24 hours post op hemorrhoidectomy

Hi y69562,

thanks for your post. Even though there are so many posts on this board it's nice to hear from another person who's going through the recovery right now.

I completely agree that my surgeon provided limited and even arguably unhelpful information. For example, she advised against stool softeners and didn't recommend lidocaine. She recommended to have a cup of coffee to get my bowels moving in the morning. I was flabbergasted that she could perform such a surgery then prescribe narcotics, which are known to be constipating, and not provide any sort of recommendation for a laxative or stool softener outside of drinking coffee. The fact that she discouraged against stool softeners makes my heart ache for individuals who may have her as their surgeon and heed this advice. I ended up speaking with three different pharmacist regarding topical lidocaine. All three of them at different pharmacies said that there was no harm in a lower dose topical lidocaine provided it wasn't being applied to an open wound. Again, I didn't listen to my surgeon and I bought some lidocaine for the bowel movements.

On that note, I had my first bowel movement this morning. I never thought that I would be posting to a public forum about my bowel movements, but here we go. Overall it was not as bad as I was expecting. I initially tried squatting over a sitz bath that I put on the ground but didn't have very much come out. I could barely feel the bowel movement coming out in the first place, all I felt was stinging/burning pain to the entire area. I then got into the shower because everything was very irritated, put the sitz bath in the bathtub with me, squatted over that while holding the detachable shower head with warm water running over the affected area. As others on this board have indicated, I really believe the warm water helped to relax things and the bowel movement literally fell out. Like you I have also been taking Dulcolax as well as Miralax and drinking tons of water. The movement was very soft and I felt that I emptied my bowels. The sitz bath in the tub made for an easier cleanup as I could just dump it into the toilet and then I hopped in a bath for about a half an hour with some Epsom salts. The experience was quite uncomfortable, but I wasn't screaming in pain as others have described and I am also now relatively comfortable.

Honestly, the swelling, the pain, and the discomfort with bowel movements is all reminding me of some of the months I spent when my hemorrhoids were at their absolute worst. During those times I literally was taking multiple baths everyday, as well as icing, sometimes for hours on end taking breaks in between. I was able to do this because I was on maternity leave and my husband was on Parental leave.

Overall, I have definitely noticed an increase in pain since yesterday as well as an increase in swelling. Now that I've been through the first bowel movement I'm hoping that I'm catching a glimpse of what this whole experience is going to be like. I went into the surgery believing that I would be rolling on the floor screaming in pain. I had an incredibly difficult labor with my first child where I was literally in an animal-like state for two days and the pain was otherworldly. That is my point of reference when people talk about excruciating pain. That is not the experience I'm having now, not even close, not even in the same category. Yes, it's very uncomfortable, but with the medications I'm managing to get by and can even do some very light chores and walking around. I'm trying to stay as positive as possible and I really believe that that's helping with the healing experience. Maybe it's easy to stay positive however when the pain is more less manageable. I'm feeling lucky and grateful so far. Thank God for medications, thank God for all the tips on this board. Without some of the tips and tricks I don't think I'd be doing as well as I am now. Keep me posted on how you're doing and how your days are going. Maybe we can get through this together.

take care

Thank you for your bm description. Modesty in this case would not be as helpful, as you've given me some solid ideas, without beating around the bushes! I totally agree that it is so helpful having your perspective as I am going through this, and I selfishly am glad you are a day ahead of me, and I can benefit from your experience.

Do you squat for your sitz baths normally? I've been sitting on the toilet with my insert, but read somewhere you should avoid sitting too long on the toilet. How am I supposed to accomplish both? Have you read anywhere why watery stools (diarrhea like) would be bad at this point? If passing stools can cause horrible pain, wouldn't it make sense that the looser the better? Normally, on my everyday life, there are a few foods guaranteed to give me diarrhea (fresh cherries and hot and sour soup from one particular Chinese restaurant).

On another note, if life was fair, every surgeon should be required to experience the surgeries and post-ops they perform, to understand what patients go through.

