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Hemorrhoid surgery recovery tips

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gee11215
gee11215

Hemorrhoidectomy recovery

I had a hemorrhoidectomy two weeks ago. The doctor warned me that recovery process would be painful. But I didn't think it would be this intense. Here are a few tips to ease the pain. It made a world of difference in pain management for me:

1) ice packs-- most ice packs are not shaped for your butt and the flat ones only numb the butt cheeks, not the surgical site where you need relief. So make your own! Buy diapers (any size 3-6) and fill it with 3-4 cups of water and put it in a ziplock bag (for hygienic storage) and in the freezer. Once frozen, the diapers are curved perfectly to your anus area and won't drip as it melts either because the gel is designed to hold in liquid. I use one diaper several times before tossing. Just put it in a ziplock bag and refreeze.

2) squirt bottles--clean yourself with squirt bottles, not even wet toilet paper or baby wipes were gentle enough post surgery when the area is extremely raw. I bought two big squirt bottles at the drug store and fill them up before any bowel movements.

3) Boneal-- after cleaning the anus with the squirt bottles, I apply boneal (otc lotion for anal cleaning) lotion on toilet paper and dab it on my anus. It relieves the pain and itching that come later in the healing process.

4) sitz bath-- Do this 2-3 times a day and definitely after a bowel movement. Sometimes, I have my bowel movements in the sitz bath to ease the pain. Just remember to rinse it with soap and hot water right away if you have a bowel movement in there so you don't sit in fecal water and develop a uti on top of everything else.

5) if possible, stick to lots of veggies and soups for the first two weeks to allow the wound to heal. No starchy foods and anything binding!!!

These tips were given to me by the maternity nurses after I had a baby, but they are completely relevant here and I am especially grateful for the ice pack diaper trick! It was the ONLY way an ice pack can be applied to that anus area and not to my butt cheeks. Good luck and speedy recovery. BTW-- get all this ready, especially the diaper ice packs before surgery so you will have it immediately after you come home from surgery. You'll be in so much pain and not very mobile, so have all the relief remedies prepared ahead of time!

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  • clarabelle17
    clarabelle17 gee11215

    Edited

    I have recently had a THD and mucoplexy (haemorrhoid operation)  I had it done three days ago, and just wondering how long the horrible "pushing down" pain lasts, and the endless passing of "smelly wind"! Have followed the diaper tip(or nappy) as we say in the UK, and it is very helpful - thanks!  I also have Fibromyalgia, and this is pushing me to the limits at the moment.  I work on a computer an hour at a time, and thought (stupidly) I could go back to it two days on - how wrong I was!  Off sick at the moment.   Have also read that a donut cushion shouldn't be used as the wound is more likely to be stretched - I thought those cushions would be helpful - any thoughts? 

    • LoriaVeneto
      LoriaVeneto clarabelle17

      Edited

      I don't see the sense in a doughnut cushion, as you're still in a sitting position (since general advice is to squat when you "go," not sit, why would sitting in general be good for the body--particularly with issues in the rear?), you're still having gravity put pressure on that region, and it might also stretch the area as you mentioned (which makes sense, since a sitz bath also separates the cheeks and a pillow is essentially doing the same thing without the relief of hot water).

      I've just been lying down on my side or my stomach whenever possible, and that has brought about a lot of relief. It was actually the first thing I asked after coming out of the anesthetic, for the nurse to help me get on my side.

