resume eating full on solid foods but will try to increase the intake. A yogurt smoothy, some pasta, and more soup are on the agenda today along with as much liquids as possible. I have only 2 weeks booked off from work and hope that it will be enough. I asked my wife not to stay home from work. There is not a lot someone else can do for you during this time. I prefer suffering the day alone to avoid getting testy with anyone unfairly.
Orbee
10-14-2009, 04:16 PM
I am responding to this particular thread because it was the most recently revived and want to share some of my experiences with a recent extensive external hemorrhoidectomy after reading many posts here.
I was not able to prepare for surgery and change diet or do anything because the time between the occurrence of my first external hemorrhoid and my surgery was a 3 days with no prior history! I developed a moderate sized (about the sized of a small grape) thrombossed external hemorrhoid after some straining related to some heavy lifting and a strained BM. (I do think the two things combined made things worse.) I went to see a doctor and he recommended the gentle approach of sitz baths, Proctozone ointment, and increased fiber and water intake. Unfortunately the very next day I had to sit on an airplane for almost 7 hours and a car for another 2 hours in order to get home. I am positive that didn't help!
I got home on a Sunday and things were okay that night until I had a BM. I was painful and while doing clean up with Prep H wipes and applying the Proctozone, I thought I saw another external hemorrhoid. I was getting worried but I went to work the next day (Monday) and did okay considering. My job involves quite a bit of sitting which I did carefully and tried to stand as much as possible. That Monday night I had another BM and afterward thought I was going to pass out from the pain. I was in so much pain I was ready to take a sharp knife to myself.
The next morning I had to call my doc and after I described the situation to him he set me up with a surgeon that morning. It was thought that the issue would likely be resolved in the office with maybe just relieving the pressure. When I got to the surgeon's office I was a total mess. He and his nurse took one look at my backside and said "whoa, we can't deal with that here" and immediately put me on their surgery schedule for the day. As a bit of redemption of my thoughts that I was perhaps being a baby, they told me that my case was the worst they've seen and that I should get a trophy for the size of the mass. (In all of my Googling, I have yet to see an example as bad as mine.) Anyway, it turned out to be three very thrombossed external hemorrhoids and they were so thrombossed and twisted that the surgeon could not even see the necessary structures. There was much swelling and blood clotting. The discoloration was pretty awful. I was taken across the street to the hospital and waited in pre-op for several hours. Luckily I had not eaten or drank anything since the evening prior. I was receiving morphine to ease the pain. I eventually went into surgery and went nighty night. I was pretty much aware that I would be getting the scalpel and that suited me just fine. The things were way too larger to be managed any other way.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I was pretty loopy in recovering and nauseous from the anesthetic. I actually wound up vomiting a couple of times. The anesthetic affects many of your muscles, including those that control your bladder. You might want to talk to your surgeon about this because I discovered about 18 hours after surgery that I could not eliminate urine and I had been drinking lots of fluids as directed. I wound up having to make a trip to the ER to get a Foley catheter. (OUCH! is an understatement.) They drained 1400ml of urine after inserting the catheter and I had to keep it for several days until my bladder was back to normal. I'm sure the swelling from the surgery contributed but it was just another painful thing to deal with and it precluded many positions in which I could lay to seek relief from the pain in back.
I was sent home with instructions to drink plenty of fluids, take Metamucil or Citricel each morning, stool softener morning and evening, and to take Hydrocodone for pain management. I was aware that the pain meds would constipate me so I took them as little as possible. I also tried to eat very soft and simply things with lots of fiber. I would say that approach worked pretty well. I weaned myself off the narcotic pain med and went with Tylenol Extra when things got really painful. Speaking of pain, post-op there was quite a bit of pain but it paled in comparison to what it felt like before the surgery. My body was pretty taxed from all the pain so I was tired and worn out. Things were pretty steady except for the aforementioned catheter episode. Pain was present of course and I would categorize it as a high level.