Hi cat49131,

It happened! I had to go pee, and the other just came out. As I am still numbed up, I could barely feel anything coming out, but could see something did. All that water and stool softeners must be working, because it was barely formed and not much. Just in case more needed to come out, I took your suggestion and placed my sitz bath in the tub, squatted over it and used my hand held shower head to spray warm water over the area. BTW, any suggestions on keeping the sitz bath from filling up with water as you are doing this? Have you added Metamucil to your diet yet? One of the more informative brochures I found online said to take it at least once a day once you had your first bowel movement, with lots of water.

Hi y69562,

Glad that the details around the BM are for a worthy cause. Haha! I'm also glad that you're close to around the same surgery time as me because it gives me another point of reference.

I was never able to tolerate putting the sitz bath under the toilet seat and sitting on both the toilet seat and the sitz bath. I found that put too much pressure on the area. To get even more crazy what I've been doing for the past year is using that same sitz bath, putting it on the ground and squatting over it to have my bowel movements. I literally use it as a catch for the BM and don't put water in it. I have done a lot of international travels and have noticed that people in many countries go to the bathroom in a similar way by squatting over either a built into the ground toilet or over a hole. I recognize that how I go to the bathroom is not normal for my neck of the woods, but honestly as soon as I started doing that I a noticed a remarkable improvement in my hemorrhoids and ease of bowel movements. I at one point bought what's called a squatty potty but that didn't work for me at all though some people swear by them. I have a rule that I don't try and have a bm for longer than two minutes at a time. This may mean that I have to stop and do a little walking around the house or jog on the spot. I used to read and spend extended periods of time on the toilet and I'm sure this contributed to my problem. I also ensure that I don't strain or push in any way. I once watched a youtube video from a physiotherapist on how to have a proper bm and she talked about bringing the push or force out of the anus/rectum and into the lower abdomen. I also found this helpful and realized when I started using that technique just how much for force I was putting on my rectum before. For today's BM I also lubricated the area with vaseline after I applied the lidocaine. If you're finding the sitz bath slash toilet combo difficult and don't want to squat over a bucket or sitz bath on the ground you could also try what many on this forum have done and have a BM in the bath with water.

In regards to having diarrhea, I'm not entirely sure, however, I have read from others on this forum that you don't want your stool to be to runny so as to help prevent stenosis. From what I understand, you want your stools to be soft but formed so that they stretch the anus somewhat as they exit. This helps prevent the wound at the surgical site slash anus from healing too tightly which could result in stenosis.

hope this helps, how's the pain today?

Haha, that's great!! unfortunately no suggestions for how to keep the water out of the sitz bath while in the shower. At least now you've had a bit of a trial run for when the freezing wears off.

I'm going to incorporate a very small amount of benefiber into my bowel routine in a few days. I'm a bit hesitant to do so though and may play it by ear. I know everyone recommends metamucil, benefiber, or other fiber supplements, but I've had bad experiences in the past. In fact, I think metamucil almost made my stools too bulky and exaggerated my hemorrhoids past the point of return. When I was taking the Metamucil I would drink water religiously. I would measure out 3 liters and ensure that I drank that amount everyday. I eventually decided that the metamucil was doing more harm than good and switched to the Miralax. Again, like the change in how I went to the bathroom, as noted from my previous post, starting on Miralax also made a significant positive difference. I'm only considering starting Benefiber now because I will continue to take it with both stool softeners and the Miralax. I'm just hoping that it will bulk the stools just enough to prevent stenosis but I don't think it's a good solution for me long-term. Others swear by Metamucil and fiber supplements though so don't let me deter you.

How's your swelling at the moment? I'm starting to become a little bit concerned with mine. The entire area is swollen to the point where I can't see the exit door if you know what I mean. Part of it almost looks like thrombosed hemorrhoids as it is dark in color and there has been another increase in pain. Not sure if this is just normal or if it's something more..?

I was in China last summer and used the squatting toilets for the first time. It is more effective and much more natural!

When was your surgery? My surgery was at 7:30 am on Thursday. It's now 7 pm on Friday, and I really have not felt any pain yet. I was given 2 Tylenols prior to surgery, went under general anesthesia for the surgery and had Exparel injected to the site. Dr. said Exparel was a slow releasing numbing agent that could block pain up to 72 hours, and I do hope it lasts that long. Tonight the area is definitely less numb than last night, but still pretty pain free. From everything I've read, I know there will be pain once it wears off but my hope is that by then I'll be that much farther along the healing process.

