I had a haemorrhoidectomy about 4 years ago with a very painful recovery and problem now back so going for the Halo/THD procedure very soon.
Has anyone had this done and how was the recovery from it?
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).
I'm a 25 y.o male and have been suffering with stage 2-3 hemorrhoids for two years following a long term stomach infection. For many months local GP's telling me nothing was wrong and to leave it alone. It was only after kicking up a huge fuss did they finally refer me to a surgeon who confirmed I had 3 malteaser sized hems in my rectum. They were treated by banding twice in the course of 4 months to no avail, and eventually I was offered HALO in April this year.
The HALO helped stop bleeding and reduced swelling/pain, but not enough that it no longer affects my life. And the itching - OH MY GOD THE ITCHING!! Also since the procedure I have been experiencing pinching of the nerves which cause sharp stabbing pains. About 90% of the symptoms are coming from the larger of the 3 hems on one side.
I had a follow up with the surgeon last month to discuss surgical removal as the constant itching and pain are still unbearable, but he has refused ANY further treatment on the grounds that it's too soon after my last op and also that it may cause further nerve damage.
While I trust that he is giving me his best advice, I cannot continue to live like this and was thinking about booking further treatment privately. I'm afraid to have a hemorrhoidectomy especially after what he's said, but I was considering going back to less invasive treatments such as banding or sclerotherapy now that the hemorrhoids are smaller.
I would be very grateful for any advice or personal experience you guys could pass on to me as I don't know what to do, I just know I can't "learn to live with it" as the doctors keep telling me.
Has this happened to anyone else. I had my op 18 months ago and they have returned with a vengeance !!
View 5 RepliesI had a halo procedure for piles 5 weeks ago and treatment for a prolapsed pile how long does the bleeding last with bowel movement I'm still having discharge and spot bleeding afterwards
View 1 RepliesI 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.
I had op 17 days ago and feel today like I can finally see the light! After suffering the agony, bleeding (continually wearing san towels) and life changing effects they bring you i finally decided to have the op. I have had a terrible 17 days 2 visits to docs and 2 to hospital. part of the prob was caused by managing pain relief, allergic to anti-inflammatories, Tramadol gave me a panic attack and made me vomit, been on 60mg codeine 4 X per day and have been more or less sleeping in the bath. Saw surgeon day 15 who told me the op had worked and delay in recovery was because i couldn't take anti-inflam. He offered me morphine for the terrible pain which I declined. Had 6 hours sleep longest since op (only been cat napping due to pain) so cut down on codeine all positive today. Then I went the loo and felt a lump come out like my old piles (only 1 use to have quite a few), now stressing that I have had a prolapse. The surgeon warned me I would have flaps of skin left but this feels more hard and shiny sorry to be graphic!! Just wondered if anyone else had experienced this and whether it would go down again, I have never been able to push them up as some people mention.
View 6 Replieshad the above operation done 5 days ago,i would be very grateful if anyone who has had the same operation would be able to advise me as how long the pain and discomfort will last as i am getting like a contraction type pain in my anas area and when braking wind it is very painful.Going to the toilet for a poo is not normal as i was a one a day person.I Am hoping this will all settle down with time.
View 16 RepliesI have been suffering from some internal Hemorrhoids that prolapse after a bowel movement for almost a decade. After they prolapse i gently insert them back into where they belong and it has been ok and hasn't affected my life much.
However the past a few days ago after making a bowl movement i noticed when they prolapsed they were very inflamed and large and painful, i couldn't put them back inside me. I waited until the next morning but unfortunately the couldn't go in so i had to go to a hospital. The doctors managed to insert them back in when they applied some gel but it was painful and not easy.
Then 2 days after same problem but they kept on bleeding, had to go back to the Hospital and same thing.
I hope they get better more manageable soon but i doubt it.
Anyway i really want to avoid the traditional Hemorrhoid surgery as i have read the horror stories on here about being in pain for 4-8 weeks, complications and also i can't afford to take so much time off work.
Hence why i am considering the HAL/RAR Procedure, from my research it is less painful and hypothetically you can be off work for only 48 hours.
has anyone experienced this procedure? What was the pain like?