I had been warned about the first BM and how painful it would be so I was dreading it. I mention this not to scare people but I think that the more you know beforehand and know what to expect or what is "normal", the more peace of mind one will have so I will be explicit about this part of things. My surgery was Tuesday morning and I thought my first BM was coming Thursday and after a couple of very, very painful attempts was unsuccessful. There was a decent amount of blood and I felt like I was trying to pass a bus. The screams must have sounded like I was being murdered. I gave up feeling like I wasn't getting the assistance from my bowels that would be required to complete the task. The anesthetic and pain meds kind of put my bowels to sleep and they needed to "wake up" and help with the movement. The pain of the attempted BM was terrible but what was almost as bad was the constant feeling of pressure building and pushing. It felt like there was a bag of cement in my rear. It had been a few days since the surgery and I did not have the luxury of prepping for it by eliminating before so I knew I had something substantial waiting. As far as the surgical packing/plug, I was told that it was going to come out with my first BM but I had it removed manually a day after the surgery. (My poor wife!) I was in such distress Thursday night that I called my surgeon and asked if there was anything that could be done to speed up the process, such as a laxative. He was adamant that I not use a laxative. He stressed that as natural as possible was the desired course. He did say Milk of Magnesia was okay.
I managed to tough it out Thursday night with half a Hydrocodone out of desperation and a sitz bath in the tub. The next day, I felt a bit better and managed to get through the day but I knew that I had to have that first BM. By now, it was 4 days since my last BM and I wanted to get it done. I continued to spend most of my time in bed but was sure to get up and walk around regularly though. Friday night, while standing, I felt the urge for a BM and given Thursday night's ordeal I was filled with fear. I went to the toilet and tried to go. It was just as painful and dizzying as the previous night. I tried to breath through it and actually had something in front of me so I could lean on it while seated on the toilet. That helped quite a bit to position me to be able to have the BM so that there was less weight on my rear and I able to squat. After unbelievable pain, screaming, and just about passing out, it happened. It was a relief but the pain was unreal. I called for my wife to fill the tub and looking back, that should have been done before so it was ready. I got in the tub and that gave me some relief but I was shaking and sweating. I got out of the tub and laid in bed shaking and sweating for about an hour. I had to be reminded to breath because the pain made me clench. Again, I don't mention all this to scare anyone or exaggerate. I think it is better to know what can happen and be ready for it.
Since then, I have had several more BMs and each one has gotten better. The actual passing of stool has not proven to be the problem; it has been the feeling on the rectum afterward. I have been continuing the Citricel and stool softener as well as maintaining a low-stress diet so the stool has been soft. There is just lots of stinging and burning after the BM and my rectum feels tight and as if it suffered a direct hit with a blunt object. I have been sitting in the tub after BMs to relieve pain and to help clean beyond what I have been able to wipe/blot away with moist wipes. I have three surgical wounds, with one being quite large. The sutures have pretty much all dissolved leaving some bare wounds. That is the source of some pain but the tightness and pressure down there is very uncomfortable.
It has been one week and a day since my surgery. I went to the surgeon on Monday for follow-up and removal of my catheter. I was told that the surgery was very successful and the area looked 100% better. I was advised to take another week off and just try to keep the wounds clean. The catheter was removed, which was nearly as painful as when it went it, and luckily I was able to urinate pretty normally afterward as inability to urinate after having a catheter is not unusual.
I am still feeling a bit weak and eating very carefully. I dread BMs and fear the discomfort and pain that follows. I am trying to keep my surgery site clean and allow it to heal as quickly as possible. I have had to keep using sanitary napkins to deal with bleeding. I think that will continue for a few weeks. Overall, each day has gotten better than the previous and the pain has diminished gradually. Despite thinking that I was never going to get through it all, I am managing. For those who will experience this most painful of surgeries, take heart that while it is very painful you WILL get through it.