I am also trying to stick to a lighter diet, although yesterday after surgery I was just ravenous and indulged in some crab rangoons! Sticking to soups and canned fruit today. I feel myself obsessing about my digestion and bowel.

I'd definitely say things "feel" worse down there than pre-surgery. I haven't taken a peek yet, but by touch, I feel several lumps, a couple bigger than what was there originally. I hope with time, they will all shrink away. I'll work up my courage and take a look this afternoon.

It has now been a little over 48 hours since my surgery, and I still have not taken any painkillers. I am not saying this to gloat and I'm actually quite wimpy when it comes to pain. I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop, and the pain to set in once numbing wears off, which it has definitely done some. So far there is only discomfort, mostly like burning, when I first sit down and during and after bm. A side effect I've noticed is that I feel the need to pee all the time, and sometimes it feels like I'm not emptying my bladder all the way. Sitting on the sitz bath always makes me pee, even if I just did seconds before. I am drinking 8-12 glasses of water per day (64-96 ounces), huge change for me, who used to get by on 3! I hope this is not the beginning signs of a UTI!

Hope your swelling is down, and your pain is manageable!

hey Y69562,

I'm now almost 72 hrs post op. Last night was pretty rough. Woke at 1230am to burning pain like someone had stuck me with a hot poker. Had to shower and load up on pain meds to get back to sleep. Woke from pain and horrible spasms several times in the night. Almost felt like my bum was trying to suck the swelling back in, so painful! it's strange, seems like the swelling has decreased ever so slightly, but the pain has increased. Haven't had a BM today so the fun has yet to begin!!

I'll bet you're peeing so much more as your fluid intake has gone up. I'm in the same boat, peeing every half hour and just keeping an eye out for signs of UTI. I've read posts about people having trouble peeing post hemorrhoidectomy. Seems like it's related to the swelling, but I think you're wise to be on the lookout for UTI and follow up with your doc if needed.

I hate to say it, but I think you should prepare yourself for some pain when your freezing wears off. At least you've had a few days of healing before it kicks in. Icing has been a God send for me. I overdid it with my kids yesterday and as I was with them I went about 3-4 hours without icing. I was pretty uncomfortable after and had significant relief after several minutes of icing. I would say that icing and showers/baths have been just as effective if not more than the pain meds.

Still trying to remain positive and remaining thankful for every minute I am not rolling on the ground from pain. I can really see how this operation takes a toll on a person both physically and emotionally. So glad for the support here 😀

Hi Cat49131,

I'm so sorry to hear about your pain! Ugh, I know it's coming for me too! Since I last posted this morning, I noticed an increase in the burning sensation, so I applied the lidocaine ointment, which helped some. Nothing like hot pokers yet, quite dreading that. We will get through it, hang in there! Thank you for the tips. What are you using for the ice packs? I've read about diapers and pads, but honestly I haven't prepared anything. I have a quite a few gel packs, that become flexible once partially thawed. I'll freeze a couple more of those and place one in the fridge to start thawing in case I need it tonight!

Thank you again for posting, you have been so helpful to me!

hi again y69562,

I'm using the 'blue ice' ice packs made by Rubbermaid bought from Walmart. They're rectangular shaped and are meant to go into a lunch box or small cooler. I freeze these as flat as possible and when I'm ready to us I find a very thin cloth of some kind to wrap the ice pack in. I lay on one side, lift a butt cheek, put the ice pack in on a horizontal plane, and as it's flat it kind of sits in between the two cheeks. Sometimes I have to lift the cheeks a little bit one at a time to wiggle the pack further in or even hold it in place. I ice for about 15 to 20 minutes. If this is your first time icing this area it will take a little while to get used to the cold, but after you're used to it it should provide a lot of relief. You will notice on the ice packs that there are some plastic edges. You may want to trim these for comfort's sake. Your blue gels sound like they could do the trick though. Honestly, I find the colder the better. Sometimes I use the same ice pack for a couple of icing sessions but then I'll throw it back in the freezer and switch it out for a more frozen one. I suggest you do a trial run before you actually need the ice. That way you can kind of troubleshoot it. I usually get my tablet and watch some Netflix while I do my icing. Helps the time pass

I have to admit that I've paused a couple of times to chuckle at myself as I write this. Hey, I guess it's whatever helps the cause!!