  • tee02773
    tee02773 gee11215

    Edited

    This post is more of a thank you note, to you all for sharing your hemorrhoidectomy stories . Your posts got me through a period of excruciating pain. It helped me not to feel alone and to see that recovery was possible. Today is the 17th day after I had my surgery and I feel great. The pain in the area and during BM isn't completely gone but It's far better than it was before. Although I was told pre-op that I would feel some pain,  I wish they had placed more emphasis on how much it would really hurt so that I would have better prepared my mind.  There were moments (especially during BM) that I wished I hadn't done the surgery, that I would take the hemorroihds back just so the pain would stop. I had my first BM on the 4th after the surgery and it HURT, I then had two more that same day. For days after that, I think it was around 3 BMs a day which later reduced to 2, and in the last 2/3 days, It's been one per day. Now that the pain is almost gone, I feel good and I don't regret having the surgery anymore- it feels good to not have an ailment hanging over my head. My daily goal now is to make sure I take enough water, and eat lots of fruits and vegetables so that the condition never repeats and to never have to go through that kind of pain again. It hurt real bad but then it got better. I am truly grateful for all of your posts. I pray that we shall all continue to enjoy good health. Thank you all  so much. XOXO

  • Bec1738
    Bec1738 gee11215

    Edited

    I’m having this surgery on Friday. Besides being scared of the pain I’m terrified my butthole will look worse than before. 😥 I’ve seen quite a few people say they were left with skin tags after. Has this happened to anyone here? Anyone successfully have the surgery with no skin tags left over?

    • LoriaVeneto
      LoriaVeneto Bec1738

      Edited

      Don't panic. It's possible that their skin tags were from other, smaller and pre-existing hemorrhoids that weren't removed, and just happened to swell after the surgery, as swelling is a big concern (hence the "don't strain for a week" rule). Then, boom! New tags.

      Overall, I did well and am glad to be relieved of the little rider. The incision didn't hurt or itch in the healing process. There was no major constipation, as I didn't even "go" until five days after surgery (I've got a very slow system), though I'd advise anyone to take some Dulcolax or other substance to clear out your system as best you can, to reduce pain from that first BM.

      My best advice is if they give you pain pills, don't use them all up in the first few days. I took one instead of two for the first few days, when I didn't feel all that bad, and so I was able to stretch my meds out into the next week--the pain from swelling definitely made me reach for them later.

      Don't sit; lie down on your side or stomach whenever possible to relieve the pressure. Use the sitz baths regularly, and definitely use them in relation to BMs (at the very least, for cleanliness' sake); don't wipe, pat or air dry. Get whatever sleep you can, when you can, because you'll end up sleep-deprived (as I did!) when the pains sweep in. And don't do a lot. One of my problems is that I have an elderly, somewhat disabled mother that can't take care of things around the house well, so I tried to get back to doing things for her too early after surgery and that contributed to my swelling issues.

      Of late, my doctor has advised me to put Lidocaine on the swollen areas, which has also helped.

    • suzanne75092
      suzanne75092 Bec1738

      Posted

      Hi Allison63642,

      I was left with smaller Roids after the surgery and my doctor explained he couldn't remove all of it cause it would have given me more pain in recovering. I was hoping for a prettier butt, just didn't work out for me. Lol!

  • ashton611
    ashton611 gee11215

    Edited

    I am 32 male that is in shape and works out 5 days a week.

    I am day 5 of the road to recovery... which the road feels 1,000 miles at this point. As many of you have stated on this forum, I am also in my sitz bath while writing this. I will be short with the information my surgeon relayed to me. He lead me to believe this was going to be a smooth surgery and didn’t begin to elaborate to what was to come... the pain really began rear it’s ugly head when I had my first BM, which was on day 2  in the morning after the surgery. (Surgery date would be day 0) The pain was excruciating, and I had no idea that it was going to feel like this.  Then later that same evening I would go from BM to sitz bath that first night. The BM wasn’t a full BM it was just a little each time with not even having to push or strain. I called my surgeons office the next morning to see what I could do to ease the pain... they recommended not going that often and twice a day, rather resisting that pressure and urge. Which I have, and it has been a lot better but here is to hoping I haven’t made myself constipated. I have been taking the prescribed stool softeners 3x a day as advised but stopped the milk of magnicia because my surgeons advised it. I have been focusing on a high fiber diet as well but I absolutely dread having to make a BM, because I know the pain that is going to accompany it. 

    I will provide an update every day to help anyone and maybe get further advice from someone too. 