I apologize for the long post. I just wanted to share my experience and thought it was very unusual in the way it developed so rapidly and badly in a mere few days. Reading some of the other posts gave me hope and helped make me feel normal so I hope that some of the information I provided will help someone through this very difficult condition.
I was not able to prepare for surgery and change diet or do anything because the time between the occurrence of my first external hemorrhoid and my surgery was a 3 days with no prior history! I developed a moderate sized (about the sized of a small grape) thrombossed external hemorrhoid after some straining related to some heavy lifting and a strained BM. (I do think the two things combined made things worse.) I went to see a doctor and he recommended the gentle approach of sitz baths, Proctozone ointment, and increased fiber and water intake. Unfortunately the very next day I had to sit on an airplane for almost 7 hours and a car for another 2 hours in order to get home. I am positive that didn't help!
I got home on a Sunday and things were okay that night until I had a BM. I was painful and while doing clean up with Prep H wipes and applying the Proctozone, I thought I saw another external hemorrhoid. I was getting worried but I went to work the next day (Monday) and did okay considering. My job involves quite a bit of sitting which I did carefully and tried to stand as much as possible. That Monday night I had another BM and afterward thought I was going to pass out from the pain. I was in so much pain I was ready to take a sharp knife to myself.
The next morning I had to call my doc and after I described the situation to him he set me up with a surgeon that morning. It was thought that the issue would likely be resolved in the office with maybe just relieving the pressure. When I got to the surgeon's office I was a total mess. He and his nurse took one look at my backside and said "whoa, we can't deal with that here" and immediately put me on their surgery schedule for the day. As a bit of redemption of my thoughts that I was perhaps being a baby, they told me that my case was the worst they've seen and that I should get a trophy for the size of the mass. (In all of my Googling, I have yet to see an example as bad as mine.) Anyway, it turned out to be three very thrombossed external hemorrhoids and they were so thrombossed and twisted that the surgeon could not even see the necessary structures. There was much swelling and blood clotting. The discoloration was pretty awful. I was taken across the street to the hospital and waited in pre-op for several hours. Luckily I had not eaten or drank anything since the evening prior. I was receiving morphine to ease the pain. I eventually went into surgery and went nighty night. I was pretty much aware that I would be getting the scalpel and that suited me just fine. The things were way too larger to be managed any other way.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I was pretty loopy in recovering and nauseous from the anesthetic. I actually wound up vomiting a couple of times. The anesthetic affects many of your muscles, including those that control your bladder. You might want to talk to your surgeon about this because I discovered about 18 hours after surgery that I could not eliminate urine and I had been drinking lots of fluids as directed. I wound up having to make a trip to the ER to get a Foley catheter. (OUCH! is an understatement.) They drained 1400ml of urine after inserting the catheter and I had to keep it for several days until my bladder was back to normal. I'm sure the swelling from the surgery contributed but it was just another painful thing to deal with and it precluded many positions in which I could lay to seek relief from the pain in back.
I was sent home with instructions to drink plenty of fluids, take Metamucil or Citricel each morning, stool softener morning and evening, and to take Hydrocodone for pain management. I was aware that the pain meds would constipate me so I took them as little as possible. I also tried to eat very soft and simply things with lots of fiber. I would say that approach worked pretty well. I weaned myself off the narcotic pain med and went with Tylenol Extra when things got really painful. Speaking of pain, post-op there was quite a bit of pain but it paled in comparison to what it felt like before the surgery. My body was pretty taxed from all the pain so I was tired and worn out. Things were pretty steady except for the aforementioned catheter episode. Pain was present of course and I would categorize it as a high level.