Good morning Cat49131,

Hope you had a better night, and are continuing your healing. I definitely feel more burning/stinging this morning but still managing it with Lidocaine ointment. Trying to decide at what point to add Tylenol or Iboprofin. It only really hurts during bms, getting up and sitting down, and while coughing. I've decided to skip the stool softener today but continue with the Miralax overnight. Depending on how things go today, maybe I'll add 1/2 tsp of Metamucyl tomorrow, to try to bulk things up.

I still have not looked "down there", but the lumps feel smaller somehow (that could also just be wishful thinking!).

Keep us posted!

Good Morning Y69562,

Wow your recovery seems to be quite good so far. I really think that that 72 hours of extra numbing helps the situation. I had asked about that and was told that they don't do that where I live. Not sure why, especially since it really seems to make a difference for a person's recovery. I'm still taking Hydromorphone, Tylenol, and ibuprofen around-the-clock. Was hoping to taper off on the hydromorph, but have still needed it especially at night when the pain seems to be the worst. My little one had a nightmare last night and so I was up in the middle of the night for a couple of hours and then couldn't get back to sleep from the pain. All the medications are really starting to do a number on my stomach and I find myself having brief periods of nausea and was even wretching a little bit yesterday. I've noticed that the swelling is continuing to go down and I'm thankful for that. I'm sure your swelling is also going down and it's not just wishful thinking!

Finally had a BM this morning and kind of a funny moment. Have to admit that the bm was much more of a painful experience than the first one a few days ago. I found myself standing in the shower with my legs shaking and panting from the stinging and burning. Luckily that only lasted a few minutes! I knew the only real relief I was going to get was by sitting in a bath and so I started frantically looking for the stopper for the bathtub while holding the shower head up to my backside. I couldn't find it and realized that my two year old had probably run off with it. All I could think was that the stopper was for sure forever lost in the abyss of toys and that I would never get my bath. This was the straw that broke the camel's back and I began to weep. Luckily, my husband found the stopper and I was able to have my bath. I find the whole situation a bit funny now and I'm glad that that's the only real breakdown I've had so far and we're on day 4 post-op!

All in all, I think I'm doing fairly well in terms of recovery especially compared to some of the other stories out there. That being said though, I do find this whole experience to be pretty taxing. It's just day after day of unrelenting pain even with medications. For me the pain has been less excruciating and more just miserable if that makes sense? I find that I'm able to do a little bit of activity, but seem to pay for it afterwards every time. I'm definitely getting a little sick of laying in bed. I've also started to experience a little bit of leakage from the back side which causes a lot of a burning sensation. I've been able to help relieve that with gauze pads and ensuring that I'm vigilant with my hygiene.

How are you feeling today???

That was quite funny to read! I am not laughing at your misery, just the whole situation! I'm glad your husband found the stopper and you were able to get your bath! It must be that much harder having little ones to care for while healing. My son is 23 and living on his own and I lost my husband 3 years ago. In one sense, just having to take care of my own needs makes things easier at times.

BM was more painful this morning and I ended up taking some ibuprofen then Tylenol 3 hours later. I was going to continue alternating them every 3 hours but haven't needed it after the first cycle. I am worried they'll cause constipation.

Feeling well today, getting bored. Have been binge-watching previous seasons of Top Chef.

I did finally have a look down "there". I can't barely see where the exit/entrance is, since the area is surrounded by lumps. The one information sheet I've been following (UWHealth) says "You may have swelling at the anus with tissue protruding from anus. You may also have lumps or skin tags develop around the anus. This is your body's reaction to the incisions made at surgery. These lumps will shrink as recover occurs."

Good morning Cat49131,

I hope you got some good sleep last night. I think because of this forum, we prepare ourselves for excruciating pain. You also knew what that felt like because of your child-birth experience. But once you gave birth, there was relief from the pain, plus you had something to show for all you had gone through. With this surgery, you haven't gotten any relief from the pain yet and at this point our backsides don't look improved at all (if anything mine looks a lot worse). Hang in there! You will get through this, just like most posters have.

