My Experience - 7 Weeks After Nhs Halo And Haemorrhoidectomy
Posted , 64 users are following.
I am a 49-year old male and had stage 3 piles for about 5 years. They never really caused me any pain or suffering per se but were an inconvenience. I had been to my GP ages ago to make sure it wasn't anything serious. Towards the end of 2009 I decided to see what options I might have for sorting them out as I figured I wouldn't want them to get worse and despite being fit and healthy and eating well, they had not gone away of my own accord.
I went to my GP and she did a digital exam and said they were very small - didn't seem like it to me - she said she could refer me if I wanted but I declined. A few weeks later I figured I was copping out and returned to get a referral. I went to see a consultant locally who got me to come back for banding. This was very easy and though it was a bit uncomfortable I was optimistic that it would sort it all out. It didn't - even though it seemed like it would work it in fact made no difference whatsoever. I returned to him and he said he would try the schlerotherapy and another banding as they were quite big and the portable banding machine wasn't up to it. Again nothing really changed.
I read all these forums and was in two minds like so many others whether to pursue it any more. After all I was not in pain per se and clearly some people have really awful experiences, sometimes made worse by the tteatment - I knew I certainly didn't want anything slicing off! I read up what I could about HALO but it seemed to be mainly sales pitch. I decided to see the consultant again and ask him about it. He said he didn't know anything about it but his next step would be banding under GA and he was confident that would do it.
For one reason or another I wasn't convinced and so I called the HALO people and found out where there was locally that did it. They also told me how much it would cost privately (?3k+) but that with a referral I could probably get it on the NHS. A few weeks later I had a session with a consultant who explained the whole thing - also diagnosing a polyp as well as piles - which would never have responded to banding so I was glad to have taken the 2nd opinion. Anyway he put me on the waiting list for a polyp exision and possible HALO.
Time came around in about 6 weeks and I went into hospital for the first time in my life to have day surgery. I was apprehensive but quite positive. The whole experience was very reassuring - the staff were great and I felt very cared for and the surgeon was friendly and explained things. I signed on the dotted line, had my pre-med and felt the curtains close
Woke up feeling fine about 30 mins later. The surgeon explained to my surprise and a bit of shock that they had had to cut a large pile off so I might have a longer recovery time than expected (he had said at least 2 weeks for HALO and up to 10 for pilectomy). That concerned me a bit, espceially when the nurse brought my meds to take home - 3 types of opioid painkiller, 2 types of laxative and some antibiotics. I got the impression they were trying to tell me something. I stayed about 2 hours to satisfy them I'd had a wee, eaten and drunk some fluids etc and got my wife to pick me up.
Felt pretty OK generally even with after effects of the GA - ate and drank lightly and feared the first pooh which came 2 days after the op. Uncomfortable certainly but not especially painful. The absolute best thing after each BM was a nice warm shower spray for a few minutes which really soothed the bruised feeling. This got better over the next 7 to 10 days. I work from home so was fortunate that I didn't need to take time off per se after the first day getting my head clearer but I wouldn't have wanted to have to commute or be away from home.
There were some bad bits but not what I would have expected. The worst bit by far, and it was _horrible_ was the antibiotic (metronidazole)- I had to take it for 5 days and didn't realise what a nasty drug it is (check it out on ****)- around day 3 I was finding alternate nights of complete insomnia, nausea, sweating and a really depressing state of mind feeling like I would never get better. I googled all the meds and realised it was the AB and that these were fairly common side-effects. If I had had a longer run of them I would have asked to change but I figured I would see them out. It was awful and I did have another day off cos I just felt so damn bad from them. My advice here - don't just take what is given to you and not check it out - be aware of what has been prescribed (in fairness they did say thatsome of the meds could give nausea, constipation etc but I didn't expect this one to be so heavy).
The other downside was the laxative - I should have had clearer instructions. You definitely want to make sure you have soft stools etc and are acutely aware that what you eat has to come out the other end - soups, bran flakes, porridge etc are great for this. However if you just take teh laxatives as prescribed - and you are not already constipated (I am always regular)- then they will just play havoc and have you very windy (which also seems to come from the GA gases) and farting all the time with a sore anus is quite painful/uncomfortable in itself (esp if you're not too sure what might be coming down the pipes!) It kept me awake a bit.