  • jane16431
    jane16431 gee11215

    Edited

    Hello everyone, I’m writing this as I sit in a hot bath 3 days post op.  I am reading this forum, and others, only now.  That’s good because had I read in advance of surgery I’m sure I would have opted out.  Normally I study up on any procedure but in my case it was an emergency, not chronic.

    I am home alone as my family is away on a trip.  Note; That is not recommended.  It would have been good to have someone here beyond visitors.

    Observations:

    1. The pooping afterwards is not pleasant but not BRUTAL either.   I have mostly stayed off Percocet to avoid constipation.  Tip:  starting is the worst.  Once you start go as long as you can.  Bath right after, see below.  I use Citrucel, mineral oil, stool softener, and fiber gummies every day.  I am eating mostly vegetables, some tuna, some eggs, and popcorn.  I’m a well controlled diabetic so I need to keep my eye on blood sugars which have been ok.

    2. The pain sucks, not gonna lie.  However I have only taken one 5mg Percocet per Day together with a shot of tequila, because I am terrified of constipation.  I’m dealing with the pain via scalding hot baths with no soap (miraculous), Tylenol, and Ibuprofen (I cycle the Tylenol and Ibuprofen).   Pain has been from 3/10 - 7/10 (maxed out on day 1) but pretty constant in the 4-6 range except during baths when pain goes to 2.

    2a.  Yesterday (post op 2 days) I had a moment of optimism late in the day for about 1-2 hours.  Pain subsided but came back unabated.  Felt like in the movie “Perfect Storm” when they thought they might break free of the storm only to be sucked it again.

    3.   I ran a 5k today.  I am a runner and set that as a goal before the procedure.  After the first 5 minutes all pain was gone.  I can’t explain it, maybe adrenaline.  So, I had 15-20 minutes of no pain during the race.  But 5 minutes afterwards it all came back.  Tomorrow I will run a bit again to see if it has a similar effect.

    4. I use a lot of gauze pads with a prescription cream.  Probably 8 per day.  They have no impact on the pain but they soak up a lot of stuff and are needed.  The cream is supposed to heal and prevent sticking of the pad.

    5. I was told it would be 3 rough days.  I’m on day 3 and yes it’s been rough but not as bad some of the horror stories I have read about.

    I am supposed to fly for business on Monday (day 5 post op) and at this moment I doubt that will happen.  But I have not yet canceled, trying to be optimistic.

    I  also supposed to fly to Europe next Thursday (8 days post op) for a vacation.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed but will update this daily.  

    I found reading others stories therapeutic and that is why I am sharing mine.  

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Posted

      Oh and I am a 53 year old male located in the greater New York area
    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Posted

      And  I had two externally thrombosed hemorrhoids removed under general anesthesia.

      This evening I went out for Sushi and also has three nice Wellers Bourbons on the rocks.  I feel no pain right now and am grateful for that.  With the aftermath of this procedure any respites are welcome!

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Posted

      Ok onto day 4.  Again sitting in a hot bath as I write.  However this is “only” my third bath of the day.  Previously been taking 5-6 per day.  Overall pain level today has reduced by about 0.5-1.0 points.  Again I noticed a general unmedicated improvement in mid afternoon, I have no explanation.  This morning there was no significant pain change.  I had about 4 BMs today and plan to cut back on the fiber and laxatives.  The pain is worst immediately after a BM, especially if no hot shower or bath is available.  The BMs themselves continue to cause pain but a slight reduction was noted - and I do mean slight.

      Pain today mostly in the 4-5 range with a few excursions into 6-7 all related to BMs.

      Zero chance of flying tomorrow, trip canceled.  I’m reluctant to go too far away from the house because I am very attached to hot baths, or at least a hot showers, after a BM.

      Still a fair amount of bleeding and discharge.  Used 8 gauze pads again today.

      I also ran again today, 4 miles.  First 1/2 mile was unpleasant, after that the pain reduced a lot. I only stopped due to urgent bathroom need, otherwise I would have kept going for awhile.