I had THD (sometimes known as HALO) procedure 9 days ago, the last couple of days it feels like i have external haemorrhoids back, my husband says they look like them, large and inflamed!... I'm so upset and frustrated, had been feeling ok as was recovering quite well. Very uncomfortable and painful after bms but i was expecting this and had prepared for it mentally and physically. I've not had to strain when going to toilet, in fact going regularly since 2nd day, so no constipation. I've also had a stitch come out today after bm (surgeon said all my stitches were internally) Has anyone else had any similar experiences??...
View 10 RepliesSo as a result of some difficult child deliveries I have Hemorrhoids. I do not have internal issues but I have some on the outside. They look like dried up grape clusters and make it very difficult to clean properly. They bother me tremendously! Is there any procedure to remove them?
View 1 RepliesJust wondering if anyone has undergone the "atomizer" procedure to relieve their hemorrhoids?
If so, how would you describe/rate the results?
I'm 25 years old and had been living with stage II internal hemorrhoids for about 4 years now, and with a prolapsed thrombosed from one for about six months. It got seriously painful about three weeks ago and I couldn't sit down or do regular daily activities anymore. So I decided to visit a private clinic where they suggested the DG-HAL surgical procedure saying it was "non-invasive" and that they would surgically remove the thrombosis as well. Fast forward, I had the procedure done this Wednesday and they said "Oh yeah it's a fast recovery, we do it on Wednesdays and Thursdays so that people can get back to their jobs by Monday"..so here I am, Sunday 4.45 A.M., haven't slept since the surgery, and I just don't feel like stuff is healing. I have no appetite but am forcing myself to eat more small meals and drink plenty of water and fiber and oil supplements to make the BM pass better. So my concerns are the following: it's already the fourth day and i feel more pain, and have the feeling like by bowels are full and trying to rip out of my torso. I'm taking antibiotics as well as ketoprofen painkillers every 6 hours or so because It's just to unbearable. I have the urge to visit the toilet very frequently but when I try to push something out only small traces come out (it is soft and without blood though). It hurts like hell after I pass gas or a BM, the cut out thromb takes up most of the pain. When I try to go to sleep, as soon as I begin to doze off a spasm contracts in my rectum and the throat starts hurting like hell and it wakes me up. They say the method takes about 3-4 days to recovery, but as you can see I call baloney on that. So if anyone has had a similar experience can you tell me if this is normal and if it isn't what should I do about it? I have a written exam on Monday and I want to be functional to take it.
View 23 RepliesA thrombosed external hemorrhoid popped up Tuesday and had it taken off yesterday. Didn't sleep all night in pain and in quite a bit of pain today.
Wondering what a normal recovery is like? Trying to not get down by being realistic.
As much as I have read about this procedure, I feel somewhat prepared going into my consult visit with the Dr.
I am wondering if there were any questions/discussions anyone feels they should have asked BEFORE the procedure?
I too am terrified of having a colonoscopy scheduled for this Friday. I have read the different experiences and don't know what to think as the experiences are so varied. Last year I had a flexi sigmoidoscopy without sedation, or pain relief, which was okay - just a bit uncomfortable. A polyps was found and therefore the doctor wants to check for more higher up. But the colonoscopy seems to be more undignified and painful. I do not want to be sedated as (a) I need to keep my memory for work; (b) I do not like being out of control; and (c) I have read some awful experiences of people being sedated. Therefore I am just going to have the pain relief. During the flexi I was embarrassed at the sensation of wind needing to be released and regardless of being told it is part of everyday work for the medics - it is not for me. This adds to the undignified process. So, although intellectually I know that having a colonoscopy will save my life, I am still very worried about the prep, the procedure and of course the results.
View 4 RepliesI had a Prostatic Arterial Embolization (PAE) procedure done at the University of Miami on June 2, 2015 by Dr. Shivank Bhatia. Prior to the procedure I had completely lost my urinary function and was wearing an in dwelling Foley Catheter. I had been told by a prominent Urologist at UM that I would never urinate on my own again, I needed to learn how to self catheterize and that if I chose to have the PAE procedure I should expect it would not be successful. My prostate was over 100 grams, I was not a candidate for the TURP and I should go home and have a nice weekend.
