Hemorrhoids :: My Experience 5 Weeks After Haemorrhoidectomy
Aug 16, 2015
After 5 weeks of doing the operation and especially after passing through some really horrible times of pain and misery I promised myself that I owe it to everybody out there to share my experience so that you can derive benefit out of it. I had suffered from haemorrhoids for 20+ years and it is only because I became severely anaemic due to blood loss from passing stools that I was forced to do the operation. With hindsight I could have avoided 20 years of misery, of lost sports, of severe discomfort in cars and planes by taking the plunge and doing it earlier.
First and foremost, Haemorrhoidectomy is a very common operation and albeit there is a very small percentage where things get complicated the cases are getting less and less each year. I'm saying this because each and every person that does this operation will pass through so much pain that instinctively he or she will think that they are one of the few that is unlucky.
Secondly the pain WILL PASS!
I repeat it WILL PASS!
The absolutely horrible, can't take it anymore, about to throw up, about to faint, never going to be the same, never going to be happy, stuffiness, bloated feeling, blade cutting through your backside pain WILL PASS!
Realistically a person who does this operation will experience two annoying factors namely pain and discomfort. In the first few days the pain is so bad that you cannot think of anything else including the discomfort. After that the pain between going to the bathroom will slowly subside but the discomfort will increase primarily due to constipation. Hereunder please find my tips and what I would do differently if I could go back in time.
1. Increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and water weeks before the operation to soften your stools and prepare your body for a life change. This diet change is a must EVEN AFTER the operation unless you’re a masochist and want to pass through it again.
2. Cut out anything that might make you constipated – research. This includes alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, refined foods etc.
3. Do a fresh water enema the day before the operation.
4. Do a list of all the things you missed out on because of your condition and promise yourself to enjoy life more after the operation and to take care more of your physical well being.
5. Mentally prepare that you are going to be in severe pain but also be aware that this is only temporary and that you’ll be tons better after that and the effort would have been worth it. Incidentally I was in excruciating pain for about 5 days, in agonising pain 5 days after that and in manageable pain 5 days after that. By the end of the second week I was 60% better. By the end of the fourth week I was 90% better with only the annoying leakage to take care of. By the end of the fifth week I’m 95% there.
6. Try and limit pain killer as much as possible as they will slow your digestive system and the resulting constipation is worse than the pain.
7. The feeling of still feeling massive haemorrhoids after the operation is normal. This is due to the swelling. The importance of having formed stools that are SOFT is important. Underline formed not diarrhoea as you need your system to re-function even if it means a little more pain.
8. The feeling of passing sharp blades during the first few days is unavoidable. This mixed with blood and excrement is not a pretty felling or site but I PROMISE YOU it will get better.
9. Keep the are dry otherwise you’ll develop sever rash – been there done that – more pain to avoid.
10. Keep moving. The more you move the better your digestive system works, the less laxatives, the less bloated feeling, the happier you will be.
11. Be prepared to go the bathroom at a moment's notice.
12. Run a warm sitz bath often – it does wonders to sooth the pain
13. Squat not sit to pass stools. It’s easier to excrete, less painful and quicker. I’m still squatting and there is no way I’m going back to sitting. Before I sometime spent between 30 – 45 min on the loo. Now I’m in an out in 3 minutes.
14. Keep the area clean. Use a bidet, shower or whatever you want. Use only toilet paper to pat dry the excess water. Again with hindsight this should be norm. After all if you covered you hand in excrement you wouldn’t simply wipe it off with toilet paper but you’d wash the hell out of it.
15. Drink lots of water and take a reasonable amount of fibre. Taking fibre without water is a recipe for disaster.
16. You are going to have to live with sanitary pads for a few weeks until the area heals sufficiently. It will get gradually better. I have gained a new respect for women who have to wear these things once a month; very annoying.
17. After you recover promise yourself to share your positive experience and the things that worked out for you on a blog for the benefit of others. It’s kind of a chain get better advice blog.
18. Most important of all – KEEP POSITIVE and take care of your health. You only have one body.
View 39 Replies
Advertisement
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 sclerotherapy 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 treatment - 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 excision 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, especially 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 that some 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 the start 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, Co Dydramol, 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.
View 48 Replies
Just saw this product a couple days ago, trying to search for hemorrhoids treatment for myself. Anyone try this before? Is it good? Any other suggestions which product is better for hemorrhoids treatment?
View 5 Replies
Day 0.
Scheduled to go to the hospital at 7:30am. Booked in no problem, just thirsty from lack of water. Was no.3 on the list so went into theatre at 11:30 ish. Nice anaesthetists, no issue with the general being put in. Drifted away quickly it seems. Only bad thing was th surgical stockings they made me wear, clashed with my gown.
Woke up at 1:30 with a really sore throat and blocked nose and ears. Side effects of the general it seems. Bum was a little painful at this time. 2:00 moved to recovery room, still feeling a little sleepy. Had some water and he a nice cuppa. Had some bread and butter (they wouldn't let me leave if I didn't eat). No problems with the waterworks but did feel the need for a poo or pump. Nothing came though, no straining!!
