Recovery after Sphincterotomy and Hemorrhoidectomy

After reading posts to keep my sanity, I've opted to write in to tell my story, but also seeking solace.

I had my surgery 4 weeks ago today. After the surgery my doctor told me she removed 3 internal hemorrhoids (she said the largest she has EVER seen - glad I could raise the bar.), 1 external, and performed a sphincterotomy to support internal healing. She said I was one of the worst cases she's seen. I stayed one night in the hospital, could not void on my own and was catheterized on two occasions over the coure of the first week. I can now go on my own...Phew!

After reading the several posts, I believe my recovery is going well considering (I was the worst case, afterall). I'd love to hear others input on my recovery and if you are having similar experiences as this stage:
- very light headed and fatigued still
- painful bm's with pain following for about 2 hours. I still have anxiety leading up to the morning bm.
- once pain medication kicks in after bm (Tramadol), I'm able to have a somewhat normal day other than the weakness
- very watchful of what I eat. High fiber only! I do not have it down yet - it's changes day to day.
- I returned to work on the 3rd week - big mistake! Not at all ready. I'm now working from home and plan to until week 6 (2 more weeks). I simply can't imagine going into the office after my morning bm. When does this ease up??
- still have many tags and swelling

Overall, I believe this must be on track. How much longer though? I need to return to my routine at work, caring for my 4 year old, etc. soon. My current schedule is not sustainable. Tell me this will get better each week.

Thanks for reading my story. I'm eager to receive your input.

Hi, I had my surgery yesterday! I suffer from intense pain and have to take pain medication every 4 hours. Haven't has a BM yet, dread it... Was hoping to get some advice online.. from people like you who underwent this as well. I can totally relate to your pain. I had 2 external hemorrhoids and a pretty intense anal fissure. I have no idea what was done during the surgery but it hurts like crazy as of now. Hopefully I made the right decision by getting it operated. I have to resume work 2 weeks from now. Cant afford to take days off. Might lose my job... I might not be the right person to answer your questions yet, you seem to be at an advanced stage as compared to me. But was hoping to receive some advice on day-to-day habits that can help me have a speedy and painless recovery.

Hope you get better soon as well...

Hello
I am so glad you have both shared your experiences. I had haemorrhoid injections 2 months ago and was then diagnosed with a fissure and had a sphincterotomy a week ago.
I had thought that I was gradually improving but today I had 2 bms, the second gave me such terrible pain and muscle spasm that I just lay on the floor and cried! The surgeon told me I'd be ok in a week but obviously I am not...I have the same worries about how long it will take to get back to normal, I'm so fed up and have had loads of time off work too.
It seems like your situations are worse than mine, I really hope it gradually improves for you. At least we know that it does take time - everyone is different I guess. I've read that it can take anything from 2 weeks to 2 months...

What are bm's?

bm is a bowel movement.

i just had a sphincterotomy after a failed fissurectomy a few months ago. i had it two days ago and was ok til i had to take Dulcolax today cause i hadn't had a bm yet. INCREDIBILY painful. had two bms 6 hours ago and am still in alot of pain.percoset is not working in the least bit. and i definitely have been pretty lightheaded. almost passed out during the first bm. last surgery i was able to go back to work a few days after, and now hearing all of your stories i'm scared that it will be really long. i'm only 23 and was/am terrified b/c they said there was a 10% chance of becoming incontinent from the surgery. so far so good, but has anyone had any trouble with this?

Ask your doc if you can take Miralax for a couple of days straight. I did it for seven days. Of all the stool softeners my doc specifically told me to take this one because it does not have all of the side effects of the other over the counter like bloating. He also had me take metamucile 2 times a day. That kept it all soft and smooth sailing so to speak. The BM's were less painful. Good Luck!

I am so glad to read all your responses. I was beginning to wonder if I was just being a big baby! The doc said I would be okay in a week, but so far I return to work tomorrow and have no idea how I can. I had a sphyncterotomy last wednesday and had the same light headedness and the bm's that make you want to pass out! The first one after surgery can only be described as what being struck by lightening must feel like. I will try the metamucil, thanks! I have to say I have had a lot of surgeries but this was the most painful yet, yuk!

I too had a sphincterotomy... I actually had mine July 30 and was also told that I would be ok in 5 to 7 days. Today is September 24th and I am still in the recovery stages. I ended up having an infection that had to be drained and when I tell you it was PAINFUL thats exactly what I mean. The doctor litterally cut a whole the size of a dime in my butt cheek to allow the puss to drain.

I have to admitt I am better but nowhere near where I expected to be by now. There is no way even at this point that I could imagine going to work. This has beem an EXTREMELY painful process and I am just glad it seems as if I am getting slightly better every week. I look forward to getting on with my life.

FYI:
I do believe in Miralax

PS
Keep your head up and know that we are all dealing with the same pain... Keep the faith!! We will all be better soon!!

I had a sphincterotomy last Thursday, my surgeon sent me home with no pain meds, said take Tylenol and that I could return to normal work the following day. I was up all night in pain that tylenol could not touch. I returned to work on Monday, but I am in a lot of pain after every bm. I am glad to hear that this is a normal experience for others, although I hate it for everyone. Between that though I do not have the regular fissure pain I was experiencing, so I am hoping that it is healing up and will heal before the muscle does. I do not want to go through the pain and humiliation of surgery again. I was told I would be twilight sedated, but was hardly sedated, felt every shot into my bottom for the locals, and in severe pain after surgery and overnight.

Hi. I also had a sphincterotomy and botox treatment for a fissure, but they didn't do the haemmoroids. This was 3 weeks ago, and I have to say, the first BM was like giving birth to a pineapple. I must have sat for an hour with a huge 3 day stool stuck between in and out, too sore too push out and a botoxed sphincter not allowing to nip it back in.

The next few BMs varied from smooth sailing (lots of blood, maybe a couple of hours pain after) to downright agony.

Lots of scar fluid, mucous etc, but after 3 weeks, its now down to a minor itch, and a bit of 'nappy rash' from the mucous, whic is rapidly getting less as everything heals.

I did find drinking loads of water (over 2 litres a day) really helped me go easier in the mornings, and when I forgot, I really suffered.

ANohter week and I'll be attempting a bike ride.

thanks for sharing and I hope this helps anyone dreading it.