Halo-rar and Mucopexy - my experience

I thought I would share my experience of the above after undergoing surgery last week.

Naively I was expecting the surgery to be fairly painless and hadn't read anything about it online beforehand. I'm glad I hadn't as there are lots of horror stories out there that are super worrying to read.

I had the surgery through the NHS but in a private hospital. I was booked in for morning surgery and was told I would be home the same day. The care at the hospital was excellent. I had a male nurse care for me who was very understanding of how embarrassing and personal these things are. I also met the surgeon (a wonderful lady) and the anaesthetist beforehand.

Surgery was EUA (examination under anaesthetic), Halo or THD and mucopexy. I do have a skin tag but the surgeon said she doesn't remove them as the risk of infection is high and they can cause even more pain.

The surgeon made it quite clear that I would be in quite a bit of pain for the first ten days but the results would be worth it. As soon as I had this conversation the nerves kicked in but no going back!

I had to have an enema but the male nurse gave me the option to do it myself and as I was in my own room that was helpful and put me at ease.

The anaesthetist had issues getting the needle in my hand so had to do in the other hand but it wasn't a problem. I woke up in recovery feeling very sore and was given lots of Painkillers before being taken back up to my room. Husband picked me up later that day and took me home with Movicol, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Codeine.

The night of the surgery wasn't too bad, just a feeling of being kicked up the backside. Didn't have the best sleep but took my Painkillers except codeine.

Day 1 - woke.up and couldn't pee. Had to have a hot bath to relieve this. Feeling of being very swollen. didn't eat much and spent my day on the sofa, uncomfortable but not in agony. Pain managed with Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

Day 2 - struggling to get about and sitting down for too long was super uncomfortable . First BM.. Traumatic to say the least but think the fear of it was worse than the actual experience. Bad night and so took my first codeine and spent half the night sitting in the bath.

Day 3 - the worst day so far, the pain ramped up a notch and Painkillers not touching it at all. Very miserable. BM so sore again.

Day 4 - a miraculous marked improvement in the pain levels. Managing without codeine. Pottering about really helping and taking my mind off the pain. BM easier.

Day 5 - managing only on Ibuprofen. Went to doctors who gave me lactulose, Movicol giving me bad wind and breaking wind isn't the most comfortable! Signed off work for two weeks as sitting down all day isn't advisable. Managed to drive the car with little discomfort.

Today is day 6 and last night I only woke once. Have had BM and it was fine. The feeling of needing to go is worse than the experience but nothing awful. Rather a sharp pain and a sense of urgency. Still feeling like I've had a kick up the bottom but not too bad. Overall its going to be worth it as I already feel better down there.

My tips for anyone who is having this surgery..

1. Take each day as it comes.
2. Have lots of hot baths, they really help.
3. Get up and walk about every 30 minutes or so.
4. Drink plenty of water!
5. Take your laxatives and don't avoid going to the loo.
6. Don't lift anything!
7. Eat lots of fruit and veg.

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