      I also went to the gym today.  That was revealing.  I could only do some upper body lifts.  No lower body lifts at all.  Just placing myself into ready lift position ended that idea...

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 5 began better than all previous days with a wake up pain level of about 3/10.  I was optimistic.  That did not last.  After my third BM this morning I was spiking at a 8/10 pain level for some times in the late morning.  This all subsided but in fact day 5 has had to greatest highs and lows in terms of pain.  The pain spikes today are most definitely related to a small amount of constipation this morning from having some fathers day steak yesterday - big mistake!  I won't make that mistake again - ONLY SOFT AND EASILY DIGESTIBLE FOODS.  Now at 4 PM my pain has subsided as a result of two things:

      1.) "Recticare" lydocaine 5% cream called in by my doc.

      2.) Two bourbons on the rocks

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 6.  Every day I wake up hoping to really turn the corner.  This morning my pain on waking was around a 2.  Wow, great!  Unfortunately it was fleeting.  BMs will do that after this procedure.  I had 3 BMs in morning and these caused my pain to spike to 7s and 8s although not sustained.  I’d say I’ve averaged 5 over day.   

      At this point I feel I am taking too many laxatives, etc.  will cut back.

      Today I also saw the doc.  He said, “Everything looks great, you should feel good about that.”  And I’m like, “uh, no”.   And he continued, “a lot of pain I know.  I warned you.”  And I said, “No, you did’nt.  Not sufficiently.

      Anyway it’s 230 PM.  Time for a whiskey!  I’m not a huge drinker in general but with this ordeal I am.  It undoubtedly helps the pain.

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 7.  It feels like a month but its been a week.  Today is the first day of notably general improvement.  That's not to say that I am at 100%, far from it.  But my pain level is hovering in the 3/10 - 4/10 with the exception of the AM BM which spiked me to 7 again.  The BM pain and the residual pain lasted for about 2 hours.  The bleeding has also reduced.  For the first time I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  I have not taken a hot bath today instead opting for a few quick hot showers.  I see that as an improvement.

      I will fly to Europe tomorrow, that's a big test but I'm doing it.  I'm flying first class so that should give me some room to contort myself as needed.

      A few other tips:

      - I have been using baby wipes and Tucks pads during the day as compresses instead of gauze.  They have to be changed more frequently but they provide a cooling effect.

      - Running continues to help me.  I mentioned this to the nurse yesterday and she was not surprised.  She said the Endorphins impact the pain in a positive way.

      There is no doubt that this is the worst post-op pain I have experienced in my life.  I have also had kidney stones (3x), a Pilonidal cyst (2x), and assorted other stuff.  This one is easily the tops in terms of pain and discomfort.  I have deep sympathy for all of us who have or will need this.

      I'll continue to update but today was a big day.

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Posted

      Day 8.  Pretty similar to day 7.  I’m generally ok with the exception of BMs which remain quite painful.  I have not yet achieved the right balance of meds and treatments to avoid constipation but also avoid going 5 times in the morning - like today.  A painful aftermath that takes a couple of hours to subside.  The wound itself does not hurt much anymore but still generates blood.

      I flew leg one to Europe from JFK, in airport waiting for connection.  No problems on the plane because there was no need for a BM.    Hope that stays the same for leg two.  I’ve only eaten small amounts of food accordingly.

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Posted

      Day 9.  Arrived at final destination, all went ok because no BM.

      BM around 2 pm EU time.  BM process not awful but after effect pain lasted a good 3 hours.  I eventually took a Percocet which solved the problem.

      Overall day 9 not remarkably different than day 8.  It’s all about post BM pain now.

       

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 10.

      Overall today represented a step forward.  Wound pain is entirely tolerable.  Post BM pain is still present but the residual pain does not last as long, now about 1 hour in wincing duration.  I no longer take any Tylenol.  Today I took one 800mg Ibuprofin to ease back the pain a little in the afternoon, it was effective.

