Sphincterotomy - Bowel Disorders Message Board

Deezy · 09-26-2003, 11:43 PM

After a successful hemorrhoidectomy in May 2003, I now have to have a sphincterotomy. I have serious pain when I have a bowel movement and that is sometimes twice a day! OUCH... I break out in a cold sweat when I feel the urge. Despite fiber, diet, exercise and drinking water, I can't stay "Not Constipated". Has anyone had this done? I guess they cut the muscle. I am afraid of permanent incontinence. Since I just had a surgery for the hemorrhoids, I am not looking forward to this pain again, but feel I have no choice. The recover period was painful for me. And, as luck would have it, painkillers add to the possibility of being constipated too! (Vicadin) What is a girl to do? I am 45 and want to start living again. I have been in pain for over a year now.

Any suggestions/advice/support would be appreciated. Ready all your posts have inspired me and realize that I am not the only one going through agony.

Prayers to all of you,

Deezy

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Deezy

runninggal · 09-27-2003, 03:20 PM

Hi Deezy,
I had a sphincterotomy, hemorrhoidectomy, and a fissurectomy, all done simultaneously. Of all these procedures, it is the hemorrhoidectomy that is the real killer.
I think you are going to find the sphincterotomy much easier to recover from. The pain is no where near that of a hemorrhoidectomy and the healing time is quite fast.
Although I did have significant problems with incontinence in the first few weeks after my surgery, this resolved itself and I no longer have this issue.
I have had my sphninter muscle tone checked and it is totally normal.
Did your doctor diagnose you with post-operative anal stenosis?

Harry · 09-30-2003, 07:37 AM

Deezy,
I think like many people that have had hemorrhoid surgery --- you just have to keep your stool soft and I do that with psyllium water soluble fiber supplement --- Equate from Wal Mart. Some people add Colace - a stool softener-- but I have never used it. You may want to try them before surgery just to make sure they work for you.

As you know the pain of hemorrhoid surgery is pretty bad. My first stool felt like I had a stool of broken glass. You never forget it was bad but I am certainly glad your body does not remember the real pain.

I wish you well with your surgery!!!

God Bless---Harry

Deezy · 10-04-2003, 10:24 PM

Thanks for all of your support and information. My sphincterotomy is scheduled for October 17 2003. I can barely spell it, let alone have one done. I am scared to death! Is the pain going to be unbearable or even worse than the hemorrhoidectomy? Currently, I have one bowel movement a day and it is bearable, but afterward the thropping last for about eight hours. It is so painful, sometimes I can't even see straight. It is a nagging and constant throbbing pain. I can't wait until this is all over, so I can try to lead a normal life. I feel blessed to have all of you who care enough to write me back. I know I must sound like a big chicken, but I can't help it. The last time I had the surgery for the hemorrhoids was May 2, ,2003. My doc had me using vicodin for pain. Then, by the time I had the surgery the vicodin was not effective. So, after the anesthesia wore off, I felt no relief from the pain meds because my body was used to them. This time, I have refused to take any vicadin because I do not want to become immune to them nor do I need the constipation. Any suggestions/comments are welcome. I appreciate you all!

Scared...Deezy

Harry · 10-05-2003, 07:58 AM

Deezy,
I am a big believer in taking a water soluble fiber for a gentle BM without much straining. Between now and your surgery just make sure you adjust the doses so your BMs are OK.

Other than using a stool softener that all I can suggest.

God Bless---Harry