Had an ibuprofen with the tea as felt pain. 30 minutes later it must have kicked in, as it was a dull throb then. Tried to do some puzzles in my book but kept dozing off. Nice nurse kept coming in to the my BP every so often and changed. Dressing when a bit fell out. Had a wander round the ward and got dressed. No problem walking, through balance was a bit wonky at times. Wife collected me at about 5 ready to go home.
Got in, had another pee. Opened get well box of presents, had a drink of tea, snarled some of the kids scampi and had a weetabix laced with flax seeds. Drinking lots of water,ergo peeing a lot and sitting on a hot wat bottle to relieve urge to poop. Took a codeine at 5 as well as a paracetamol and antibiotic, next set of Meds is about 10ish.
pain rating 3/10. No worse than a bad day of haemorrhoids at the moment.
View 12 Replies
My name is Gary. I am 57 and have had problems with hemorrhoids for years. It was getting to where I was spending two weeks out of the month basically ok due to constipation from opiate medication I have to take. Then one week where I use the prep H to push the roids back into place. Then often a week of just pain, stool softeners vs pain killers, and out of service.
I got referred to a surgeon recently and he said I had a bad case and set me up for surgery. They decided to do a colonistmy (colon probe. where I guess they pump you full of air and put a tube all the way up). I did not know that it was that extensive or I might of gone without it..at least not with this surgery.
I was told afterwards that I had some of the largest they had seen. Also the colon test showed some polyps they had to burn out. They did not look cancerous.
I had trouble getting cleaned out prior to surgery due to the pain and the opiates. As required I took 250 grams of miralax stool softener, 4 laxatives, and waited. I took them at 4 pm, had surgery lined up for 8:00 am with a 6:00am arrival. The drugs did not take effect until 1:00am so I was up until we had to leave for the hospital still on the toilet..and in severe pain.
I was still eliminating when we arrived. I was given a couple of ememas to use on myself. I couldn't hold them but they came out clear so they started the surgery, colon probe, and prostate exam.
I awoke after 2 hours of surgery. I was still under the anesthesia (I was put out) and not in terrible pain. I got up and was able to urinate. I had packing in me and was told to go home, take a bath, and they would come out. I had terrible cramps and gut pain, prostate pain, and severe anus pain. I have lots of stitches down there.
I went home and ate a small bowl of cereal and some oatmeal...and waited. I drank a bunch of juice and water but could not urinate. I was leaking blood everywhere. I took several baths and finally the packing came out. I took stool softeners and drank a lot. Finally the first meal, or what was left over from before, came out in the bath. I didn't have a full bowel push because of the pain but a bunch of crap, in small strings, some packing, and a huge amount of blood came out. I would say a pint.
I ate some more: a bacon and cheese bagel, some oatmeal, and stool softeners. I drank a bunch. I also had to take a bunch of painkillers. One the third day I had an involuntary bowel push but came up empty. I couldn't take the pain. Blood was still coming out in drips all the time with a small amount of feces. I called the doctor and got more pain killers. I set up a plan last night to have a bowel movement this morning. I ate some more oatmeal after one day without food. I took several sleeping pills and some painkillers to stop the urge to have a bowel movement. I had to get up at 12:00am and take more pain killers to stop an early bowel urge which would come up with nothing as is my experience. I awoke at 7:00am, as planned, and held the pain killers aside. I forced a bowel movement and produced a large pile of soft serve sh*t which was full of blood. There was more to come but, now 6 days out, I was in too much pain to push again.
It becomes a real fight to live. I am addicted to painkillers from years of degenerative disk disease and arthritis due to an 80 foot fall in 89. I don't get my refill until the 13th which is 3 more days. I have enough for today. I have stayed away from the long acting painkillers unless I run out. I hope to pass more later today. I will probably try the same procedure.
Again, it is the sixth day, and I still cannot walk without using the furniture. I try and move around as much as possible. I have some blood a fecal leakage which I clean up each time with a bath or a soaking wet warm wash cloth. Then I fold a washcloth in half and put in between my swollen cheeks until dry. They shave you down there and the stubble that grows back is very painful to the opposite side. I have never felt such pain. Each day has been a little better except for the third in which I was worse.
I would've still done the surgery if this all turns out ok. I will eat better, drink more, and do whatever I have to do to keep this from recurring.
View 8 Replies
Have any you tried banding for piles what are your thoughts and experiences?
View 16 Replies
I'd like to post my experience with these awful, awful hemorrhoids. Let me give you all some background first....so I have a habit of bringing my phone in the bathroom and reading articles, checking emails, social networks, whether, bank accounts, credit cards, bills, but the point is my BMs generally took a few minutes but sat on the toilet far too long, anywhere from 15-30 minutes and maybe longer. I saw having BMs as a perfect break point in my super busy life to get updates on emails and such. DO NOT DO THAT, please God do not make the same mistake as me.
So this behavior has been going on for quite some time and a week or so ago is when it all went downhill. Now I always shower after BMs if I'm home, so I started noticing these bulges in my anal area during my showers. They just went away and they didn't really hurt or anything and my initial thought was, "huh...hmmm that's weird". But other than that, I totally ignored it.
