Hemorrhoidectomy hope

RoadRunner0213 · 11-13-2007, 02:40 PM

Hi everyone-

I've been a lurker here since July when I found out I would need a hemorrhoidectomy for severe internal and external prolapsed hems.

I had my surgery last Tuesday and was terrified after reading some of the posts. Surprisingly, it has not been as bad as I thought. Don't get me wrong, it's been far from a pleasure cruise, but it gets easier.

Day one was tough. I woke up from surgery and felt like I'd been napalmed. The nurse gave me a shot of morphine to put the fire out. They also gave me a prescription of Percoset to take the edge off the pain. I was not expecting to feel so nauseous and dizzy. The nurse who wheeled me out of the hospital must've once dreamed of qualifying at Talladega the way she pushed my wheelchair. (at least that's what it felt like). Suffice it to say, I didn't make it very far before I needed an emisis basin. Needless to say, puking didn't make the incision site feel good AT ALL! The pain was rough, but the dizzies were worse. I almost passed out going down the stairs. Luckily, my BF was there helping me down the stairs. All I could eat was two or three bites of lime jello.

Day two's big accomplishment was putting makeup on. I was winded after that. The pain was still pretty intense, but not mind-shattering and I was able to eat some soup and crackers. More Percoset...

Day three, I actually ventured outside with my BF to check the mail. Those mailboxes never seemed so far away. I was winded after my little down and back trek. Thankfully, it was not so much pain as just dizzy. I am now eating more solid foods.

I finally made a BM on day 4. It felt like battery acid, broken beer bottles and barnacles were coming out. Not very fun at all. I think the colace and fish oil tablets I'm taking are helping. I couldn't imagine passing solid stool, yet. Unfortunately, it brings up a problem with wiping. It's just not possible yet. Short of going out to the car wash to get hosed off, I use my sitz bath as a bidet of sorts, followed by a shower and/or bath. I can't wait to see the water bill this month.

Every day the pain seems to lessen a little. My BF went back to work today after staying home all last week with me. I am now able to take a shower by myself and I actually did my hair today. Before yesterday, I just got too lightheaded standing up that long. I still look at BMs with some dread. The pain afterwards feels almost like labor. There's a lot of pressure mixed with the pain, but even that is dissipating with every day that passes. I was in labor 59 hours with my first and didn't ask for an epidural until after 52 hours. For me, the hemorrhoidectomy was worse.

I was expecting pain that I would not be able to stand. Luckily, that hasn't happened. I've tried Lamaze type breathing when I make a BM, but it didn't help when I was in labor and it doesn't help now. I am able to get in and out of a chair easier now, and I've noticed that even while my rear end is still sore, I can sit on a toilet without prolapsing anything. Before, any time I sat on the toilet for ANY amount of time, squatted to pick something up, etc., my rear end "fell out" as I so fondly referred to my condition. My BF asked me if, knowing what I know now, would I do it again. Yes I would. Today is a full week since my surgery and while I'm not ready to go out and run a marathon, I think I'll be back to work in another week-10 days.

I don't know how I could've done this without my BF. He's been great. He never lets me feel sorry for myself and always keeps my spirits up.

michelle13 · 11-13-2007, 04:15 PM

I’m so glad that you started this post. I’ve been reading the old ones every since I scheduled surgery (Dec 6th). I’ve been a nervous wreck thinking about it. My doctor has told me that the first 2 weeks will be the worst of my life (worse than labor). I’m prepared…I think. He has also told me that I should be good to travel for New Years. That’s 3 weeks after surgery….flying from AL to RI with one layover.

I have a few questions that hopefully someone can answer…

Does it help with recovery if you start on a high fiber diet before surgery?

Does it help if you are active & work out regular before? I ask this because I saw in another post where the female was a trainer…and worked out herself. She seemed to get through everything pretty well….compared to others.

Would love to hear more about what people ate during recovery…and if it seemed to help.

blueskys · 11-13-2007, 05:10 PM

Hi michelle13

,

I had the same surgery you are going to have about 7 years ago. I remember the pain was very intense the first week. It does get better each day. I have no regrets about having the surgery, and If I had to do all over again. I would have actually had the surgery sooner. For me, I was having pain all the time after a bm. Sometimes worse than others. And it was a constant thing for years. Yes, you do have pain the first few weeks after surgery, but it gets less and less and eventually completely goes away. Which makes it all worth while. Some advice tho, after your surgery, get on a well balanced fiber diet. I wish I would have done that. I am now on a balance fiber diet, I take Benefiber everyday along with a better diet of foods.

In answer to your questions:
Does it help with recovery if you start on a high fiber diet before surgery?

Answer: It may help you pass your bowels easier, but I know that constipation and diarahea can agitate hemroids. So you have to find a balance. If you can find the right balance of fiber for you, I believe that it would help you before and after recovery.

Does it help if you are active & work out regular before? I ask this because I saw in another post where the female was a trainer…and worked out herself. She seemed to get through everything pretty well….compared to others.

Answer: Everyone is different, overall they say if you are more active and fit that you recover easier. I am an active person, but I don't work out, and I recovered fairly quickly from the surgery with no problems.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. The best of luck to you.

blueskys

michelle13 · 11-14-2007, 03:20 PM

Thank you BLUESKYS!!!

After reading some of the posts on this site I’m not as nervous as I was…but I still have 3 weeks before I go in. I’m sure closer to time I’ll be on edge again.

I’m trying to do everything I can now to prepare. I quit smoking 9 days ago, I’m in the gym doing cardio 5 days a week for an hour and weights 2 days a week. I’ve changed my diet so that I’m eating more fiber and only drinking my one cup of coffee in the AM and then water the rest of the day.

If anyone has any other suggestions, I’m all ears!!

michelle13 · 11-14-2007, 03:24 PM

ROADRUNNER -

I hope you will continue to post your progress. I know it’s only been a couple of days since you wrote last…but from what I’ve read in other threads….a lot can change in a few days.

Please keep us updated!