Haemorrhoidectomy (Successful Haemorrhoid Operation)

Hi Everyone

I thought I would share my Haemorrhoidectomy experience and hope it benefits people considering it. 

Background

I had 3 external haemorrhoids for 1 year. They used to come out after bowel movements and then go back in themselves. I used to feel sore after bowel movements but it was manageable. I had Sclerotherapy where there haemorrhoids were injected but this didn't work for me and didn't really make a difference. I knew sooner or later I would need to have the haemorrhoids surgically removed. 

I was abroad recently on the last week, the haemorrhoids became prolapsed and thrombosed.The pain was excruiciating, the worst type I have ever felt. I use to get muscle spasms down there too which were horrible. Luckily, I have Private Medical Insurance through work and called them as soon as I landed in the UK to book the operation. 

Haemorrhoidectomy 

I saw the same surgeon who I saw previously for Sclerotherapy. I was told before hand I would have to stay the night in the hospital. The operation itself went well and lasted 30 - 45 minutes. The surgeon removed 3 large haemorrhoids. This was of course done under general anaesthetic so I didn't feel a thing. This was the first time being in hospital since I was a little kid, so I was feeling a bit nervous in the days coming up to the operation. 

Once I woke up from the operation, I was in the recovery room where I was slowly waking up. Once the nurses were happy, they took me to my room where I had something to eat. I had a sandwich and some orange juice, I was starving as I had not had anything since 8am on the day. I had a drip on as well, the nurses wanted me to pass urine and told me to call them when I need to go as I had been under general anaesthetic so I might be a bit dizzy. Plus I had the drip on. 

I managed to pass urine without any issues. Later that night, I was in a lot of pain as I couldn't seem to pass wind, and I kept and having the muscle spasms which were extremely painful. I had to call the nurses a few times at night because of the pain and they gave me a pain killer which helped reduce the pain. I didn't get much sleep that night. 

In the morning, I had breakfast although I didn't eat much as I didn't feel like eating. The nurse came to check on me and I was released later that morning. I had a lot of questions and was given a lot of advice which I will include below. I was given constipation relief sachets called Movicol, and a antibiotic to prevent infections. Movicol actually tastes nice and is drink-able!

Day 1

As soon as I got home, I had a quick shower and jumped in bed. It was the first time I had some good sleep since the operation. I already said to myself I was going to go easy on food portions and have a bland diet which was high fibre. I felt sore on day 1 but managed to lie down on my side. I had my medicines as prescribed from the doctor. I had to change my pads in my underwear a few times as well. This was the first time I have ever had to wear a pad so felt a bit weird, but really glad I had it on. 

Day 2

More resting in bed, still feeling sore really. I spent most of the day in bed trying to find the right position to lie down in. Sometimes when I was lying down on my side it hurt. 

Day 3

Same as the day before really, tried to walk a bit around the house a bit more. Still no bowel movement but the portions of food I had been having was quite small. I did want to go soon though to avoid any potential problems e.g constipation. The soreness had gone down and I could lie down with more comfort. During the day, I tried to take my mind of things by watching Tv, going on my laptop, then having a nap. 

Day 4

Day 4 I was feeling a lot better. Soreness had gone down quite a bit and I felt a bit more normal. No bowel movement still and I was thinking I have to go today because I had not been since thursday (the morning of my operation). I continued with my medicine and bland diet. 

Day 5

Today is day 5 when I decided to join this forum. 9am I had my first bowel movement since the operation. It was painful because i had a muscle spasm with every bit that came out! It was difficult as my legs were hurting and I was sweating like crazy! As I had been having stool softeners, i was not constipated and was glad I managed to clear my tummy. I had a shower straight after which felt good. I pointed the head of the shower near the wound which made me feel relief. I was very sore for the next three hours and could barely lie down because of the pain. My surgeon did warn me before hand that bowel movements would be painful. I didn't even feel like watching tv or anything, just wanted to rest but even that was proving difficult. Luckily after a few hours the soreness reduced and I could lie down comfortably. 

My tips and tricks

Below are just some of the tips I felt were helpful which you may find helpful as well.

* After every bowel movement, go for a shower 

* Try to sleep on your side where possible

*Wear a pad in your underwear

*Contact your GP if the pain gets very bad so they can offer a strong pain killer.

*You will need someone at home with you most of the day. 

*Have small portions of food which are high in fibre. 

*Drinks lots of water

*Try to go for a bowel movement on the day of your operation so your tummy is empty

My advice

If anyone does have haemorrhoids, please do get it checked out by a specialist. I have also read some stories on here where it didn't go well for people. But for me, it has been a success and I can feel this on day 5. Surgery is the last thing I would ever want, especially down there, but you have to think long term. In my opinion, its worth it and best to try and get it done sooner rather then later. There are good and bad stories with everything, and everyone is different. But I would strongly advise anyone considering the operation to get it done. 

If anyone wants to ask me anything else, please do message me. I hope God cures us all. Remember, With every hardship comes ease....

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