I didn't even really know what hemorrhoids were. So then one Friday night a few days ago I had a BM. Hopped in the shower (as I was home) and noticed another bulge in my anus and initially I was like, "huh, what is this weird thing". Towards the end of the shower I noticed that this time it didn't go away. At this point all I was thinking was, what the f***....so I began googling and soon educated myself on hemorrhoids and made the self diagnosis that I now had a thrombosed hemorrhoid. I immediately called my family doc and Monday afternoon I had it checked out. He confirmed my self diagnosis and referred me to a specialist whose literal job is to look at hemorrhoids. By the way, that weekend while waiting for my appointment was awfully painful, I had a hard time playing with my dog, making love and BMs were the absolute worst. Anyway, my family doc said that the specialist would probably make an incision, drain the dreadful roid and then I'd be fine....WRONG.
So I called the specialist (over 25 years of hemorrhoid experience) and scheduled an appointment later the same day (Monday). I went in optimistic, however, after the specialist checked it he said, "Chris, this is a pretty big thrombosed hemorrhoid, and I'm going to have to remove it. You also have a rather large internal hemorrhoid that needs to be removed as well, I can't just drain it at this level". By the way, it was about the size of a decent grape tomato. So surgery was scheduled for the next day (Tuesday) , a hemorrhoidectomy.
This being my first surgery ever, I was scared out of my mind. I watched the medical procedure on some college website which only worsened my anxiety (please don't do that). The surgery went well and I felt perfectly fine in the recovery room (the drugs hadn't worn off yet). However, the pain started to present itself after a few hours being at home. I tried to have a BM that night but nothing but blood came out, no pain though. After my BM attempt I made a warm bath and sat in it for maybe 30 mins, which really relieved the pain. So this brings me to today, this morning (Wednesday).
I'm currently sitting in another warm bath and the pain is minimal in the water. I have a difficult time walking around as I can't stand up straight. So far the pain has been tolerable and overall not as awful as some other posts suggest. I still haven't had a BM since the surgery about 14 hours ago. Honestly, I'm terrified too. I'll try to keep updating this with comments as I progress through recovery.
I have the idea that when I attempt to have my first BM, it will be in a warm sitz bath. I'll clean it out then hop in the tub, as I heard having a BM in the water is much less painful, gross but I think it will be effective and absolutely worth it. Just remember to stay as clean as possible. This is my first forum post ever so bare with me as I attempt to update. Thanks for reading and wish me luck.
View 6 Replies
For approx. 10 years I've been dealing with internal and external haemorrhoids (rhoids) and the occasional prolapse - too embarrassed to seek medical attention I've just tried my hardest, despite the discomfort, to carry on regardless. After a recent defining moment in the bathroom I decided enough was enough and booked a visit to see my GP, which to my surprise was not as embarrassing as I thought it would be. Following a digital examination the GP confirmed that the usual solutions would not suffice and a referral to a Consultant was needed - fortunately I have private medical insurance and my appointment came through quickly.
At my first appointment the Consultant completed a digital examination for himself and deduced that my rhoids were “quite large”. At this stage he suggested a Sigmoidoscopy (lower bowel camera) and ligation (banding) to see if that would help - whilst I was told the procedure is uncomfortable and not painful I opted for sedation on the basis that why would anyone choose to be in any discomfort when they really don’t need to be!?![/color]
Having researched the procedure online I returned to the hospital some 3 weeks later. I have to say the enema was a surprise in more ways than one – I now understand it’s a necessary requirement, but given the reason it’s being administered is it unreasonable to assume they would be a little more gentle? #Wowzers! Anyway, I waited around all morning and I was eventually taken to the Operating Room (OR). At this point I have to say Sedation is wonderful - I remember nothing between the fluid being injected in the cannula and subsequently being in the recovery room. Given I had been tinkered with all I can remember at this point is feeling as though I needed to go to the toilet. I was subsequently transferred back to my room where I remained for a couple of hours in a little discomfort, but I recall being in pain – the Consultant came to say he would see me at my follow-up appointment and I was eventually released by a nurse that said “it looks like you’re coming back to see us” and I spotted THD on her paperwork.
It was about 2-3 weeks when I had a follow-up with my Consultant, which gave me lots of time to read up on what THD was etc. – compared to the rhoidectomy of yesteryear it sounded like an absolute gem of a procedure. The Consultant asked how I had got on with the ligation and I explained there had been no real change however, he said he didn’t think it would work given the size of the rhoids – so we discussed returning for a THD in 2 weeks’ time. So, there is the background…
I returned to the hospital for my THD last Friday and, given the procedural information I had read on line, I was feeling quite good about it. Having had another fairly uncomfortable enema (by the hands of the person that delivered the previous one! #Ouch) I was told that I was 2nd on the list and would be seen quite quickly – it was roughly mid-morning when I walked to the OR. At this point I was given the cannula etc. before the GA was administered. Quick question: Is it just me that likes that dizzy lightheaded feeling you get with a GA? I’ve had a few in my time and I really enjoy it!
