Hemorrhoidectomy - My experience
Posted , 3 users are following.
First of all, thank you everyone for your posts on these patient forums. I found it very useful, and reassuring, to hear about other experiences and it was good to not feel alone. I've decided to submit my own account of recovering from the surgery as I found it so helpful reading others.
I'm a 56 yr old woman and have struggled to manage constipation for many years. I've periodically had complications resulting from constipation – including an anal fissure (which required surgery), thrombosed hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids that I've had injected, banded, and now (finally!) removed. I've never had children.
It's Saturday today and I'm on day 4 after my surgery which I had on Tuesday 28th November. So far, I would say I've been very fortunate in that I don't seem to be having such a bad experience as some others I read about. Don't get me wrong, the pain during and following a BM is horrible, there's no getting away from it. And when the pain lingers it's debilitating. But I'm also having plenty of pain free time, and I'm sleeping amazingly well. I expect some of that will have been down to the General Anaesthetic and pain killers, but as someone who seldom gets enough sleep, I'm really appreciating the extra hours! I'm signed off work for 2 weeks and expect I will take the full 2 weeks. I don't feel very mobile yet and once the pain kicks in you don't want to be anywhere other than home and near your bathroom.
So I'll say a bit about Tuesday. My admission was at 11am so I went without breakfast and made sure I drank a lot of water before the 9am cut off – I drank about 2L. Once at the hospital, there was a lot of waiting around – the operation wasn't until about 2pm, and we didn't leave until around 6:30pm. Preparation for the op was as described by others on this forum and ultimately included an enema, which I'd never had before. I was a bit ignorant about the enema, I expected it to be more like the preparation I had for a full colonoscopy last year, but the clear out from an enema is much more localised to the rectum, in preparation for surgery. I was a bit disappointed by that as I was hoping to not need a BM for a couple of days after surgery (in the end my BMs started the next day)! The consultant did quite a nice job of describing the operation and explained that they start by stretching the rectum open so they can take a good look before deciding what to remove. Lol it's all so undignified isn't it but what can you do?!! The full procedure normally takes about 50 minutes. In the end I was away from my room for almost 2 hours though – apparently they had a job getting me to wake up again! That aside, the consultant felt the op had gone well and that he'd removed 2 particularly large hems and it had been very worthwhile. When I came round, I was already aware of a throbbing pain and also felt ready to spend a penny … the latter being a good sign as they won't let you home until you've done that. Once back in my room, a nurse came to discuss pain management and once I'd had something to eat, I was given a pain killer.
Back in 2001, I had lateral internal sphincterotomy for a fissure that wouldn't heal. The pain killer I was prescribed then was Diclofenac. I didn't respond well to Diclofenac and had a very painful stomach to add to my woes during recovery. This time, they suggested I had a different type of pain killer that was less likely to upset my stomach – so I've been taking Tramadol, along with Paracetemol, and laxatives (mostly Senna) to deal with the constipation brought on by pain killers. I find the Tramadol great even though it makes me quite drowsy – but it definitely helps with the pain. Senna is best taken at night time so that it works while you're asleep, ready for the next day. As I have problems with constipation, I've decided to supplement the Senna with another laxative in the morning but I think I overdid it today and 3 BM in one morning wasn't a lot of fun! I don't know how long I'll take the Tramadol for, I'm tempted to move onto Ibuprofen instead in a couple of days as Tramadol is pretty strong from what I understand.
I had read that days 4 and 5 can be the most painful and I would agree that today has been my most painful so far. The BM itself is obviously painful but I find it leaves my whole abdominal area in pain and spasm for quite some time afterwards. Almost like a very heavy period pain combined with a raw pain from the wound itself. The pain killers usually help but I can only take them every 6 hours. Things settled down after a few hours today, and I feel comfortable again now.
Anyway I just thought I'd share a few other thoughts and suggestions that have helped me:
Make sure you have everything you need at home before going for your surgery. My list included:
- Comfie tracksuit bottoms – you won't want to wear anything less comfortable for a couple of weeks at least.
- Sanitary Towels – you'll be a bit leaky after surgery – I don't know how long this stage lasts for.