What I should have thought with the meds from teh starts is - take them /if/ needed (except see below)
So I had been prescribed metronidazole as mentioned - I took that for the 5 days. I had 3 painkillers - Tramadol which I didn't bother taking, Codrydamol, I took a couple but then didn't bother (and my wife used them all up on migraines!) and Diclofenac - this last one I should have taken all the time but didn't. It is an anti-inflammatory and because I didn't bother with it I think I put myself back a couple days with a very sore and inflamed bottom - so this one I would say take as a matter of course (and I didn't have any side effects). For laxatives I had lactulose syrup and ispagel husks - both are palatable enough but as above I realised after a coupe of days that I probably didn't need them.
All told I was not incapacitated at all. It took a good week to not be too worried about the next BM. After that it just was a process of it getting better every day. The main thing was that the prolapsing piles/polyp were gone and that was a great relief. Had a check up last week and I would say I now feel 100% down there and no concerns at all.
I am very pleased I went ahead with it - I had overcome embarrassment about it ages ago and plain speaking is all that is needed - my reticence had been around being \"operated\" on but that all went very smoothly. I know there are some horror stories on here where people say that the op is worse than the piles but I am sure that complications are in the minority and I would not hesitate in recommending anyone suffering and holding back, check out a good consultant and have it all sorted out. I was glad I had it sorted out when I was fit and in good shape - I think that plays a big part in making the op run smoothly and the caring for oneself that much easier. If was old, infirm or very overweight I think it would be harder. Weight wise I had lost nearly 3 stone over the last 18 months and again I think that helped keep recuperation short.
If, and I hope they don't, recur then I would happily go down the same route again. I hope this story helps others.
Mr Relieved of Surrey
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5 likes, 218 replies
gemma38756 Guest
Posted
the doctor wont refer me said they wouldnt look at doing anything for atleast "months and months"
I also have m.e though which causes me to suffer agonising pain which is made worse by stress and lack of sleep so now i feel between both i cant cope. Ive been three times to the doctors but they are still refusing.
How long was it before you all got referred to a specialist and got surgery? Thanks
IBSbiz83123 gemma38756
Posted
For my first haemorrhoidectomy I was referred after I found it difficult to go about daily activities. However, when I went to the surgeon he examined it and said they were 'not ready'. The haemorrhoids were swollen and itchy with mild bleeding after BMS at that point.
For my recent experience of prolapsed haemorrhoids , I went straight to the surgeon (a different one) and he did the surgery the very next day (I was also surprised ).
Usually the Drs look at different factors such as the severity of the haemorrhoids as well as your co-morbidities. Maybe this has to do with your m.e?
I hope you get help soon in the mean time avoid constipation and do sitz baths.
IBSbiz83123 Guest
Posted
I'm so glad I found this discussion. Everyone is so relatable and I feel like we are the only ones that truly understand each other 😷
I have had IBS since childhood and so I got haemorrhoids when I was really young. They were bearable until 2014 when I had them removed. That experience was so painful I regretted doing it. After that I also tried my best to stick to a healthy non-constipating diet.
A few days ago I had my periods (which are usually extremely painful) and as I was having a bowel movement a haemorrhoid 'popped' out. This really shocked me because I was not even constipated, but I guess I was straining too much.
I had them removed 4 days ago. I am currently on Gen payne, metronidazole and LP299V (a probiotic). My bowel movements are ok thus far but still very painful and really hard to walk after wards.
Here's my question to all of you:
When I go, it always feel like the stool get stuck somewhere beside the anal opening which is extremely painful and makes me what to pass out. This also makes feel I need to push even harder (which I know I'm supposed to avoid) but it's the only way to completely empty my bowel. HAS THIS HAPPENED TO ANY OF YOU???
Ouchies IBSbiz83123
Posted
It's a good thread for sure.
Do you mean that when you go to the loo that part of it almost goes the wrong direction and then won't move out? If so, I felt something like this and I think it might just be the pressure and rubbing of what you just did against your open sores but I don't know that for a fact.