]The next thing I remember is waking up in the Recovery Room with an overwhelming feeling that I needed a bowel movement (BM) – I’m talking that real desperate need somebody has when they have a stomach upset. I recall one nurse saying it’s probably the packing and the other said the consultant did not use any – I was then told somebody was on their way to transfer me to my room but I could have a bed pan if I needed it. I was quickly returned to my room and I asked if I was able to go to the toilet – I was told I could, but needless to say I actually couldn’t do either of the things one usually does when they visit the lavatory!
After a good hour or so I asked if any pain relief was available as I was really quite uncomfortable. I was subsequently given codeine, which did help – mainly because I fell asleep if I’m honest! I was woken by a nurse wanting to take my obs – I said I needed the loo first and the nurse agreed to return within several minutes. I managed to urinate however, upon returning to the room the nurse had quite a fright as found me lying on the bed looking as white as the pillow case, feeling dizzy and sweating – I was given Oxygen for a while. I was given more codeine later on and, after more sleep, I eventually saw the Consultant who said that he would see me again in a couple of weeks, but with regard to that day I could stay overnight or go home. Being tired as I was unable to get any decent sleep, I opted to go home at around 18:30. Upon check out I was prescribed Fybogel (to be taken Twice Daily) and Paracetamol (as and when) – due to other ailments I have access to Co Codamol 30/500 and Tramadol hence I was good to go. The journey home was not too bad however, the left side of my rectum was particularly sore hence I sat with all my weight on the right bottom cheek for the duration. When at home I pretty much spent the evening sleeping, thinking about the toilet or trying to go to the toilet!
I woke up several times in the night with the feeling that I needed to go to the toilet, so I eventually got up to watch TV at around 04:30. Feeling the need to go to toilet lasted all day – other than briefly after passing wind or a short while longer after taking a Tramadol. I eventually went for a very small BM however, it was quite painful to be honest and I wondered if my body was telling me I needed to but my head was telling me not to – I was literally having spasms, such a weird feeling that happened several times throughout the day. The good news was that whilst I still felt rough, I was more mobile and thought THD may just be the best thing since sliced bread.
Pretty much mirrors Day two having woken up at 04:00. I went downstairs and eventually managed to go to the toilet for a small BM however, it was soooo painful I felt exhausted afterward. I returned to bed mid-morning for a couple of hours and then remained in the confines of my house for the rest of the day.
Woke up at a reasonable time and managed to potter around the house all day. Took a 40 minute drive to take my child to school and back and noticed that the desperate urge to go to the toilet has been replaced with a fullness/weight feeling and there is now an aching on the left side of my rectum. I managed to do the smallest of BM’s, which, in the main, was probably my body dispelling some of the Fybogel! In cleaning myself I noticed a small lump on my rectum, which I can only liken to an external rhoid – brilliant, just brilliant! By the afternoon I actually felt like I was in pain until I read about and decided to take a sitz bath – temporarily relieving the pain, until I took more Tramadol
Today. I’m feeling somewhat down about my post THD experience. It doesn’t seem to be consistent with the majority of literature that says you’ll be running marathons within 48 hours (slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean)! I’ve got what I think is an external rhoid, the left side of my rectum is uncomfortable, and when I sit down or stand up I can feel pressure - like you do when the rhoids are playing up…not to mention that after I drove my child to school today I felt like I’d received a swift kick up the arse when I got back to the house. I had a BM this afternoon and it was painful…AGAIN…I ended up elevating my feet on a footstool to making the passing of the BM more comfortable!
Having got all that of my chest, I’m hoping somebody can offer an opinion on the following…[/color]
Could the lump on my rectum be linked to the procedure and shrink over time? I’m wondering if I’ve not noticed before as I previously had a prolapse?
Could the lump be a new rhoid or hematoma given the constant feeling of requiring the loo and then my associated attempts to go?
Given I’m now at Day 5, should I really have an aching feeling where I think the procedure was completed?
Given I’m still uncomfortable, would you contact the GP or carry on taking the tramadol for now?
I’m off work at the moment, but I will need a sick note in 2 days – is it likely that I’ll be ready to go back at this point?
Many thanks for reading and, where you can, replying with your comment(s).
View 14 Replies
I have just had 3 hemorrhoids worked on by THD surgery. This was done Thursday (and Saturday). I am on 2 sachets a day of movicol to soften stools but have not passed anything yet. I am eating fruit and little bit of other stuff such as digestive biscuits a little bit of bread etc. is there anything else I can do to help? When is pushing straining? I tried to go earlier and worryingly passed a jelly like lump of something?
The pain is manageable with occasional paracetamol or ibuprofen.
View 5 Replies
It's day eight after my procedures. I barely am feeling the slightest bit better. As the subject states I had THD, sphincterotomy For an anal fissure, and external hemorrhoids. Pain medications are my only relief at this point with a little sleep in between. Hey bowel movement consistent little bit of prep work. I was given 5% lidocaine ointment to put on before the bowel movement and for after. This is only a short time of relief. My prescriptions include hydrocodone, Nucynta, Valium, and Flomax. The first two for the pain, the Valium for the spasms in the rectum, and Flomax for the swollen prostate from the procedure. Even urinating is a difficult task. It seems like I can't do one without doing the other, Although this seems to be getting better so I do believe my prostate is beginning to shrink back to normal. In these eight days I've lost right at 14 pounds and I am eating very little every day. I am forcing myself to drink as much water as possible and I'm taking non laxative stool softeners twice per day. I can answer any question that you might have of me for more information. I'm just looking for someone else that's had similar recovery time and issues.
