having a hemorrhoidectomy on Wednesday, need some advice pls.

Hi Karyn,

I think you need to get all your questions answered BEFORE (many days before) you proceed with the operation so that you have time to plan how you will handle your day-to-day responsibilities during your recovery. 

Since hemorrhoids are obnoxious but not generally life threatening, you might want to consider postponing the surgery until you have all the information and have made the necessary arrangements for any help you will need during your recovery.  Don't let yourself be rushed into this--it's your body and you need to feel good about the decision and the timing.

Btw, have you had a second opinion?

 

Hi Karyn ..

all I can say is 'don't have it done!!'

i had mine done 10 months ago and I am still having awful problems. I have just been referred to a new consultant and may have to have a sphincterectomy as a result of the initial operation.

hopefully yours won't be as bad but it is the most painful experience ever. It will probably be around 4-8 weeks before you can do the school run, it all depends how quickly you heal but you must rest afterwards, do not take any painkillers containing codeine as that will make you constipated, ibuprofen and paracetamol are about the strongest you can take, also take laxatives starting a few days before. Make sure you ask all the questions you need to before the op. My surgeon told me nothing, I had no idea what I was letting myself in for, just have a look back at my blogs. 

I wish I could give you more positive advice but I'm just being honest. I went into the Norfolk and Norwich hospital. If my new consultant isn't very helpful I am going to ask my Gp to refer me to a hospital in London that specialise in bowel problems. 

I am still on laxatives, every single day, if I miss a day my bowel goes into spasm. I also have no bowel control and may end up having to wear a colostomy bag for the rest of my life.

i wish you all the best, let me know what you decide to do.

from Shaz 

Please don't be too worried. It's clear that some sufferers have a horrible time, but my own experience was much more positive. There was some post-op discomfort, certainly, but nothing like as much as other unfortunate people clearly underwent. I was driving within a few days, but just took things easy and used gentle laxatives, prescribed pain relief, etc. I may now have to have a further op (the wretched things can come back!) but following my first one I'm vastly less concerned. Good luck!

Hi Karyn

Like the last poster my experience is positive.  I didn't do much research before the op and I am also in Spain which complicates things with the language barrier.  However I am on day 9 after the op (I had a milligan morgan procedure for stage 3) and feel great.  The second day was horrific and I didn't know what to do with myself, but I am amazed at how great I feel.  I am in pain when I go to the loo, but nothing worse to what I suffered everyday before the op, but I have driven and am now on  holiday in portugal - we drove it in two stages to break up the sitting for me but I am astounded at how good I am coping!

Good Luck x

Hi Karyn

This is not something you want to undertake lightly.  I am on day 19 post op of having a stapled proceedure and it hasn't been the best.  I would advise you to clear out your bowels before the op by eating light meals or a liquid diet and a laxative, steer clear of pain relief except ibuprofen and paracetamol.  You will need help with the children, in my case I went back into hospital because of constipation and an anal fissure but its getting better for me now.  Make sure you keep taking a stool softener and keep your meals high in fibre.

All the best

DBJ