I had been warned about the first BM and how painful it would be so I was dreading it. I mention this not to scare people but I think that the more you know beforehand and know what to expect or what is "normal", the more peace of mind one will have so I will be explicit about this part of things. My surgery was Tuesday morning and I thought my first BM was coming Thursday and after a couple of very, very painful attempts was unsuccessful. There was a decent amount of blood and I felt like I was trying to pass a bus. The screams must have sounded like I was being murdered. I gave up feeling like I wasn't getting the assistance from my bowels that would be required to complete the task. The anesthetic and pain meds kind of put my bowels to sleep and they needed to "wake up" and help with the movement. The pain of the attempted BM was terrible but what was almost as bad was the constant feeling of pressure building and pushing. It felt like there was a bag of cement in my rear. It had been a few days since the surgery and I did not have the luxury of prepping for it by eliminating before so I knew I had something substantial waiting. As far as the surgical packing/plug, I was told that it was going to come out with my first BM but I had it removed manually a day after the surgery. (My poor wife!) I was in such distress Thursday night that I called my surgeon and asked if there was anything that could be done to speed up the process, such as a laxative. He was adamant that I not use a laxative. He stressed that as natural as possible was the desired course. He did say Milk of Magnesia was okay.
I managed to tough it out Thursday night with half a Hydrocodone out of desperation and a sitz bath in the tub. The next day, I felt a bit better and managed to get through the day but I knew that I had to have that first BM. By now, it was 4 days since my last BM and I wanted to get it done. I continued to spend most of my time in bed but was sure to get up and walk around regularly though. Friday night, while standing, I felt the urge for a BM and given Thursday night's ordeal I was filled with fear. I went to the toilet and tried to go. It was just as painful and dizzying as the previous night. I tried to breath through it and actually had something in front of me so I could lean on it while seated on the toilet. That helped quite a bit to position me to be able to have the BM so that there was less weight on my rear and I able to squat. After unbelievable pain, screaming, and just about passing out, it happened. It was a relief but the pain was unreal. I called for my wife to fill the tub and looking back, that should have been done before so it was ready. I got in the tub and that gave me some relief but I was shaking and sweating. I got out of the tub and laid in bed shaking and sweating for about an hour. I had to be reminded to breath because the pain made me clench. Again, I don't mention all this to scare anyone or exaggerate. I think it is better to know what can happen and be ready for it.
Since then, I have had several more BMs and each one has gotten better. The actual passing of stool has not proven to be the problem; it has been the feeling on the rectum afterward. I have been continuing the Citricel and stool softener as well as maintaining a low-stress diet so the stool has been soft. There is just lots of stinging and burning after the BM and my rectum feels tight and as if it suffered a direct hit with a blunt object. I have been sitting in the tub after BMs to relieve pain and to help clean beyond what I have been able to wipe/blot away with moist wipes. I have three surgical wounds, with one being quite large. The sutures have pretty much all dissolved leaving some bare wounds. That is the source of some pain but the tightness and pressure down there is very uncomfortable.
It has been one week and a day since my surgery. I went to the surgeon on Monday for follow-up and removal of my catheter. I was told that the surgery was very successful and the area looked 100% better. I was advised to take another week off and just try to keep the wounds clean. The catheter was removed, which was nearly as painful as when it went it, and luckily I was able to urinate pretty normally afterward as inability to urinate after having a catheter is not unusual.
I am still feeling a bit weak and eating very carefully. I dread BMs and fear the discomfort and pain that follows. I am trying to keep my surgery site clean and allow it to heal as quickly as possible. I have had to keep using sanitary napkins to deal with bleeding. I think that will continue for a few weeks. Overall, each day has gotten better than the previous and the pain has diminished gradually. Despite thinking that I was never going to get through it all, I am managing. For those who will experience this most painful of surgeries, take heart that while it is very painful you WILL get through it.
I apologize for the long post. I just wanted to share my experience and thought it was very unusual in the way it developed so rapidly and badly in a mere few days. Reading some of the other posts gave me hope and helped make me feel normal so I hope that some of the information I provided will help someone through this very difficult condition.
