Positive hemorrhoidectomy experience

I want to share my positive outcome after getting a hemorrhoidectomy, I know there are so many scary reviews about this surgery out there so I truly hope this information helps you as much as it would have helped me.

Background:

I’m 38 years old, and I was dealing with hemorrhoids for +/- 15 years. I know the pain, anxiety, frustration, embarrassment, tears, etc that comes along with this.

I ended up with a huge level 3 internal hemorrhoid, anal fissure and an external skin tag. I clearly waited too long, I thought it was going to magically disappear, get smaller…etc but the reality is I could have dealt with this way earlier, I honestly made excuse after excuse not to deal with this, and I was regretfully too embarrassed to even consider telling anyone about this issue.

I wanted to avoid getting a hemorrhoidectomy at all costs, I was SOOO afraid of all the horrible stuff you read online, reviews, podcasts, videos…etc so this combined with my ignorance in the matter, blinded my judgment and made me think that a hemorrhoidectomy was out of the question. It was even worse because when I saw a surgical doctor back in Canada the guy saw me for less than 5 minutes and immediately said the only option is a hemorrhoidectomy.

In fall of 2022 I had initially considered the THD procedure, which is apparently less invasive and fast, so I was determined to get this finally over with! I didn’t even have a proper appointment with the doctor (I lived in a different province and this was the only clinic doing this procedure Canada wide), I just told him my story over the phone and he said sure, I’ll do the surgery…this would have cost $4000+ in Canada.

He sent me some forms and information over email, it looked poorly written, badly put together so this was enough to make me question this doctor, trust my gut and not get this surgery.

Fast forward to summer 2023, I did some traveling in Europe and after a few TERRIBLE flare-ups I started searching for surgery options in Germany, I came across this procedure called Rafaello, which is similar to the THD but even faster and easier to perform. I found a private clinic, saw the doctor and unfortunately my grade 3 hemm was too big. Yet again the only option available was a hemorrhoidectomy…what was different this time was the simple, calm and factual explanation from this doctor, he even told me the surgery can be ambulatory and that I’d be walking out of the clinic the same day.

I found it hard to believe that the surgery would be that simple so I raised my concerns about all the terrible stuff I had researched, the doctor said first of all stop checking things online, second of all those things do happen but usually with surgeons who do not know what they’re doing. Saying this, keep in mind that it’s extremely important you find a proctologist (or rectal surgeon, which I learnt is the same). I looked up my doctors’ credentials, diplomas, reviews, etc and I was very lucky to know that he was an expert in his field so I was comfortable with him. This cost $1450 euros for the surgery and a pre/post surgery visit in a private clinic.

I had to let go of my fear, denial, stubbornness and accept that the dreaded hemorrhoidectomy was the only solution based on my diagnosis. With this in mind I thought if the situation doesn’t change, I will change my perspective towards the situation.

Pre-surgery:

The date was set for September 12th 2023, so I stocked up on supplies beforehand. I bought lots of veggies for broth and blended soups, herbal teas, got a donut pillow, squat stool and portable bidet. I stopped reading/watching stuff online and I welcomed this surgery with love and gratitude, I knew this was going to finally change my life.

I highly recommend meditation and mindfulness practice, this personally helped me a lot, there’s a free podcast on Spotify called Headspace or mindfulness books online but If you’re not into meditation, do whatever puts you at ease, especially a few days before your surgery.

Having the support of family or life partners is crucial as well, this makes you feel supported and you realize you’re not alone, in my case I suffered a lot in silence until I could finally open up to my wife, her support, love and patience helped immensely before, during and after the surgery.

In the days before the surgery the doctor didn’t give me a specific diet to follow but I stuck to soups only, and did the usual lots of water, fruit and fiber.

I’ve never taken any metamucil or anything like it but it’s been years now since I came across PSYLLIUM HUSK it’s honestly a miraculous thing, I usually have it with smoothie or oats, it’s great at making sausagey soft stool, be careful and don’t use too much, also have lots of water afterwards to help making it even easier and faster to go to the bathroom.

Surgery & post surgery:

The day finally came, since this was my first real surgery I was anxious about the anesthesia but thankfully the anesthesiologist was very friendly, explained everything and it took literally less than 10 seconds before I was out. He also gave me something during the surgery so I don't get dizzy. I woke up after +/- half hour and obviously my rear end was in pain, about 5/10 but I was able to go home no problem.