      I got in a seven mile run today.  As usual the first 1/2 mile was slow but after that it went fine EXCEPT for the now regular sudden bathroom breaks.  For this reason I always run somewhere where I am assured of a bathroom nearby.  Here in Europe I found a track about 1 mile from where I am staying.  I think its important to note the Endorphin impact on this post op surgery pain.  In just about every case my pain subsided dramatically as I was running.

      I have starting backing off the fiber and heavy laxatives.  I now feel that I can manage with lower doses.  I am not at one dose of Metamucil in the AM, 1 Fiber Gummy in PM, and 1 Stool Softener in PM.  I am still eating a lot of fish and vegetables. 

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 11.

      I never thought I would still be writing about post op issues on DAY 11 when all this started, but here I am.  Today was very similar to day 10, maybe a slight step backwards given that this morning post BM pain lasted for a good two hours.  Again 800mg Ibuprofen took the edge off.

      I got in a 10 mile run which again started rough but for about 9 miles I had almost no pain.

      Today I spent some time in the salty Mediterranean water.  I was a bit skeptical but it went ok, no pain, actually somewhat soothing.

      With reduction in laxatives BM are becoming les frequent and with more warning.

      I can't wait for the day when I can say, "So that's my story.  I wish you all well!!"   But that's not just yet.... 

    • mohammed_67396
      mohammed_67396 jane16431

      Posted

      Hi Jane good to hear about your recovery. Im on day 13th after the surgery. My fear is always about BM. Still not able to do a full release because of the pain and feel like something is stuck n blocking down there. Sometimes I felt extremely exhausted going through this moment n regretting doing the ops.
    • jane16431
      jane16431 mohammed_67396

      Posted

      Hi Mohammed, you are ahead of me by one day.  The feeling of not fully voiding is normal from what I have read.  It’s something internal and does not mean you have not completely gone or stuck. For me it lasts about 2 hours.  I never push very hard toward the end as it still generates a fair amount of blood.  I also regret it, but I suppose might feel differently later.  I hope I do!
    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 12.

      Yes, day 12 and I'm unfortunately still writing.  Similar to previous few days.  All ok except BM around 930 AM.  BN itself does not hurt.  But after effect is significant.  It took a good 3 hours for the pain to wear off and that was with 800mg Ibuprofen.  After than I was ok.

      I sat in an inflatable tube in the Mediterranean today for an hour, butt exposed to the sea.  Felt good....    

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 13.

      Best day overall so far!  Light at the end of the tunnel approaching?  I'm not holding my breath just yet.  Finally had a semi normal BM in the morning.  Yes, still some blood and still some lingering pain (1 hour) but not as extreme as in the previous 12 days.

      Spent another hour soaking my butt in a floating tube in the Mediterranean sea.  That seems to be helping.    

      Tomorrow is my two week surgery anniversary.  Heading into this I never thought I'd be thinking about this, nevermind having post op pain, as long as two weeks later.

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Posted

      Day 14.

      My two week anniversary.  Woo hoo!

      And, most importantly I feel a notable improvement overall.  I'd say I am at about 75% now.  My butt still hurts after BMs but it has become a more tolerable with pain in the 2-3/10 range and for shorter durations of pain.  The BM act itself is no longer painful but there is still a lingering after effect.  

      I ran 13 miles today, pretty slow, with minimal discomfort.  I was proud of that accomplishment and feel its a yet another milestone.  3 more days here in Europe and then back to the States.  I'm not worried about flying back - that in itself is progress.  

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 15.

      Overall a slight step backwards from yesterday.  A bit more pain but nothing like week 1.  Tolerable but not as a good a day as yesterday.

      I should also mention that I still use about 5-6 gauze pads and creams daily.  A certin amount of oozing and blood are still present. 

      I have three different creams that I rotate (Lidocaine, Aquaphor, and a Rectal Cream).  I rotate them because they all work to some degree but have generally different effects.  The Lidocaine cream is obviously for pain.  The Aquaphor is for during the day when I know I need to move around a lot and likely change gauze a lot.  The Rectal cream is used at night.    