Laurieivy
10-16-2009, 10:20 PM
I had a fistualectomy done on Sept 30th... they place a seton in my anal wall (like a piercing with a plastic ring from the anal wall then it comes out between the anus and the vagina) I had a lot of trauma down there which inflammed my external thromosed hemorrhoid... it was so painful... I went to the doc yesterday and he said he could do hemorrhoidectomy next week when he takes the seton out. After they remove the seton they are putting in some pig flesh to plug the hole in my anal wall. He said they could cut off the external hemorrhoid but that it is very painful. I have never had problem with my external hemorrhoid before, and am thinking it is just flared up do to all the trauma of the fistula surgery.. etc. After reading all the painful recovery you all have had, I am thinking maybe I don't need to add trauma to the area since other stuff is going on... Do you think I should have the hemorrhoidectomy at the same time, since I have only had this one episode?
I have been in pain since Sept 30th with all the rest of this.. maybe I should wait and heal from this upcoming surgery before deciding to go through with the hemorrhoid surgery? Your opinions do matter to me>> please let me know what you would do, since you are done with it?
I have been in pain since Sept 30th with all the rest of this.. maybe I should wait and heal from this upcoming surgery before deciding to go through with the hemorrhoid surgery? Your opinions do matter to me>> please let me know what you would do, since you are done with it?
Moldova
10-17-2009, 04:47 PM
I am so happy from you that you are doing well after your surgery.
My best advice to you in the future: avoid even "small" constipations b/c they come back.
I had my first surgery in 1988 and now I am having same problems and facing another surgery. My case was very complicated b/c I did not want to have this done in time, than delivery of my baby son made problems worse and finally when I started to bleed non-stop I had to call 911 they couldn't even operate on me right the way due to inflammation.
My recovery was beyond describing. Pain meds did not even touch my pain, I was a big mess for about 3 month. But again, all depends how much was done during the surgery and complicated your case was.
I had 12 surgeries in my life, all major include 2 spinal fusions, but I still remember this horror time and pain I endured after my hemorrhoids surgery.
My friend's hubby, he is a Dr himself, had same surgery as you did. He wasn't able to work for 2 month, he was in so much pain. Poor man lost 15 pounds since surgery.
I wish you all the best, just hope for good outcome and the most important thing always remember to take care of your BM since Hemorrhoids grow back if you continue having constipation
Best wishes on your recovery,
Moldova:wave:.
My best advice to you in the future: avoid even "small" constipations b/c they come back.
I had my first surgery in 1988 and now I am having same problems and facing another surgery. My case was very complicated b/c I did not want to have this done in time, than delivery of my baby son made problems worse and finally when I started to bleed non-stop I had to call 911 they couldn't even operate on me right the way due to inflammation.
My recovery was beyond describing. Pain meds did not even touch my pain, I was a big mess for about 3 month. But again, all depends how much was done during the surgery and complicated your case was.
I had 12 surgeries in my life, all major include 2 spinal fusions, but I still remember this horror time and pain I endured after my hemorrhoids surgery.
My friend's hubby, he is a Dr himself, had same surgery as you did. He wasn't able to work for 2 month, he was in so much pain. Poor man lost 15 pounds since surgery.
I wish you all the best, just hope for good outcome and the most important thing always remember to take care of your BM since Hemorrhoids grow back if you continue having constipation
Best wishes on your recovery,
Moldova:wave:.
TomSitz
10-21-2009, 08:49 PM
I am a 22 years old healthy male who has been suffering from the hoids since i was 18 (this i know is an unusally young age - found out recently that they have been the curse of my family for a long time apparently). I didn't think much of it until I got a thrombosed hemorrhoid and the pain was just unbearable for four days....I had to get them fixed.
Anyway, I went to a specialist and was told that I would need to have an open hemorrhoidectomy on three large prolapsed piles. I had the operation on Monday 19th Oct and have had the following experiences over the last three days:
Day 1) The op day went very well. General anaesthetic, plus a local in the area and no BM's meant that I was completelly pain free. Unfortunately I had not prepared properly and had eaten a spicy curry the previous night and had not taken any stool softeners.