The first night wasn’t as bad as I expected or how it’s portrayed online, pain around 4/10, I was so bloated but didn’t push any gas out fearing it would rip off the stitches, in saying that make sure you chew slowly, do not drink any sparkling liquids and take anti-bloating medication if possible. Also It was difficult to pee on the first day so drink lots of water.

The only meds I was prescribed were Ibuprofen 600mg and liquid novalgin 500mg, I took them in intervals of 4 hours per day for the first week, then went down to 6 hours per day until I was done with all meds in 2 weeks. Make sure you stay AHEAD of the pain and take your meds on time, even if you don’t feel any pain, finish your prescription.

I also had a wound healing cream that I would use 3 times a day, make sure your wound is clean and dry, I only used water (portable bidet or shower head) after a BM and dried myself with a blowdryer, then cream and gauze. You will experience discharge of pus/blood/feces, don’t panic as this is normal and it gradually stops as the wound is healing, hence the importance of keeping that area clean!

I ate papaya (great for healing internal wounds) in the morning and broth with saltine crackers for lunch/dinner. My biggest frustration was not having a BM, on the 3rd day I tried having one but nothing came out. I was in pain, bloated, desperate and so uncomfortable…not pushing is easier said than done.

I had bulgy external hemm looking stuff outside my anus, keep in mind this is NORMAL and it goes away eventually.

I went to the doctor on the 3rd day and he was happy with how things looked and told me it is normal not to have a BM a few days after the surgery.

I finally had one on the 4th day, it was such a relief! It was painful but nothing unbearable. So in saying this, DEFINITELY use a squatty potty or something similar, and DO NOT use a cellphone/book/magazine while doing your business…you wanna focus, relax and be there in and out.

I used to sit for more than 20 minutes, strain and of course I had my cellphone with me… Now, I’m usually in and out in 7-8 minutes and it’s also helpful to time yourself, even if I don’t feel empty enough, I time myself out at 10 minutes.

You definitely wanna have someone helping you, especially the first week. You don’t wanna do much physical activity, while resting I read, drew, journal and did visualization meditations seeing myself healthy and happy, but basically do whatever makes you get distracted from being uncomfortable or in pain.

I was also very lucky because I didn't have to work, of course this isn’t possible for all so definitely take AT LEAST one month off or 6 weeks if possible. It’s almost irresponsible to get told you can get back to work after 2 weeks, it obviously depends on what you do for a living, but you will need 4 weeks to heal properly.

The pain in general for me remained 2-3/10 overall, after a week I noticed a considerable difference in my BM’s, since I didn’t have a huge level 3 internal hemm blocking my poo, everything became easier and faster, specially not having to push the hemm back in was a beautiful thing!

The BEST experience I had was on September 29th, when I had a BM of 1 MINUTE!!! It might sound silly to someone who doesn’t deal with hemorrhoids, but if you’re reading this, I know you understand how remarkable this is.

After 2 weeks I started eating everything, I still used psyllium husk everyday during breakfast, resumed my daily activities and thankfully the pain slowly faded, I also walked outside at least once a day. Keep in mind not to push yourself, you shouldn’t lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for a month. It was also helpful for me to keep pictures of how my wound looked every week so you can compare the healing process.

I also found a GREAT resource of all hemm related information on youtube, it’s called Dr. Chang “The friendly proctologist” this made me realize how bizarre it is that nobody teaches us how to poop properly and all the digestive knowledge that comes along with it. By talking more and more about it, it becomes less of a “gross” or uncomfortable subject.

I had my last check up with the doctor after 6 weeks and everything looked great, the wound was healed and I definitely hope I don’t have to see a proctologist EVER AGAIN!

Summary:

I’m writing this almost 3 months after the surgery, all in all it was most definitely worth it, life changing I’d say. NO MORE bleeding, no more anxiety, frustration and embarrassment, best of all, peace of mind.

Just for reference, my doctor performed an open hemorrhoidectomy and used the Milligan-Morgan technique.

If you’re dealing with hemorrhoids, talk to your loved ones, find a reputable specialist, invest in a private clinic if you can, and ask as many questions as possible so you feel comfortable before having a surgery.

I might have been lucky with having such a good recovery from a hemorrhoidectomy considering all the bad reviews out there, and I was also lucky that I generally wasn't in pain when I still had hemms. So make an informed decision before choosing the procedure that’s right for you. There’s light at the end of the tunnel!

Best of luck, you're not alone!

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