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 16

      Still writing because this ordeal is still not quite  over.  Today is the best day since the start though.  All functions seem to be stabilizing and overall pain remains present by at a lower level.  BMs are becoming more normal with less residual pain.  There are still moments of discomfort but no longer the dreaded moments.  It took 16 days to get to this point.

      In summary the first 5 days pretty much suck.  No way around it, it is a rough ride.  Day 6-9 shows some gradual almost teasing improvement.  From Day 10-14 I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  From two weeks onward seems to be the real final stretch.

    • stan58678
      stan58678 jane16431

      Posted

      Hey Jane16431,

      Wow, you certainly have my respect my friend, traveling to Europe so soon !! That takes guts,  plus all the running ...

      glad and you seem to be on the mend. I just shared my story today trying to help others. I am on day 14 post stapled hemorrhoidectomy for internal hems. Like you some days I would take two steps forward, then 1 step back. I hope I am on the final stretch as well. 

      Thanks for such a thorough account of your story. It really helps people to read real life accounts, and suggestions. 

      Hang in there !!

    • jane16431
      jane16431 stan58678

      Posted

      Agreed.  A major part of my "journal" was to help others who are going through the same recovery.  Plus there is a personal benefit in this chronicle.  Its like a scorecard of my progress, or lack thereof.  I wish you the best in recovery as well. 

    • jane16431
      jane16431 stan58678

      Posted

      Oh and on the flying to Europe.  Flying first class made all the difference and made it tolerable.  I'm not in any way trying to be snobby!  But if I had to fly in transatlantic coach 8 days post surgery I would not at all recommend it.

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Posted

      Day 17.

      No, it’s still not over.  Flying back to USA Today.  This obviously means extensive sitting which I don’t look forward to.  Also, I get nervous when I don’t have immediate access to a bathroom.   Pain and discomfort is stabilized as noted yesterday but by no means would I consider myself to be healed.

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Posted

      Day 17 turned out to be quite unpleasant.  The sitting all day in a plane with a long layover, and a long drive home on landing caused a fair amount of pain.  Not being able to shower and rely exclusively on Tucks pads also contributed.  Overall a step back.  This is wearing me down...
    • stan58678
      stan58678 jane16431

      Edited

      Sorry buddy,  

      That was a lot to ask of your body (flying back from Europe including layovers), even for someone not 17 days out of a very painful surgery , it would tough. Hang in there, hopefully being back home and resting up will help you take a step forward.

      Rest up my friend. One day at a time. It will get better.....

    • jane16431
      jane16431 stan58678

      Posted

      Thanks Stan.  I look forward to the day when I can write that this has all passed.
    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Posted

      Day 18 was a jet lag day with a lot of laying around, not too much sitting or stress.  Watched two World Cup games while laying down.  This was good.  I had relatively little pain but still notable bleeding.

      Day 19 first day back in my office in NYC.  Ride down via train was ok.  However, there is no question that prolonged siting is an aggravating pain factor.  I have been in my office for about 8 hours and can't stay much longer.  Its not excruciating but its uncomfortable after awhile. 

    • stan58678
      stan58678 jane16431

      Posted

      Hey Jane 

      Glad you seemed to have some improvement, albeit sight, from two days ago. Yeah, I’m lying around a lot watching World Cup games ( in fact I’m watching Japan vs Belgium right now). I go back to work tomorrow for full 8 hour days (did half days last Thursday and Friday) hope you can leave your office soon and rest at home (in the AC, it’s brutal hot out there, I’m in southern DE and I know it’s just as hot if not hotter in NYC). Hang in there, one day closer to full recovery....

      stay cool...

    • deborah74899
      deborah74899 jane16431

      Posted

      Hi jane i had my op last wed 27th not had a b/m as yet and the pain is excrutiating ive tsken orimorph so i can sleep through the pain its the worst thing ive ever experienced
    • jane16431
      jane16431 stan58678

      Posted

      Stan, I actually decided to grab a room near my office in midtown because the commute later today did not sound good.  I’ll do a few hours tomorrow and head home afterwards.  I should have only gone half days like you but was feeling optimistic.