Day 2) Returned from the hospital and although a little sore, still pretty much pain free - this was not to last... Later in the evening I had my first BM and the spicy food from before, coupled with no softeners or laxatives, meant that I very nearly passed out from nausea and pain. I think it was the sight of so much blood that made me so queezy, that and the fact that I felt like I was excreting jupiter through a straw..... anyway I sat in a bath afterwards which helped loads and although still very sore and having constant anal spasms, the pain subsided a great deal about 2hrs after the BM.
Day 3) I started the course of laxatives and stool softeners prescribed by my surgeon the previous day and had four BM's, all of which were pretty easy and painless. The first was a bit bloody but was nothing compared to the previous day. I think I might have to cut down on the laxatives as I was seemingly getting diarrhoea by the last couple. However, things are looking good. No constipation, not much pain (a little sore maybe) and only on day 3!
The reason I write this, is that I sent myself into a panic just before I was going into the surgery reading horror stories about the hoidectomy on this forum. I felt obliged to write my own experiences which seem to be not that bad at all so far.
I wonder if anyone could answer the following questions I have:
1-How long did it take you before the spasms stopped?
2 - How long does it take before the mucusy discharge stops?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks and good luck to you all!
Anyway, I went to a specialist and was told that I would need to have an open hemorrhoidectomy on three large prolapsed piles. I had the operation on Monday 19th Oct and have had the following experiences over the last three days:
Day 1) The op day went very well. General anaesthetic, plus a local in the area and no BM's meant that I was completelly pain free. Unfortunately I had not prepared properly and had eaten a spicy curry the previous night and had not taken any stool softeners.
Day 2) Returned from the hospital and although a little sore, still pretty much pain free - this was not to last... Later in the evening I had my first BM and the spicy food from before, coupled with no softeners or laxatives, meant that I very nearly passed out from nausea and pain. I think it was the sight of so much blood that made me so queezy, that and the fact that I felt like I was excreting jupiter through a straw..... anyway I sat in a bath afterwards which helped loads and although still very sore and having constant anal spasms, the pain subsided a great deal about 2hrs after the BM.
Day 3) I started the course of laxatives and stool softeners prescribed by my surgeon the previous day and had four BM's, all of which were pretty easy and painless. The first was a bit bloody but was nothing compared to the previous day. I think I might have to cut down on the laxatives as I was seemingly getting diarrhoea by the last couple. However, things are looking good. No constipation, not much pain (a little sore maybe) and only on day 3!
The reason I write this, is that I sent myself into a panic just before I was going into the surgery reading horror stories about the hoidectomy on this forum. I felt obliged to write my own experiences which seem to be not that bad at all so far.
I wonder if anyone could answer the following questions I have:
1-How long did it take you before the spasms stopped?
2 - How long does it take before the mucusy discharge stops?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks and good luck to you all!
taser194
10-23-2009, 11:23 PM
I wonder if anyone could answer the following questions I have:
1-How long did it take you before the spasms stopped?
2 - How long does it take before the mucusy discharge stops?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks and good luck to you all!
1. I'm 22 and mine developed at 18 as well, we are very similar. I finally did something about it in June and had the surgery. Best decision of my lifeeeee. Spasms actually never stop, your bowels always spasm (you just don't feel it!), but you stop feeling the pain of them (after all you did have surgery) within 2 weeks (give or take a couple of days, first 7 days make you hate your body, but by the 10th day it's just a dull thing that sometimes happen). The pain gets lesser and lesser as the days pass.
2. The discharge stopped for me by the 13th day.
Hang in there!
1-How long did it take you before the spasms stopped?
2 - How long does it take before the mucusy discharge stops?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks and good luck to you all!