View 4 Replies
I'm posting this (rather long) history of how I finally solved my hemorrhoids problem in the hopes it will help people who are still trying to figure it out.
I'm a 58 year old man in good health and at the correct weight for my height. I'm not on any prescription drugs, I eat sensibly and work out at least 2-3 times a week.
I've had hemorrhoids for many years and pretty much ignored them, but then about 3 years ago they started getting worse, eventually to the point where I had to do something because they started to affect my life style.
The lifestyle effects were mostly about physical exercise. For example, when I played more than 9 holes of golf, the hemorrhoids would start acting up and get so uncomfortable I couldn't focus on my game. Or playing racquetball for more than a half hour would cause the same problems. The symptoms were pain, sometimes some type of clear fluid discharge (I know - totally gross), and sometimes bleeding. I could actually feel the hemorrhoids stick out of my butt. The pain could last for several days and would be constantly on my mind to point where enough was enough, I had to get help.
So I got a referral from my regular doc to a colorectal doc. It was a bad experience... he examined me and afterward said, "Yup, you got a nice bunch of marbles down there," and told me I needed surgery and how painful it could be. His nurse told me that she'd had post-op patients call her and literally scream and swear at her because they were in so much pain. I left that office and never went back. I forgot about "getting better" and figured I'd just have to live with it for now.
But a month or two later I was playing softball at a meeting away from home and the hemorrhoids got real bad and when I got to the hotel they were bleeding and I had to go out to dinner with a bunch of associates, then get on a plane early the next morning. I didn't know if I'd be able to do either, but I somehow got through it and vowed to go back to the doc.
So I got a referral to another doc and he was a little better. But he too recommended surgery and told me there would be a 2 week period I'd have to take off from work. I still wasn't ready for that, but he did give me a very good key piece of advice, and that was to take one big tablespoon of orange flavored sugar-free Metamucil (he was very specific) mixed with a big glass of water once a day, and to drink lots of water each day. I started taking it the next day and it made a big difference in my bowel movements. They became much 'easier' and didn't bother my hemorrhoids nearly as much as before. That was about 18 months ago and I've taken it every day since (I think it's good for cholesterol reduction too as a side benefit).
Still searching for a non-surgical solution, I got a referral to another doc and the third time was the charm for the time being. This doc examined me and said I definitely didn't need surgery, that my main problem was a couple of internal hemorrhoids and they could be handled with rubber band litigation. I said what about the external ones that I could see with a mirror? He said those weren't the offenders, which was quite different from what the other two docs said. So he did the procedure. He picked the biggest one and put the band on it. It took about 5 minutes and was very uncomfortable but not painful. He told me that's it, that there's no after-care, there should be no pain and to come back in a couple of weeks.
Well, he was wrong about the pain. I woke up that night at 2 am in pain. I took a couple of Advil which didn't help much, so an hour later I took two Tylenols and that did the trick. The procedure had been on a Friday, so I couldn't call the doc to see why I was having pain, but I looked it up online and saw that it wasn't uncommon, especially if the rubber band had been placed too low, i.e., too far towards the lining of the rectum where it would pull on the wall.
I had to keep that up the meds for the next 2-3 days. The whole area was swollen and felt like a typical 'bad' attack, and I was bummed out thinking this wasn't going to work. On Monday, I called the office and found out they're closed on Mondays. Great.
On Tuesday things were starting to get better. There was still some pain but no big deal. I called the doc's nurse and she said I could come in, but it sounded like I was progressing ok and that yes, sometimes there is pain if the band is too low, and that's exactly what this sounded like. So I decided not to go in, and day by day it got better.
After about a week, I was back to working out, and for the first time in a long, long time, I didn't have hemorrhoid problems. I was now able to resume most activities without having those nagging problems anymore. What a relief!
I say 'most' because I still would have some minor problems after longer periods physical exertion, say after 3-4 hours, like a round of golf. But again, the issues were much less.
At 6 months after that first procedure I was still having some issues, so I decided to get another band done to get the second-worse internal hemorrhoid taken care of. I had it done, and this time there was no pain at all afterwards. The procedure was still uncomfortable, but now knowing what the result would be, I went into it with much less trepidation, and knew that even if I did have the same pain as the first time, it would be worth it.
So for me, it was all about getting those internal hemorrhoids dealt with. I still have the external ones, but much to my surprise they really don't cause any issues. I had always thought they were the culprits since I could see them, but I guess that's one of the pitfalls with self-diagnosis; the obvious answer was the wrong one. I may still have one more internal one to take care of, as the doc said they usual form in groups of three. But with the first two, worst ones taken care of, I think most of my problems are gone.