- Baby wet wipes.
- Peppermint tea – this can help reduce wind, and trumping hurts after surgery!
- Paracetemol
- Very mild soap
- Prunes
I'm drinking lots of water and I find that drinking warm water is better for me than cold. My partner and colleagues are a bit sniffy about me drinking warm water, they think it sounds disgusting, but I actually like it and if I don't think about it too much I can even imagine it's like a (weak) cup of tea! I think it helps with the constipation – maybe because I find I can drink more of it when it's warm. It's something I've discovered in the last couple of years.
I generally maintain a high fibre diet and have focussed on the same this week – and yes I probably over did it today! - but the idea of having to strain for a BM … well it just wouldn't be possible! I think providing you drink lots of water, then high fibre eating is essential after surgery.
I read about the Squatty Potty and decided to order one. It only just arrived today so I can't tell you what I think of it yet.
The other thing I did was to have a toilet bidet shower installed. I can't recommend it highly enough. I first came across one on holiday in Turkey several years ago and loved it. My brother has one in his house and I recently stayed with friends who'd attached one to both the loos in their house. Generally though, I think bidets (and bidet attachments) are sniggered about and I'm not sure why – they make so much sense really. Anyway, I finally had one installed a few months ago and it's brilliant. I'm finding it particularly useful now, given that I can't use paper. Mine is only cold water … and given the cold weather it's VERY cold water, but that's OK as far as I'm concerned and still soothing. I believe you can get ones that run hot and cold as well.
I'm also very carefully using baby wipes and YES the lovely warm baths – I'm having at least one of those plus a shower each day. For some reason they are a great form of pain relief as well as helping you feel clean.
I don't have anything else to report today but will send another update in a day or so.
0 likes, 6 replies
me93627 Ilse22031
Posted
May it be painless n quick. Unlike my surgery it was 3 hour procedure not 1 hour.
As like yourself I am a 56 yr youthful women in good health Im still healing to this day 8weeks later.
So no matter the age or health we all heal differently. Im just a very slow healier i suppose.
Thought i was doing good two days ago. Just another bump in the road for me today.
Keep us posted on how u r doing.
And thx for sharing.
Ilse22031 me93627
Posted
hello me93627! thank you for your good wishes. I'm so sorry to hear you've had such a terrible journey. Was there some complication during the surgery that accounted for the procedure taking so long? Are you getting ongoing medical advice? I really hope things improve for you soon.
I do appreciate that I'm only on Day 5 post surgery and it's early to be drawing conclusions about my own recovery and how well I'm healing. But from what I'm reading I think I'm doing relatively well. Time will definitely tell on this one.
Yes I will post some more updates. Good luck and please heal soon. Feel free to let me know how you're doing too!
me93627 Ilse22031
Posted
I was told it would be a 3 hour surgery.. And when i was in recovery it was about within the time frame i came had awakened.
Im in Canada.
Had internal roids cotorized n cut. Not sure why this procedure is different from your 1 hr operation. Also if I am not improving any I am scheduled to be put back under Dec 12 for the colorectal surgeon to have a look inside as at this time its way to painful to do a rectal exam without being put under. And with that said he himself said he may have to cut as well...
Its obvious this surgery did not work as well for me. I am considered an unlucky one.
And he also said before going ahead with this procedure that its not a guarantee that it will work..
But i cant see how one can heal when its being used daily ...
My stool is always soft thank god for Re Store aLax softner i take daily. And i try to drink 3 liters of water daily which i normaly do every day. I may not eat clean most times but i do make an effort 70% of my diet is Fish Chicken. Veggies n Fruit. I only lately been craving carbs White breads pasta. Which i have put on 7 lbs through out this. But my weight has always fluctuated 5 lbs through out my menopausal stage. If I didnt control what i eat or exercise im sure id be 40 lbs over weight like my dear twin sister. But she had children i didnt.
So I do all that is prescribed by doc and some. Sitx baths. 2 X a day Prescribed creams that I can only use on the outside as my rectum is to tight for even this to go inside. No sign of infection.
Still bleeding with every bm.
Its just an area that is slow healing for me..crazy as it seem.