It's hard to say if my recovery would be going differently had I not received the long lasting numbing agent. I choose to believe it really helped, because it gave me a couple of days of being totally pain-free. In addition, I didn't need any opioids to get me through those first days, which also meant I didn't have to deal with constipation. The downside would be that people could do too much since the pain is not limiting their activities. I don't know why everyone is not offered that option. It's not a brand-new drug.

Day 4 for me, and I am glad I took this week off (my surgeon thought I could return to work today or tomorrow). I took Miralax before going to bed last night, and I took 2 Tylenols at 5 this morning, in preparation for a possible bm once I got up around 6 (based on yesterday's experience). And sure enough, once I got up and went to pee, I also had a bm. The pain level was quite tolerable thanks to the Tylenol, but then, to make sure I had emptied my bowel, I squatted, which I'll avoid for now. The only thing that came out was some blood, 1/2 tsp or so, and the pain went from a 3 to a 7! I washed the area with my hand held shower head then sat on sitz bath to soothe everything, then used my blow dryer (cool setting) to dry, then applied lidocaine (it stung, for the first time!). Laid back down and fell asleep again. Took ibuprofin at 8, and as I type this my alarm just went off for the Tylenol, but I don't need it. Physically I feel like I could return to work tomorrow, but the issue is trying to figure out bms and time them so they can happen at home. There is so much involved to make myself comfortable afterwards and there's no way I can accomplish that at work.

So far, my blow dryer and hand held shower head have been indispensable. I find the sitz bath insert I bought useful but uncomfortable to sit on for longer than 5-10 minutes at a time. I am still sticking to a pretty easily digestible diet, mostly soups, rice porridge, eggs, canned fruit, cottage cheese. And drinking tons of water (could those be gills developing behind my ears?)

Cat, I hope the fact that my experience has been far easier than yours so far doesn't bother you too much and if it does, it's okay. When my husband was dying, I would get mad at the universe that none of our friends/acquaintances were going through the same thing (irrational, I know, since I didn't really wish that experience on anyone, but as the old saying goes, "misery loves company"). It just goes to show how recovery can vary for each individual, regardless of pain tolerance (remember, I am a wimp when it comes to pain). I do hope today is going better for you.

Y

hi Y,

Thank you so much for sharing some of your experience regarding your husband. I'm so sorry for your loss and I imagine that it was probably an extremely difficult time for you and still may be. I don't in any way begrudge your experience compared to mine 😃

I'm happy to hear that you're doing so well and it gives hope to others out there that, while still not pleasant, the recovery from this surgery isn't always worst case scenario. I myself have to admit that I've been feeling somewhat guilty about posting that I'm not in excruciating pain when I know that others on this board have had that experience. My heart goes out them!!

Today has been much easier already in comparison to yesterday. I haven't had to take any narcotics since yesterday morning. I consider this a win! I continue to alternate Tylenol and Advil every 4 to 6 hours and I'm still in some pain, but it's nothing in comparison to the previous four days. I find it odd too that the long-acting medication that you were given has been around so long and yet for whatever reason it's not something they do here. It really sounds like it would help the situation as those first few days can be so difficult. That being said and like you mentioned, it's hard to know because everyone is so different and their experience is so different. While I think some pain tolerance and the type of surgery one has had performed comes into play, I also believe that it can just be luck of the draw in terms of pain. I'm remaining very grateful that although the past four days were very painful and miserable that I was not in excruciating pain and rolling on the ground like I expected. I completely agree that that was the type of pain I was preparing myself for and I don't doubt that that is the experience of many people. As I described it to one friend, it's just misery day after day. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel though and I'm remaining cautiously optimistic as I know that it's still early days.

Sorry to hear about the bit of bleeding that you had. Though it's something to be expected I'm sure it's still a bit disconcerting. I'm surprised that your doctor would say that you could go back to work this early, especially since you're a day behind me. I'm even more surprised that you feel that you're able to go and that's great too! Although I'm able to do some light chores, I'm still spending the bulk of the day in bed icing and relaxing. Hopefully you can get your routine for your bms sorted out so that you can get back to work soon.

Thanks again for reaching out. keep me posted on your progress!!