It also might be that your bowels haven't emptied completely and so there is still a stool in your back passage. I general found when I had this sensation, I would visit the toilet again. A sitz bath did tend to relax it too if not.
Good luck and I hope everything goes ok. I'm nearly 5 weeks post op now. There's a few other boards on the same subject where I've given hints and tips as I had removal both inside and out but still had a fairly speedy recovery compared to other accounts posted on here.
IBSbiz83123 Ouchies
Posted
Yes, that's exactly what I mean - going in the wrong direction. You're probablyright about the pressure and rubbing against the sores.
I do sitz baths after each BM but I don't like to do it when I feel it's not emptied as I am so scared of infections esp in the front.
I am going for my follow up in 3 days time so I'll ask my Dr about this.
Thanks again and I'll check out more forums
Ouchies IBSbiz83123
Posted
I used gentle wet wipes first after the bowel movement to clean myself then used the sitz bath with hot water and salt. I used this 5-10 times a day depending on the number of bowel movements. I got no infections and minimal discharge and the nurse said that the sitz bath would have aided this so I'd really consider getting one.
It would also help me relax to the point that I would have another bowel movement straight after and then have to have another sitz bath... It was time consuming but worth it!
At bed time, I'd do the normal routine but then at the end I'd empty the bath and refill it with fresh water and then use a small amount of gentle shower gel to wash myself then go to bed.
I also found using a step to raise my feet and leaning forward meant I didn't have to strain to have a bowel movement and so this helped the reduce the occurrence of the 'wrong direction bowel movement'!
I wish you a speedy recovery!
IBSbiz83123 Ouchies
Posted
mia54105 Guest
Posted
Ouchies mia54105
Posted
It sounds like you're having a rough time but you can get some help and help yourself.
I haven't taken any laxatives since my operation as it was laxatives that caused a lot of my problems in the first place. In addition, they unbalance your gut and get rid of all your good bacteria.
If you have some money to spend, go to the health food shop and buy some high potency probiotics. Take 2-3 a day for the first week or so.
Buy a jar of phyllium husks and take 2 a day.
Buy a pack of iron supplements (you can get it from boots and I'd recommend the one with apple juice and vitamin c as it absorbs easier) and take 2 a day then reduce to 1. Iron can cause constipation so don't over do it. I'd take this as your blood loss will have caused a drop in your iron levels and will make you exhausted which won't be making you feel any better. Removing meat from your diet also will not be helping this so I'd put it back in.
Buy a pack of flax seed and take a heaped tablespoon everyday. I add this to smoothies for breakfast, sprinkle on salads, on stewed apple with live yogurt or cereal. This is soluble fibre and will make your bowel movements soft.
Get a stool to put your feet on when you have a bowel movement and lean forward. This will help you have a movement without straining which will help your injuries heal and help stop new piles developing.
Are you in pain and taking pain relief?
Try and keep your chin up. If you are feeling so down, I'd let your doctor know and make sure you are very detailed about how you are feeling.
xxx
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Ouchies mia54105
Posted
I've just sent you a message but it's gone for moderation. I'm not sure why but hopefully it will be released to you tomorrow.
I hope you're ok.
xxx
mia54105 Ouchies
Posted
I feel awful I can't go on I'm so depressed I'm only young I don't know what to do ?... Can all of this just b piles ?, it's crazy the pain the blood I can't walk 😢😥
gemma38756 mia54105
Posted
i couldnt sleep couldnt walk. The pain was unbearable
the doctors didnt do alot.
but three weeks on things have improved although the hemorrhoids are not gone
Little_Miss_RC mia54105
Posted
Please don't think like that, I know it's awful but nothing is worth ending it all. Are you in the UK? Please go back to the doctor's and tell them it is affecting your life and you need treatment. x
IBSbiz83123 mia54105
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sorebutt mia54105
Posted
These people who carried out your surgery have a duty of care over you , and a responsibility to ensure that nothing is going wrong post op . You need to get back in touch and insist they address this severe pain . I had many pain killers prescribed to me , from ibuprofen right up to various types of morphine , none of which gave me any relief . Last week my GP prescribed a totally different type of pain killer from the ones the hospital gave me . Its called gabapentin and works in a totally different way by apparently focussing on the nerve endings . Its definately worth a try .