My attitude was I had nothing to lose. If the PAE did not work I was no worse off than if I did not try. Dr. Bhatia was an expert in this procedure so I took a shot. My results have been nothing short of miraculous. The procedure was done on 6/2/15. I never had one ounce of pain, either during or after the PAE. I continued to wear the Foley, but it was horrible. I went for my first follow-up 10 days after the PAE. I still could not pee on my own. Dr. Bhatia wanted me to continue wearing the Foley for another week, but I just could not. He was understanding of my discomfort and I was shown how to self catheterize and went home without the Foley, thank God!
I used the catheters approx. every 6 hours or 4 times per day. Each time I used them, I would try to urinate on my own. On June 25th at around midnight I attempted to pee on my own and 6 drops came out. It was a revelation. I then used the catheter and went to bed, arising at 6 am. This time when I went to use the catheter 12 drops came out. Each time I went to use the catheter things would improve. From a weak stream to ultimately a regular pee. I reduced using the catheter from 4 times per day to 3, then 2, then I was comfortable knowing I did not need them at all. On July 1, 2015 I stopped using catheters. I never have looked back.
Three months post procedure I had an MRI. My prostate had shrunk from 0ver 100 grams to 72 grams. My PSA had gone from 8.7 to 2.5. I no longer had any symptoms that would indicate prostate or urinary issues. I sleep through the night. I pee when I have to go, but can go 6-8 hours in between bathroom breaks. I have no discomfort, no pain, my sex life is outstanding and I am 66 years old! Dr. Bhatia has given me my life back.
My suggestion to anyone who is having symptoms: Explore ALL OF YOUR OPTIONS!! I am certain the PAE will become Standard of Care in the future. Try and understand what the potential side effects are of the "traditional" surgical procedures. They may be acceptable for some, but they were not acceptable for me. I take no drugs or medications. The PAE had no side effects. There was no possibility of becoming incontinent or impotent or having an orgasm without an external ejaculation. Find a facility that is doing clinical trials with the PAE and a Dr. who is experienced. Peeing through a straw for the rest of my life was a real possibility. Now I function like I was 40 years old, not 66 years old. I highly recommend Dr. Shivank Bhatia of the University of Miami. He learned this procedure from the man who invented it and he trained with him in South America to perfect it. You have very little, if anything to lose, and you have getting the rest of your life back to normal to gain. Happy to answer any questions or inquiries. Good Luck to all.
I had a colonoscopy 3 days ago as I have Crohns and was awake for the whole thing. I told two nurses beforehand I didn't want to be awake for the procedure. Although I was given pethidine for pain relief there was still a lot of unbearable pain and I was shouting and crying but they just carried on. Afterwards they wanted the bed so I was given a cup of cold water and told to get dressed after about half an hour. As he was passing, the doctor told me he had taken several biopsies and the Crohn's didn't look too bad - then he walked off. I am now having nightmares and palpitations. I went to work yesterday but was sent home after a couple of hours as I couldn't stop shaking. I suffered sexual abuse as a child and this has triggered flashbacks. I can't stop crying. I will never have this test again as I would rather die.
View 1 RepliesDo you know if second degree internal hemorrhoids can give a positive FOBT test if you do not have noticeable blood.
View 4 RepliesMy internal hems. are not responding to a doctor's injections. They (3) are not major, but I wish (almost) they would become thrombus so it/they could be cut out. I had that years ago.
The pain is not so great as to cause bleeding, toilet trouble but the pain is there every day for two months.
Putting on ointments in public toilets all the time to cool the pain. Awful. Inconvenient and interferes with daily life.
Gets worse with stress.
Getting desperate, looking online - Venapro. But online wonder-meds never seem to work so I'm sceptical.
During the night I have to go to the loo 5 or 6 times this is despite not having anything to drink after 7pm. does anyone else have similar problem and have they successfully been able to do anything about it. Has anyone heard of urology surgeon Neil Barber and the "urolift" procedure and would be most grateful to hear from anyone who has undergone this procedure
View 3 Replies