Thank you for your kind words. I did have a pity cry my first night home, but that passed pretty quickly. I'm very glad to hear today has been better than yesterday, and congratulations on getting off the narcotic, that is a huge step! Totally agree with you about staying cautiously optimistic, we still have a ways to go.

Good morning Y,

Self-pity cries are perfectly acceptable in my book! I was saying the other day that this surgery leaves a person feeling very vulnerable. It's certainly situated in an area of the body that once injured can make a person feel insecure. Must be a bit of a primal thing...

How is your day going today? Is the pain still continuing to be relatively reasonable?

I'm still off the narcotics and have even been able to reduce the amount of Tylenol and Advil. What I have noticed however, is a bit more of the stinging burning pain after bowel movements. Part and parcel of the healing process I suppose. One day at a time!

I totally agree that the burning stinging has increased after bms! I've taken more Tylenol and ibuprofen today than yesterday. I'm also holding off eating until 3, hoping that would help time bms to the time I would normally be home. After fasting all morning, I broke down around 11 and had some beef broth and soon after had to go (second time already). I'm waiting until 3 to eat real food. Tomorrow, no broth, see if that makes a difference. I'm definitely being extra careful about my diet. I'm looking forward to the day I can eat whatever/whenever I want!

Since I didn't really have major issues prior to surgery, I do regret having it done when I did. Hindsight is 20/20, and yes, one day at a rime.

Have you returned to a more regular diet or are you still being careful?

Hi Cat,

I hope you're continuing to improve! Today is day 7 post-op and I wanted to post an update in case it can help others. Surprisingly enough, day 5 was a tough one emotionally. The burning/stinging while having a bm seemed worse, and I was just tired of the whole thing. Yesterday was much better. Although still painful, the swelling has gone down some, and the area is less sensitive. BMS ares till no walk in the park, but manageable. This morning, I was able to skip the tub soak for the first time. I've been experimenting with s squirt bottle and baby wipes in preparation for returning to work on Monday. As far as diet is concerned, I've decided to stick to my nightly Miralax dose for now. Stools are very soft, but definitely holding their shape. I made a vegetable beef soup yesterday, and it appears the beef was tolerated well. I have a cup of coffee with plenty of fake cream right when I get up, have my bm, then don't eat anything until 2:30, hoping that will prevent additional bathroom trips (trying to time things to my work schedule). We'll see how today goes. I do second guess myself every time I go to the bathroom, wondering if I've emptied my bowels or if there's more to come, since I avoid any straining. Something so basic has become a whole new experience!

I hope you are doing well. Would love an update!

Y

Good Morning Y,

How are you feeling? Have you returned to work? I still have another week off and I'm happy for the time to make sure that things are healed up properly.

I have more or less returned to a normal diet as I feel that I'm quite hungry. I seem to be craving a lot of carbs which I find a bit funny because for the previous couple of months I've done a lower carb diet. I'm still trying to drink a lot of water and I'm continuing on the Miralax. I'm going to slowly cut down on the stool softeners as I think it's time.

I'm really surprised at the changes that have happened in the past couple of days. Yesterday was the first day that I didn't spend any time in bed and was able to do several chores and even venture out of the house. The only challenge left is just dealing with the burning after the bowel movement in the morning. Today the burning only lasted 20-minutes and was relieved by a bath where as yesterday the burning lasted 2 hours and the day before the burning went on between three to four hours.

So sorry to hear that you're regretting the surgery. I'm surprised that your surgeon would perform it if your hemorrhoids weren't causing you significant trouble beforehand. Maybe they wanted to make sure they were taken care of before they got worse with age..? When I first saw my Surgeon 2 years ago they recommended a hemorrhoidectomy right off the bat. I persuaded them to try banding as I knew that I had both internal prolapsing as well as external and wanted to see if the banding would help relieve some of the symptoms. I had read that having internal prolapsing hemorrhoids banded could help resolve external hemorrhoids as it takes some of the pressure off. In my case that's exactly what happened. After two rounds of banding I was left with just the one mixed hemorrhoid that could not be banded. This is the one that I had the hemorrhoidectomy on. It was significantly impacting my quality of life to the point where I couldn't do normal activities without being in pain. Even just regular household chores would cause it to flare up on a daily basis. That's when I decided that enough was enough and chose to have the hemorrhoidectomy.

