Involuntary and Frequent bowel movements after hemorrhoidectomy
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Hi all, it has been helpful to read your experiences after a hemorrhoidectomy. 12 days ago, i had an open Milligan-Morgan surgery to remove my grade 4 thrombosed hemorrhoids. The pain on the first day during a bowel movement was off the chart, as if you are pushing into someone stabbing your butthole. The worst was that with the stool softeners and fiber supplements my doctor was prescribing, i had to do frequent BMs. And since each BM is so painful, only a little can be pushed out each time so i guess i had to go more often. the first few days were truly the worst, and it took me an hour to recover from each BM.
i have a new problem now. since the 10th day post-op, i have had to do BMs very regularly. sometimes it is when i need to pee and other times it is just a strong urge to go. i thought i was constipated because not much was coming out and i had stopped the stool softeners because i felt i was going to the toilet so regularly already. i was going like 8 times in a day, and each time the involuntary bowel spasms were really strong, making me push hard.
I went to see my doctor to see if i needed an enema, which he was reluctant to prescribe. he said that i should just use the stool softeners and fiber supplement. he suggested it could be tenesmus, which is when there is an urge to go even if the bowel is empty. i suppose with the rectum being inflamed after the surgery, this could be the reason. has anyone here gone through a similar experience? it would be helpful to know how long this period will last as it is so exhausting to have to live tied to the bathroom. thanks.
0 likes, 2 replies
john38682 tom93374
Posted
Hi Tom,
EVERY case is different, BUT hang in there man! I'll tell you my case and share what little advice I can provide.
I had two very large grade 3 internals removed surgically. Recovery is horrible.
To you specific case I can submit that I was also going to the bathroom a lot in the first few weeks post-op. My recommendation is the following:
drink as much water as you possibly can
use a stool softener as needed for the first few weeks, month, etc.
Watch your diet --- limit dairy and foods heavy in sugar, fat or spice
carbonated drinks --- the really gave me trouble and cause your fecal matter to be irritant to the healing incisions
don't wipe after BMs, take a sitz bath instead and use a squirt bottle to clean the area
keep the area dry after bathing/showering, I recommend a hair dryer, do not use towels
Once your local pain resides you can start using a baby wipe after the bathing and showering routine
I am at day 78 so I am through the hellish pain. However, I am now struggling with pelvic floor cramping and spasming that from what I read is quite common with people who have gone through this operation.
The physical struggle is real, but as you are probably learning it's the mental side that really take a toll. Keep reminding yourself that you will get better and some days it will feel like you are worse than before.
Feel free to reply as needed. I am very thankful to have found this forum to share. It helps with the depression that this recovery process causes.
tom93374 john38682
Posted
hi John, thanks for sharing your experience and tips. its now 3.5 weeks after my surgery and while i dont have pain during bowel movements anymore and there is just a bit of soreness down there, the problem is that it is extremely difficult for me to expel stools. i will have a strong urge to go but then nothing comes out even with pushing. my doctor says it is part of the healing process as the new granulation tissue is perhaps impeding the stools. but yeah, mentally it is a challenge cause i dont feel at ease until i can do a proper bowel movement. i am tied to my home more as the urge to go is frequent and when I am on the toilet bowl, it is like a battle leaving me shaking and sweating with all the pushing sometimes.