For any of you fellow sufferers out there, I hope you can learn something from these first experiences. The whole thing was embarrassing (to me) at first.... having those first docs checking me out 'down there' took some getting used to, but now I look at it as just another medical procedure, somewhat typical to what women have to go though their whole lives, or so my wife says.
About a year later and I was still having problems with at least one internal hemorrhoids. I went back to my doc who it put a rubber band on but it didn't help all that much. I went back again and he said well, there is another one, and I'll try to band it. I didn't really get what he was talking about with the try (he was never hesitant before) but said go ahead anyway. He said the issue was that he couldn't get the band all the way around the base of it but hopefully this would work. The next morning well sitting on the toilet, the band popped off. I realized that the banding procedure was no longer an option and thought that maybe it time to get surgery and get this finished once and for all.
I asked a separate doc that I trusted for a referral to a younger (<45) doc who knew all the latest procedures, as I was looking for the most non-invasive possible. I found one. When meeting with him he told me all the different techniques he uses and said that during surgery he'd decide which was best depending on how things presented themselves, and I was good with that approach.
I had the surgery and it turned out to be more complex than we thought. Initially, we knew there was at least one internal hemorrhoid that was the main culprit, but during surgery he found two other internals and one external. In fact, the main internal one was connected to the external one, so they both had to come out. So the surgery, which was in a full-blown operating room and I was completely unconscious, was rather extensive. Although it was scheduled to be outpatient I couldn't pee afterwards so they inserted a catheter and keep me overnight (The catheter insertion was weird and uncomfortable and freaked me out a little as a friend had just had one a month before and told me how awful it was. In reality, the fear from that was much worse than the actual procedure. But next time I would still ask for a Xanax or something first). I came home the next day in some pain. He gave me Percocet which helped quite a bit. (He started out with one 5 mg every six hours and it wasn't nearly enough. I had up it to two 10 mg every four hours for the first day or two.)
Here's the recovery process, which I wrote as it happened:
Day 1, Thursday Surgery @ 7:30 am. Prep was nothing to eat or drink after midnight and an enema the night before (more on that later). Woke up after, no pain yet but felt pressure in lower abdomen. Because of the catheter, they kept me overnight and removed it the following morning.
Day 2, Friday I went home, slept a lot, caught up Netflix (the one silver lining). Took 10 mg Percocet every 4-5 hours, which did a good job of containing pain. Was able to walk if needed, e.g., to the bathroom, but only felt like laying in bed. Total meds: 30 mg Percocet, 1 Senokot, 2 Colace, 2 Advil.
Day 3, Saturday - I'm now in the third day after the surgery and things seem to be getting better. I still haven't had a bowel movement which I am anticipating will be somewhat painful, But I'm looking forward to get through it because that will be kind of the last step. Total meds: 10 mg Percocet, 3 Colace, 3 Senokot, 1 Miralax, 2 Advil. (Might have taken more pain meds, but I was asleep quite a bit.)
Day 4, Sunday Had first bowel movement. Was more uncomfortable than painful and I wish I had been taking more stool softeners, because the surgical area is apparently swollen and theres not much room for stuff to exit. I upped my dose immediately to Colace 3x a day and one dose of Miralax before bed. The pain occurred afterward about 5 minutes after I was done, an aching started in the surgery area and got quite bad, to the point where I had to lay down in bed and wait for 10 mg of Percocet to kick in. Thank God for Percocet. From there on, I pre-medicated for the next few days which helped a lot. Had two more BMs that say, the 2nd followed by 2 Advil, 3rd by 2 Percocet. Total meds: 30 mg Percocets, 6 Advil, 5 Senokot, 3 Colace, 1 Miralax,
Day 5, Monday Stayed home from work. Sent email to direct reports why I was out (hadn't told them previously). Woke up at 6 am took 2 Advil. Took various softeners and pain killers throughout the day, had two BMs. Still painful with achiness but not as bad due to taking more softeners and stating ahead on the pain meds. Total meds: 6 Advil, 10 mg Percocet , 2 Colace, 2 Senokot, 1 Miralax.
Day 6, Tuesday - Getting a little better each day. Still stayed home for work, but had a one hour meeting downtown, so I went to that. It was good to be out. I had been noticing that there was a light hygiene issue with some minor staining and a little leakage, so my wife gave me a mini-pad that sticks to your underwear. It worked ok, but was hard to position properly. After that, I switched to the maxi-pads, which also stick to the underwear, but cover much more area and worked better. Good peace-of-mind as I didn't have to worry about being out in public. Had one BM, as I did from here on out. Total meds: 6 Advil, 2 Colace, 1 Percocet.
Day 7, Wednesday Back to work for the full day. Still a little awkward to get up and sit down, so I stayed at my desk most of the day, felt pretty good, maybe 80-85% better. If I had a job where I had to be on my feet all day, I would have stayed home again. Cut Colace down to 1, which was a mistake due to difficult BM the next day, immediately went back up to 3/day. Total meds: 4 Advil, 1 Colace.