Maybe once your symptoms have resolved and you can resume your normal activities you won't regret the surgery as much. It's hard to know what the future holds but I have to keep telling myself that this was the right decision.

keep me posted on your progress. I hope today is bringing more recovery to you!!

We must have posted about the same time! I agree what a difference a couple of days can make! So glad to hear you are doing well. I agree about the bathroom times being tough, but like you, they are also improving. I go back to work on Monday and I think I'll be ready by then. I have a desk job, but will be borrowing a standing desk for the next couple of weeks.

Are you taking stool softeners in addition to Miralax? I am quite afraid of constipation, so definitely not back to my regular diet yet, but eating more things. It's funny that I find myself following the "intermitent fasting" diet, not for the purposes of losing weight, but regulating bathroom trips! It would be nice to lose some weight, though, a bonus really.

I am very glad we are able to experience this together. Have a lovely day!

Y

Hiya. Im 4 days post op following 4 haems being removed. So far not as painful as i'd imagined. Only taking ibuprofen lyscine and paracetamol. Got antibiotics too.

I have just posted my experience on the forum.

Hi To ya 77797,

I hope your recovery continues as well as well as it's going so far. Your experience with the banding sounds excruciating!

This is day 9 post-surgery for me, and I do feel better everyday. Barring any setbacks, I feel I'll be ready to return to work Monday, 11 days post-op.

Good luck in your continued recovery.

Hi and thanks for responding! I've just attempted a walk today but turned around as sooo lethargic. Good job i did as i needed to go.....3 days on the trot lol.

Yes, the banding experience was not one I'd ever want again!

Hi Tonya,

wow, your banding experience sounds horrifying! Glad that your hemorrhoidectomy experience so far hasn't been too bad all things considered.

How are you feeling today?

I'm 11 days post op. The past few days it has been a bit of 1 step forward 2 steps back. Still constant aching at the site, with some swelling and BMs are not very comfortable. I was convinced last night that I had developed an external hemorrhoid. Felt exactly like one of those almost pinpoint sized but long and protruding ones and was disproportionately tender for its size.

I may be just doing too much as I am definitely through the worst and am anxious to get on with things. I can see now that the recovery period is going to extend beyond the 2 weeks which is just in another few days. Luckily, I still have another week off of work to have things even more healed.

Keep us posted on your recovery 😃

If you're reading this "Y" how are you doing and feeling about your return to work tomorrow?

Hi Cat49131. I'm ok thanks but think one of the sutures came out with a bowel movement. Not unduly worried as I've read that this can occur and not cause problems.

Still uncomfortable, particularly after a BM but not painful as such.

Hi Cat,

I went back to work today and it went well. i ended up having to go twice while at work, but my squirt bottle and baby wipes did the trick. Bms are still uncomfortable, but every day continues to be better, and the stinging/burning is much improved. i am now only taking Metamucyl (once a day), no longer taking miralax nor stool softeners. Still drinking 12+ cups of water per day.

I see my surgeon on Wednesday and I'll ask her more details about my surgery. I'm glad to hear you are continuing to improve. I still have lots of lumps/growths outside my anus but i do hope they'll continue to shrink and eventually disappear.

Hi Y,

Great to hear that you were well enough to return to work today!! Too bad about the BMs but sounds like you were prepared. I'll have to remember my squirt bottle and wipes when I return next week.

Was feeling a little down yesterday with where things were at for me. I was so happy to be over the worst of the pain that when I had a bit of a set back it felt like a leap backwards. Today I seemed to be much improved and have noticed another big decrease in the swelling. I do have a bit of a new symptom though and have been having a bit of a restless leg/buttox feeling on the side that my hemorrhoid was removed. I suspect it's from either internal spasms or from involuntarily tensing up on that side from discomfort. Managed to go for a 20 min walk today and did a bit of yoga so I consider that a win.

Really seeing how this can easily turn into weeks of healing and trying to be mindful that my surgeon did indicate 6 weeks of recovery. One day at a time!!

take care and good luck with your return to work day 2.

Hi Cat,

Walking and yoga are victories worth celebrating! Both can only contribute to the healing process! I'm glad you are feeling better today, but it's understandable that you had a down day.

I hope you continue to improve and feel better every day.