And I really dont want to have to go through this again. Ever if i can prevent it. The pain for 7 weeks was excruciating.
Only near the end of my 7th week did it lessen and yesterday was on a scale of 10 A 4... But is talorable only enough to rest Not be able to go back to work as my job consists of lifting n walking for 8 hrs.
I tried going back in my 5th week.
But had to take pain pills while doing my job and by the end of my work week i was in so much pain I had to take more time off as the more i was on my feet the worse it got.
So im still off work but slowly healing to this day.
Its good to hear many are healing within a two week period.
Im so upset that Im having so much trouble. I starting slowly doing my exercise routine .. Two days and with this the third day I felt like i was taken steps back with healing as i had 3 bms yesterday and had discomfort n burning ache all day.
I cant win no matter what i do or dont do..
It is what it is. Im just trying my best to stay positive.
And venting does help as I have no one really who underatands what we are going through. Only ppl on this site understand and I am thankful to have came across this site as it has help me in many ways.
Ilse22031 me93627
Posted
I'm truly sorry to hear of your dreadful experience. I live in the UK. I daresay there are different procedures for treating the same or similar conditions, though a 3 hour procedure sounds like a very different one to just 1 hour. Still, at least it sounds like yours went according to plan, in terms of time in surgery, and I'm sure they had reasons. I can certainly understand you being so upset, and your reticence about going through another operation. It's harsh but I suppose it comes down to deciding whether you can live with things as they are now, or not. It sounds like you have to do something as the status quo isn't something you can live with, not with any quality of life anyway. I guess only each one of us can make that call, right? That's how I felt about making the decision to have surgery to begin with. Hopefully, in your case, they may find a reason why you're not healing and be able to deal with it straight away. That would be the best outcome!
Anyway, keep doing your best to stay positive and good luck with your appointment on the 12th. Do let me know how it goes.
siobhan09707 Ilse22031
Posted
I am from the uk too and I have just undergone the same Procedure earlier today. I have read some horrible stories so far so I was so happy to see your post.
How are you Getting on now after a few months?
Do you have any advice for me ?
Thanks so much!!
Ilse22031 siobhan09707
Posted
Hello siobhan09707 !
How are you feeling today?
I've been meaning to update my post as I never came back to it even though I fully intended to provide regular updates. So I'm really glad I spotted your message.
Funnily enough I had my final check-up with the consultant on Wednesday this week. He commented (not for the first time) on how large the haemorrhoids were that he removed. It makes me squirm when he says this kind of thing, but thank goodness for the good humour these consultants have and for whatever reason they had for specialising in this field … well thank goodness for that too!
Everything I said in my post holds – I wouldn’t change any of it - everything I thought would be useful was. Particularly the bidet shower and also some witch hazel pads - Tucks. And then of course diet - lots of water. I have no regrets about having the procedure done as I am relieved to be rid of the haemorrhoids as they had a tendency to prolapse on a daily basis, which was really uncomfortable and difficult from a personal hygiene point of view.
As for recovery, it has taken a little longer than I expected and I still feel some tenderness at times and up until very recently was still passing some blood. But the consultant was fine with that and explained that the body just takes time to adjust and for some people it takes a little longer than others.
Given where you are now just be sure to keep up the intake of water. High fibre diet of course and I'm pretty sure that in itself means different things to different people. For me the best thing is home made vegetable soup made in such a way you could also call it puréed vegetables. I have a high tendency to get constipated and that's the sort of diet it takes for me. Obviously it isn't practical to maintain that diet every day but I try and include it as often as possible.
One important thing I would like to add - during the first three weeks after surgery - that I didn't know about before – is the sensation that you have become incontinent!! I have no idea what causes it but I noticed other people had posted similar updates. For a while the urge for a bowel movement is sudden and urgent and you barely have time to do get to the bathroom. I was really worried that was going to be the norm and wondered how I would ever manage to return to my office job! But I would say that phase did only last about 4 weeks and has now gone completely.
I can't really think of anything else but honestly if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Expect pain during your BM for the next couple of weeks but try to relax and know that it will pass as for some reason that part of our body has the most amazing capacity to heal.
Best wishes.