After that first week, things continued to get better each day. I continued to have some achiness after each BM and took couple of Advil proceeding each one which helped. I went back to the doc for a checkup at the end of the 2nd week and he was pleased with progress. He said probably best not to take Advil as it causes bleeding, ok to take 2.5 or 5 mg of the Percocet, so I did that for a couple of days, then switched to Tylenol. I eventually stopped taking even that at about the 3-week mark. I continued to use the maxi-pads until about the 2-1/2 week mark. BMs at the end of the 3rd week were still a little difficult, especially to get them started. It felt like the opening wasn't big enough and I had to strain to get it going, but once stared it opened up and progressed normally. Maybe I was just too tensed up?
At the 4-week mark, the BMs are more normal with almost no straining. I was still taking 3 Colace a day, but considering going down to two. I should also mention that I was taking Metamucil 2x a day during the entire time period. I had been taking it once a day (1 heaping TB of the orange sugarless mixed in water) for the past several years on the recommendation of one of my first docs, and it helped a lot.
I also went back to playing racquetball just shy of the one-month anniversary. My doc cleared me after 2 weeks, but I was still too achy and just not ready. On my first day back to work, there was some pain from the BM (minor) and I was concerned that t would get worse when I played. I took a couple of Tylenol before playing and the pain was non existent. I was tired from not exercising for a month, but it was a good tired and, most importantly, no pain afterwards for the first time in years.
I should also mention that the hemorrhoid pain was gone after 3-4 weeks. It was hard to tell for the first 2-3 weeks, as there was pain form the surgery, but as it started to fade, I noticed that the old pain was no longer present after exercise of BMs. Yes! After all, this was the whole point in the first place, but it's sometimes difficult to remember as you're going through the post-op period.
Things I learned or wish I had known.
Surgery prep I was advised to do an enema 6 hours before surgery which I did (Actually the night before because the surgery was early). But looking back, I wish I had done a more extensive prep similar to a pre-colonoscopy exam, as that would have cleaned out everything and postponed the first BM for a day or two more. Maybe this isn't a viable option for some reason, but Id definitely ask the doc about it if I had to do it over.
Catheter - I was told there'd be a 50% chance of needing one because I'm a man over 50 (58). I wish I had just asked to have it inserted during the surgery, as it was stressful to have it done yet another procedure just 6 hours afterwards. And Id ask for a Xanax or Valium or something.
The recovery time is 6 weeks. Yes, it's possible to be back at work within a few days, but for me, it was really a couple of weeks before I was feeling anywhere near normal enough that I wasn't aware of the surgery, pressure, pain, the pad, etc. After 4 weeks, Id say I was 85-90% recovered. From all outside appearances I was 100%, and most of the time I was unaware of the event. To me, I'll be 100% recovered when I'm thinking/aware of the surgery 0% of the time. Put another way, Id say I was 100% functional 3-1/2 weeks afterwards, but 85% recovered. The 15% difference was that BMs were still an issue I was taking softeners still and there was some pain or achiness, but not much. I stopped taking pain meds for this at about the 3-1/2 to 4 week mark. I should also mention that, due to the softeners, the BMs happened almost first thing in the morning, typically after one cup of coffee. You should have access to a toilet because when I had to go I HAD to go. If I had had to wait more than a minute or two, it would have been a problem.
Because the recovery time is long, I was glad I had no big events or travel planned for a few weeks afterwards. We hosted Thanksgiving at my house exactly 3 weeks afterwards, which I had thought was a no brainer recovery-time-wise. It turned out fine, but I was glad it was at my house as I still wasn't 100%.
Id err on the side of more pain meds and definitely more stool softeners. I was warned that too many softeners could cause diarrhea, but I never experienced that, but I can definitely say that too few cause pain. For the pain meds, Id take them 1 hour before each BM for the first few weeks. Don't wait until afterwards because its too late. Be preemptive. Don't take Advil; take your prescribed meds or Tylenol.
Plan to be in bed for the first 4 days (day one being surgery). Although I was up and around by day three, it was really day 5 when I felt good enough to put away the tray table and resume downstairs life (our bedroom is upstairs).
Recovery clothing The only thing I was comfortable wearing for the first week was sweat pants. Unfortunately I only had two pair and they tend to get soiled easily in the first few days. I recommend having 5-6 pair available. And bring a soft, fluffy pillow to the surgery for the ride home. You'll be very glad to have it.
Was the surgery and pain worth it? Definitely. I knew what was coming more or less, but I really wish I had more details about recovery so I could set expectations, which I why I'm writing this in the hopes that it will help others. While the docs and nurses tell you about recovery, they don't really have the details, the day-to-day stuff. So here they are. Obviously, this surgery could be more or less invasive or extensive. Mine was a little more extensive than planned, but still, I feel like mine was a middle-of-the road case, maybe a 6 or 7 out of ten. A total guess really, but I had 3 internal and one external removed, so maybe you can judge by that.
View 6 Replies
Today I am two weeks since my TKR on my right knee. I am discharged from Home Care (nurse and PT), done with blood thinner shots, have seen my surgeon, got my 29 staples OUT yesterday, and have set up my outpatient appointments for PT for next week.
In June I had my LEFT TKR done.
In a few minutes my husband and I are headed out to enjoy the beautiful fall weather here in NE Ohio along the coast.