      I checked in, took a hot shower - always helpful - and just watched end of the match in an Irish pub next door.   Plus a whiskey, which these days is welcome, not good I know but it is what it is.

      Yeah, stay cool!  And I hope you are feeling ok

    • jane16431
      jane16431 deborah74899

      Posted

      Deb, you are on day 5.  I think you will see some improvement over the next 48 hours.  I hope you do!  Not sure if it helps but YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  
    • jane16431
      jane16431 stan58678

      Posted

      And, I’d buy you one if you were here.  That goes for anyone in this same lousy boat.  *cheers*
    • stan58678
      stan58678 jane16431

      Posted

      What an end to that soccer match !!

      not so great if you are a fan of Japan though ...

      I’m sure one shot (or two) of whiskey wouldn’t hurt. I think you’re off the narcotics by now...you definitely don’t want to mix those !!

      hope you lay low tonight and rest up. You definitely sound like a high energy person, so I know it must be difficult for you to rest, but it really does help .....

      good luck tomorrow !

    • stan58678
      stan58678 deborah74899

      Posted

      Hang in there Deborah, I know the pain is horrible now, but it will get better. Please remember to drink a lot of water and take stool softeners. You want that stool as soft as possible. 

      Remember those narcotics (strong pain pills) cause constipation, which is not good for you. But you can take some tablets called senna or sennakot which will help prevent constipation, try to take one or two senna tablets each time you take a strong pain pill. 

      Try fruits also, helps keep stool soft and helps move you.  When you do finally have a BM, be prepared, it may be painful. Try to take a warm bath immediately afterward as soon as you are able, It helps to sooth the area. 

      hang in there Deborah !!

      stan 

    • deborah74899
      deborah74899 jane16431

      Posted

      Thanks jane i went to see my dr this morning she said the hospital tend not to do the full hemoroydectomy anymore as its too bad to recover from she wasnt wrong ive to have it done agin in 8 to 10 weeks as they were too many to remove in one go they said but im noway having this done again ever
    • jane16431
      jane16431 deborah74899

      Posted

      Deb, are you saying you have to go through this again in 8-10 weeks?  Maybe I misread you comment, at least I hope I did.
    • deborah74899
      deborah74899 jane16431

      Posted

      Yes jane they said i had too many to take out and they were very large x
    • stan58678
      stan58678 deborah74899

      Posted

      sorry deborah ,

      i hope the pain eases up soon....

      everyday will get a little better, try to hang in there...

      your body will heal itself, it just takes time.

       

    • stan58678
      stan58678 jane16431

      Posted

      Hey Jane,

      How did it go today at work ?

      I had my first full day back today, and it went very well.... no pain, just a little tired but that’s all. There really is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

      Hope you are doing well. 

      Stan 

    • jane16431
      jane16431 stan58678

      Posted

      Stan, really good to hear.  How many days for you?  Your attitude toward this is encouraging.

      My situation shifted today (day 20) to more itching which I view as a good thing.  And finally  less bleeding.  Yet, I’m still writing after 20 days.  I would never have thought if.

      Deb, the idea of doing it all over again in 8-10 weeks...not great.  I feel for you.  I agree with Stan that the body has remarkable healing ability.  Hang in there.  Feel free to PM me if you just want to talk.  

    • stan58678
      stan58678 jane16431

      Posted

      Jane,

      i had had my procedure on June 14; so day 19.....

      itching is a good sign, I had that a little bit yesterday and today. You’re almost there..... maybe a day or two more. When I have a BM still a very slight burning (like a 1 or 2 out of 10, where as before it was an 8 or 9 on days 2- 6). but other than that I am like 95 percent back.  

