Let me tell you, this is a very painful experience. Started in my early 20's, developed some nasty habits that made me feel like I had to poop a lot so I spent a lot of time trying to empty an already empty bowel, recipe for disaster. Instead of getting better, it got worse over time.
After 5-6 years they were beginning to poke out after every bowel movement, and once I figured out they could be pushed back in, they never really bothered me aside from the occasional bleed or flare-up.
Fastforward 8 years later, they have started to poke out on their own, with or without a bowel movement, and pushing them back in no longer works. This is when they start to weigh on your mind and limit your activities, which sucks.
I went to a GI surgeon in August thinking maybe I could get a quick band to treat them (had been too embarassed to tell anyone about them until about this time). She took one look and said these are way too big and that I absolutely must get surgery. I had 3 large internals and 1 large external. The experienced surgeon said they were the biggest she's ever seen.
So I scheduled my surgery for November, took 5 days off of work which included 5 extra weekend/holiday days, so that I would get a full 10 days to recover.
My surgeon showed up about an hour late, so my experience didn't exactly start out with a bang. After awaking post-op I felt zero pain, asked the nurse how it went. They were originally wanting to prescribe me vicodin, however, I asked that my pain medicine and anti-inflammatory could be isolated so that I could take each one appropriately, as needed. I was prescribed oxycodone and instructed to take 3 advil twice a day.
I put on my close and hopped it my car (needed help driving home), and was on my way. Unfortunately about 10 minutes into the drive home I started experiencing unbearable pain centering around my tailbone, and my driver had to go to the Doctor's office first to pick up my script since it was a narcotic, leaving me in agonizing pain for about an hour before I could get any type of relief. As strong as oxycodone is, it only helped dull the pain and in no way elminated it. I am astounded people get prescribed such light pain medicines like Tramadol for pain, seems like a crime to me.
After the 3rd or 4th day, I was finally able to start feeling better pain-wise. But unfortunately the 3 daily colace I was taking was doing nothing for my constipation. I got to the point where on day 7 I had to poop so bad I couldn't even stand up without having involuntary spasms. I would hop in the bathtub several times a day hoping to get anything out, but nothing would happen. It was the most miserable experience of my life to be that backed up and unable to defecate.
After consulting with the surgeon, I started taking Mirilax. The first day it didn't work, but after taking it on day 2 I unleashed the largest, most furious movement anyone has ever seen. I had read online that it really helps to sit in the tub for your first few movements, and believe me when I say they are right. I tried a couple times on the toilet and it caused so much more pain and bleeding. The tub limited the pain and almost eliminated the bleeding.
Since then, life has been much more bearable. I was back to work 11 days later and I no longer require pain meds but they still help post-bowel movement. I was leaking from the wound for about a month post-op but that has since stopped..
For anyone thinking about getting this surgery, do it, just be prepared for a little battle. I had my moments of regret but at this point if my recovery continues I think I'm going to be so happy that I finally did something about these little ass devils.