This is the FIRST TIME in about four years that I actually am looking forward to getting outside to enjoy nice weather, a short walk, and sunshine BEING PRETTY MUCH PAIN FREE!
I am incredibly thankful to be getting my life back after so much pain for several years.
Wishing you all much happiness as you deal with recovery, surgery, and other complications.
View 38 Replies
I had my surgery 7 weeks ago and am finally in a boot and can walk again with the help of 1 crutch. I am driving and going to physical therapy 3x a week. The first 5 weeks were very hard not being able to put any weight on my foot. A knee scooter was a tremendous help. I was not In very much pain and got to go shopping and out to eat. Getting the cast off at 5 weeks was great. Hopefully the rest of my recouperation will be as easy.
View 3 Replies
Tomorrow I will be two weeks post op so thought it's about time I check in to see how everyone is a to leg you all know that my surgery went really well.
my cyst was approx 35cm, weighing 10lbs! I had that and my right ovary removed via a vertical laparotomy. Thankfully the surgeon was able to keep my incision below my belly button, although it is large at 7" which required 23 staples.
Over all I am happy how it went and how my recovery is going.
View 40 Replies
I have been struggling on and off with hemorrhoids since having my son in 2010. In general, I've been able to keep them under control and keep flare ups to a minimum.
However, I am currently a bit over seven weeks pregnant and I am really struggling. It started five days ago… But did not get bad until I had a very hard bowel movement in the morning three days ago. It left me with a throbbing, painful rectum and bleeding. Discomfort got better throughout the day, but then yesterday morning after my morning bowel movement I again had a lot of pain and I had bleeding, bright red with some clots. Again, I got better throughout the day only to get worse again this morning at my am bowel movement.
I will be discussing this issue with my OB at my first appointment on Tuesday… But I wanted to get some advice and insight from the wonderful people on here.
I am currently using a mixture of coconut oil and Vaseline of the time, with an occasional bit of hemorrhoid cooling gel. It is only Morning I will movements that bleeding are so painful, they seem to be softer and less painful if I have another during the day. Have increased my fiber and water intake.
View 1 Replies
I had my hemorrhoid surgery going on 3 weeks ago. Does anyone still have a hard time going to the bathroom? I have the urge to go but then when I try to nothing happens and I just feel miserable all day...
View 10 Replies
Just coming up on 5 weeks after extensive surgery on hemorrhoids and glad it is all behind me. My bowel movements have become very irregular between soft and hard and when I have to go I need to be near a bathroom or I will have an accident and can't seem to hold it in. Is this normal and will it settle.
View 18 Replies
I'm 28 weeks pregnant and just got hemorrhoids earlier this week as of about three days ago though i noticed some very painful blisters that have lined up along my vagina done research it doesn't look like any of the herpes outbreaks i've come across. all they do is hurt no itch no burning. i was told two days ago i had a severe bladder infection due to microbial parasite. im currently taking antibiotics and using witch hazel wipes. doc said these bumps are nothing to worry about. i disagree with how painful they are. thoughts please?
View 3 Replies
I had this procedure the beginning of January 2012 under general anaesthetic, and afterwards it was one of the worst pain/uncomfortable experiences of my life. I didn't know what to do with myself afterwards. I couldn't walk, sit or lay comfortably, and was in constant pain. And forget any ideas about going to the loo.
I now have some idea of what childbirth must be like after I finally managed the 'two the loo' for the first time after five days, horrendous. Thank god I'm not a woman.
Never again, hopefully.
I would also add, according to my surgeon, it can take up to three months before everything is back to normal. Although you will feel alot better after the first two to three weeks.
I don't know how the information sheet (link below) can say that you can usually return to work around a week later after this particular procedure. As far as I was concerned, not a chance. I'm now nine weeks in and feeling OK. Internally healing is still going on, and am still having the odd day with regular visits to the loo. But I am told this will settle down.
Some tips that will help with recovery.
Apart from painkillers and drinking plenty of fluids I found warm baths help give relief (albeit for a short while) from the pain, discomfort and that constant feeling that you want to have your bowels open. I was sometimes having up to three baths a day for the first two weeks just to give me some relief. And if you are prescribed Co-codamol pain relief, come off them as soon as you can or you will suffer with constipation, and that isn't good I can assure you.
View 10 Replies
Hi 47yr old male, who has had 2 lots of banding done over a 5yr period, last lot of banding 5 weeks ago. Now what seems is like 4 is back again, i cannot believe this? i thought i would get at least a year rest...... It's depressing me the pain. They are mostly internal but noticed i can feel them if i put my finger there. So i use Lignocaine for pain, helps mostly, yesterday was bad, not today when i need BM i put it of for fear of the pain...Is there any quick way to get rid of these or least make them less painful?, I'm taking 2 senna tablets a day, with Flaxseed at night on cereal... and using the occasional Microlax if i feel constipated. Because i am on an Opiate based medication, it's not helping. But i am beginning to get really depressed over this and making my life miserable and it's controlling my days i wont go for drives etc..as i hate sitting on hard seats.
View 5 Replies
Do you know if second degree internal hemorrhoids can give a positive FOBT test if you do not have noticeable blood.
View 4 Replies