1. I'm 22 and mine developed at 18 as well, we are very similar. I finally did something about it in June and had the surgery. Best decision of my lifeeeee. Spasms actually never stop, your bowels always spasm (you just don't feel it!), but you stop feeling the pain of them (after all you did have surgery) within 2 weeks (give or take a couple of days, first 7 days make you hate your body, but by the 10th day it's just a dull thing that sometimes happen). The pain gets lesser and lesser as the days pass.
2. The discharge stopped for me by the 13th day.
Hang in there!
Orbee
10-26-2009, 01:09 AM
Moldova:
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Like I stated in my post, the information here can cause fear but having the information is also empowering and comforting. I am much more aware now and will be more fanatical about my health and trying to prevent any other episodes. I do NOT want to go through this again.
TomSitz:
I felt your pain when you recount the ordeal and the first BM. I also can relate as I found out as I was recovering that my father went through the same surgery many years ago. I don't know if there is any hereditary component to hemorrhoids but it was an "ah ha" moment.
The spasms you feel post-BM seem normal based on my experience. That was one of the worst feelings after BMs. I described it as feeling like I got hit down there with a blunt object. I think that there is swelling and the trauma of the surgery just makes everything more sensitive. When I'd sneeze it would feel like my back end was going to fall out. Ouch and weird! Anyway, I'm about three weeks since my surgery and I still feel slight spasms but not nearly as bad as the week or two after. I mostly feel discomfort with the three wounds being irritated by the BM. I also still have some mucous discharge now but it seems to be lessening each day. I am not as lucky as taser194 but it's nice to know that such discharge is normal.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Like I stated in my post, the information here can cause fear but having the information is also empowering and comforting. I am much more aware now and will be more fanatical about my health and trying to prevent any other episodes. I do NOT want to go through this again.
TomSitz:
I felt your pain when you recount the ordeal and the first BM. I also can relate as I found out as I was recovering that my father went through the same surgery many years ago. I don't know if there is any hereditary component to hemorrhoids but it was an "ah ha" moment.
The spasms you feel post-BM seem normal based on my experience. That was one of the worst feelings after BMs. I described it as feeling like I got hit down there with a blunt object. I think that there is swelling and the trauma of the surgery just makes everything more sensitive. When I'd sneeze it would feel like my back end was going to fall out. Ouch and weird! Anyway, I'm about three weeks since my surgery and I still feel slight spasms but not nearly as bad as the week or two after. I mostly feel discomfort with the three wounds being irritated by the BM. I also still have some mucous discharge now but it seems to be lessening each day. I am not as lucky as taser194 but it's nice to know that such discharge is normal.
TomSitz
10-26-2009, 07:40 AM
Although I am still finding BM's excrutiating, I thought I was getting alot better recently. However, over the last couple of days, although I am not in much pain at all (except during and immediately after BM) I have started to bleed a hell of a lot more with every BM.
I have read that this shows signs of infection if this extra bleeding begins happening between 7-13 days after surgery. Since I am on day 8, it does indeed seem worrying. My doctor said that bleeding after surgery was normal, but how do you know what is a normal amount of bleeding and what is not?
Orbee (or anyone else...) - what have been your experiences with post op bleeding during and after BM's been?
Since I live in the UK, I had the usual open hem operation, rather than the closed stitched operation that seems more popular in the US. Don't know if this would make a difference?
Any advice would be great! Thanks.
I have read that this shows signs of infection if this extra bleeding begins happening between 7-13 days after surgery. Since I am on day 8, it does indeed seem worrying. My doctor said that bleeding after surgery was normal, but how do you know what is a normal amount of bleeding and what is not?
Orbee (or anyone else...) - what have been your experiences with post op bleeding during and after BM's been?
Since I live in the UK, I had the usual open hem operation, rather than the closed stitched operation that seems more popular in the US. Don't know if this would make a difference?
Any advice would be great! Thanks.
Orbee
11-04-2009, 02:17 AM
Although I am still finding BM's excrutiating, I thought I was getting alot better recently. However, over the last couple of days, although I am not in much pain at all (except during and immediately after BM) I have started to bleed a hell of a lot more with every BM.