I just hope you have not been diagnosed wrongly and had the wrong procedure , which looks like has happened to me . I have had a haemorrhoidectomy , but the 5th and final consultant I have seen over the past weeks has indicated that my problem may have been rectal prolapse , or other pelvic floor issues . In his words , my surgeon has only 'exaserbated an already bad situation' . I wont know until 29th , when he takes me back into the theatre to see what is going wrong .
I dont think anyone on these forums expected to have pain-free surgery , but I really feel that many people have not been properly advised of what they may be facing post op . I know if I had been warned that things would be this bad , I may have looked at alternatives . I really hope things turn for you soon Mia , but please get back in touch and insist they make sure that they help you .
mia54105 Ouchies
Posted
Your message doesn't allow me to read your comments do you have any suggestions I'm trying desperately to figure this all out
mia54105 Ouchies
Posted
My doctor is send me for a swab of my anus tomorrow evening I don't know how this will help ?
Ouchies mia54105
Posted
My message has been released now. It was stopped as I'd included the brand names of the supplements I use.
Have you read my message?
I'm not sure why your doctor wants to swab you but I assume this is to check if you have an infection.
I know it's hard and you must feel so miserable but try and get motivated to help yourself. I'm 6 weeks post op and I'm still tired but I have no pain now and I really put my quick recovery to the things I've listed above and also relaxing and taking it very easy.
If you need more help from the doctor then insist on it and don't allow yourself to feel bullied. This is your life and only you know how you feel.
You should not have to suffer for a number of weeks before you are seen.
I got myself motivated by getting into my healing process and getting my body functioning well without medication.
Try going on YouTube to find some yoga videos to help you exercise and get things moving too. This will also help you feel happier.
Are you working at the moment? Are you in pain?
mia54105 Ouchies
Posted
Yes I'm working full time I work in retail so stand for 8 hours every day with little breaks my doctor did mention this might be causing them 😕😥😥😥 I will take you advice and try the supplements I'm also going for acupuncture I hope the swabs show an infection then I can move on with my life 😞😕😥 yesterday was a bad day I really felt like killing myself I know it sounds extreme but I'm living in hell
Ouchies mia54105
Posted
Don't delay on the supplements. Be careful with what you eat and drink. I've had to practically eliminate alcohol because it makes me sore and had made me bleed everytime I have drank since my surgery even though I have made sure I have drank very little.
I'd also think about booking some annual leave to take a rest. I know it feels like a waste when you're not using it for holiday but it sounds like you need a break. Maybe even book a holiday? I took a holiday abroad 4 weeks after my surgery and some winter sunshine did me the world of good. No harm in going somewhere alone if it's too late minute to organise friends or family to go with you.
I hope you're feeling better soon.
mia54105 Little_Miss_RC
Posted
He just keeps saying its piles and I need to live with them this isn't living it's a existing it's horrible 😢
sorebutt Ouchies
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Ouchies sorebutt
Posted
I've given up gluten for lent (not religious, just give up different stuff every year before I fill my face with chocolate eggs) and I'm going to see how that effects me.
Mine still seems to be healing but it doesn't look or feel quite right yet and I wondering if it ever will. I have no further appointments with the hospital, although I wish I did so that they could check they got everything and tell me what it was like when I wasn't just coming round from an anaesthetic.
How's yours doing? What have you tried to help and what has worked for you?
sorebutt Ouchies
Posted
With regards to my surgeries , same as you , very little info afterwards , despite being re-admitted to hospital 3 times since . I go back to theatre on Monday to see what has gone wrong with mine . Quite apprehensive as I am very tender still , even after over 6 weeks . This will be my sixth time in theatre for problems in that region . I have had 3 THD surgeries , 1 banding procedure under anaesthetic , and the last was the haemorrhoidectomy . I am worse off now than I ever was .
For the last few months before my last op , I had changed my sitting position on the toilet along with avoiding the afore mentioned foods , and I was getting on great , and thought that the op would be the icing on the cake . Sooo wrong .
I too wonder about the healing , and have my doubts . Just hope we all get some form of normality back , and soon .