      Hang in there, I think by the weekend you will be very well on your way to recovery !!

      stan

    • deborah74899
      deborah74899 jane16431

      Posted

      Thank you jane and stan im a week now and still not had a b/m taken senna now too
    • jane16431
      jane16431 deborah74899

      Edited

      Thinking about you.  That BM is important.  I found that taking mineral oil helped during week 1.  I have read where some people have BM IN THE TUB.  I never did this but it appears to help some people a great deal.  I was given a prescription laxative as well but I did not need it.   Now I am only taking Citrucel in the morning but staying diligent with a higher fiber diet.  Everyone is different.  

      One week was was a milestone for me.  In fact each WEEK has brought positive change.  Today is exactly 3 weeks since my procedure and it’s the first day I am feeling semi-normal, maybe 90%, but even now not fully healed.

      good luck

    • stan58678
      stan58678 deborah74899

      Posted

      Deborah,

      i agree with Jane, many people have used the bath tub to have their first BM, it seems to help soothe the passing of the first few.  I hope you have success today. If not, I really think you should contact your physician tomorrow and tell her of your situation. 

      I also agree with Jane about the weekly milestones, each week will get better and better, but you need that first BM ...

      You will get beyond this, but you don’t want to ignore it if it is not coming own it’s own. You may need some help either meds or some other procedure that your doctor can help you with. 

      I wish you the best.  Hang in there my friend !!

      stan

       

    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Day 21+

      The three week mark represented significant improvement overall.  Stan predicted this and was correct.  Since yesterday I feel more normal than not.  Am I00% healed?  No.  But I am functioning in the 90th percentile for the most part.  I'm guessing it may be another week or two before this goes away entirely.  But for now I am delighted to say that the worst is definitely over and I can move on.  My chronicle can on this thread can now end.

      So that's my story.  I truly wish all of you well!!  I will certainly never forget this ordeal.  I would continue to recommend against this procedure if there are any other options available.  However, you will get through it.  Just be prepare, follow some great advice here on this site and from other sources,  and be aware that recovery is not fun and will take some time.

      Best wishes.

    • stan58678
      stan58678 jane16431

      Posted

      Way to go Jane !!

      Glad to hear you are almost 100% (it’s funny, my boss asked me today how I was and I said I was 92% ... lol !!)

      Thank you also also for your very thorough chronicle of your experience from Day 1.  It certainly was helpful to me and I’m sure many others. 

      To all all of you out there who are still hurting from this, please take heart that it will be better someday, Jane and I are proof of that. I just hope it is soon for everyone. 

      To all of you who need to have this procedure, please read up on as many support boards as you can and have a plan ready BEFORE your surgery and discuss all your medication needs with you doctor BEFORE the surgery as well. Keep your diet with SOFT foods and fiber and stool sosofteners and plenty of WATER.  You will be glad you did when you make your first trip to the bathroom. Remember opioids are great for pain but they are constipating, so you need to take at least 1 or 2 senna tablets EVERY time you take a strong pain med (opioid). Please discuss with your doctor. 

      Best of luck to all, you are not alone !!

      stan 

    • jane16431
      jane16431 stan58678

      Posted

      Thanks Stan, best to you as well. I would not necessarily agree that I am close to 100%.  92 sounds about right!  smile
    • deborah74899
      deborah74899 jane16431

      Posted

      So glad to hear that your just about there jane im just at the start im on my 9 th day and to be honest i feel ok just havent been to the loo to have a b/m yet thats whats really getting me my stomach is swollen ive been back to the hospital for the nigbt they said if not been in the next 48 hours i have to go back ive taken every laxative on the shelf just no sign at all
    • jane16431
      jane16431

      Edited

      Today is exactly 6 weeks post op.  Here is the status:

      pain is essentially gone 

      life activities are pretty much normal

      BMs are normal

      No more stool softeners or baths needed

      i still use about 4 gauze pads and aquaphor per day to avoid or anticipatie leakage 

      sitting for prolonged periods can still result in some discomfort 

      wound is not yet 100% healed

      i still take citrucel every day

      i carry wipes and creams for emergencies everywhere I go

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