I have read that this shows signs of infection if this extra bleeding begins happening between 7-13 days after surgery. Since I am on day 8, it does indeed seem worrying. My doctor said that bleeding after surgery was normal, but how do you know what is a normal amount of bleeding and what is not?
Orbee (or anyone else...) - what have been your experiences with post op bleeding during and after BM's been?
Since I live in the UK, I had the usual open hem operation, rather than the closed stitched operation that seems more popular in the US. Don't know if this would make a difference?
Any advice would be great! Thanks.
I cannot remember exactly how many days it was that I had an experience that relates to your question. I think it was at least a week after my surgery. Anyway, I had one episode of excessive bleeding following a BM. Up to that point, there was usually a little bit of blood; sometimes drops into the toilet or upon wiping with a moist wipe. For whatever reason after this particular BM I had quite a bit of blood. It was actually bleeding and I had blood running down my legs. It was rather disturbing. It stopped fairly quickly and luckily has not reoccurred. I have no clue what set it off on that occasion. Perhaps it was just part of the healing process.
My wounds, all three of them, were stitched but the two larger ones are still quite exposed. The stitches dissolved within about 5 days and have been sort of just open wounds since then. I'm now a couple days less than a month since my surgery and still dealing with the wounds. There is still light bleeding, more of a spotting with contact, and sometimes get a bit of blood following a BM. After wiping, which I do a few times during the day to clean up what feels like discharge, I do get a little bit of blood on contact but no flowing blood. The mucous discharge is lighter and less regular but still is present. There is also pain during BMs where the matter is larger. I have to remember that it is passing by some open surgery wounds so that is normal. Even with smaller stool there is discomfort during and after. It sometimes is easy to deal with but sometimes I'm left feeling a bit off.
I am still taking a stool softener once a day to help with things and trying to drink more water. Are you taking a softener? I am always nervous about a BM and go into each one with some anxiety. I hope that one day I will not be so nervous about such a basic human function.
I have read that this shows signs of infection if this extra bleeding begins happening between 7-13 days after surgery. Since I am on day 8, it does indeed seem worrying. My doctor said that bleeding after surgery was normal, but how do you know what is a normal amount of bleeding and what is not?
Orbee (or anyone else...) - what have been your experiences with post op bleeding during and after BM's been?
Since I live in the UK, I had the usual open hem operation, rather than the closed stitched operation that seems more popular in the US. Don't know if this would make a difference?
Any advice would be great! Thanks.
I cannot remember exactly how many days it was that I had an experience that relates to your question. I think it was at least a week after my surgery. Anyway, I had one episode of excessive bleeding following a BM. Up to that point, there was usually a little bit of blood; sometimes drops into the toilet or upon wiping with a moist wipe. For whatever reason after this particular BM I had quite a bit of blood. It was actually bleeding and I had blood running down my legs. It was rather disturbing. It stopped fairly quickly and luckily has not reoccurred. I have no clue what set it off on that occasion. Perhaps it was just part of the healing process.
My wounds, all three of them, were stitched but the two larger ones are still quite exposed. The stitches dissolved within about 5 days and have been sort of just open wounds since then. I'm now a couple days less than a month since my surgery and still dealing with the wounds. There is still light bleeding, more of a spotting with contact, and sometimes get a bit of blood following a BM. After wiping, which I do a few times during the day to clean up what feels like discharge, I do get a little bit of blood on contact but no flowing blood. The mucous discharge is lighter and less regular but still is present. There is also pain during BMs where the matter is larger. I have to remember that it is passing by some open surgery wounds so that is normal. Even with smaller stool there is discomfort during and after. It sometimes is easy to deal with but sometimes I'm left feeling a bit off.
I am still taking a stool softener once a day to help with things and trying to drink more water. Are you taking a softener? I am always nervous about a BM and go into each one with some anxiety. I hope that one day I will not be so nervous about such a basic human function.