I had an open wound hemorrhoidectomy in Toronto Canada 4 weeks ago - May 6 2016. I hope that this information will be helpful to anyone who is planning or has had this procedure.
I developed hemorrhoids during childbirth 30 years ago. Over the past few years they become more severe to a point where i lost blood from them every time I had a pee or bm. Though they were only occasionally painful, I was concerned about hygiene and infection and decided to go for the surgery, even though my surgeon cautioned me about the pain and long healing process.
It took me a while to find a surgeon that I trusted. My first couple of consults weren't stellar - the doctor's office wasn't clean - he had a bucket overflowing of soiled paper towels from previous anal exams and he explained he was saving money by not having a cleaning lady. After my exam he asked me to come back in 6 months to see how they (the hemorrhoids) were doing - I thought this was just an excuse to bill for another consult - they had been there for 30 years, so 6 months was not going to change much.
His receptionist was also not patient centered as she yelled out my personal information to me across a waiting room full of patients. We have a right to privacy, and this kind of sloppiness sends a general message to me that the patients aren't respected.
My family doctor finally referred me to a surgeon who was more experienced and more mature and professional. Dr. Gilas at TEGH for anyone who is interested.
Dr. Gilas insisted on a colonoscopy prior to the surgery - a good preventative practice to make sure everything is healthy before the surgery. For both the colonoscopy and the surgery the staff were all very professional and adept. Both procedures went without any problems. I am diabetic and they made sure they paid attention to my blood sugar levels. As well, they noticed that I may have sleep apnea and the anesthesiologist paid close attention to my breathing during the procedures, making a recommendation to my family doctor for follow up on this. I couldn't have asked for a more dignified, professional and comfortable experience for both of these procedures. Although like many others, I feel that there was a lack of post operative guidance, although I was told what was necessary- take sitz baths and pain killers - there are also many other 'nice to know' tips that I have found for myself that would have been helpful. I like to be prepared, not only is it more convenient, it also helps eliminate stress and worry.
Since the surgery my first week was the worst and each week has gradually improved. Week 4 and I've been more or less pain free for the entire week, though my bm schedule is still erratic.
Here are some tips that I hope will help you.
1. First of all - a few days before the surgery go on a light diet or even a clear fluid diet if you can handle it - it makes those first post surgery bms a lot easier. A clear fluid diet is simply anything that you can see through - broth, water, apple juice, jello, gummy bears. It's not the healthiest diet, but it's much easier on the wounds and the bowels.
2. Pain killers can make you constipated especially narcotics. Hard dry stools are very painful to pass, so eat healthy, and don't overeat.
Make sure you get fruit and veg and fibre, cut down on the carbs - they add to constipation, drink 6-8 glasses of water a day (other drinks don't count) Stay off the booze, it dehydrates you.
3. Get lots of sleep - try to stay relaxed and rested.
4. Get a sitz bath and use it frequently. I used it every time I went for a pee or bm as well as first thing in the morning and before bed. It's inexpensive (mine was $12). It's basically a basin that sits right on the toilet, you fill it with warm water and sit on it. It helps to keep your wounds and anus clean. The warm water is soothing on your wounds - find temperature that feels good for you, and a sprinkle of salt in the water helps prevent infections.
Sitting in the warm water also relaxes your muscles and encourages bm if you're having problems going. I find the sitz bath is a lot easier than filling a bathub each time and you use a lot less water.
5. Stay on top of your pain meds - I found that a combination of Tylenol and Advil worked best, I used the narcotics that I was prescribed for a couple of days till they ran out then switched to extra strength Tylenol and Advil combo. It's safe to take these two drugs together.
Ice packs can also be helpful, I found that a frozen banana (in a zip lock bag) was just the right shape to put on my bum crack, you don't want to put it right on the wound as the wounds will freeze onto the ice pack.
6. Wear a long panty pad and change them when they get soiled - yes even if you're a guy. Try not to get the one's with a plastic cover - the cheaper one's usually have a fibre type of covering and lets your bum/wounds breath a lot easier. The plastic covered one's are pretty much like sitting on a plastic bag.
Your wounds will probably weep while they're healing, this discharge liquid is clear but can also be slightly pink - the pads will absorb the weeping while the wound is healing and protect your bed and furniture from soiling.
I also purchased bed pads that I put under my bed sheet and on the sofa where I sat, just to keep everything clean in case of accidents, but a couple of layers of an absorbent towel will also work to protect your furniture.
7. Your bm schedule may change and you may have a variety of constipation and diarrhea. You may not have full control over your sphincter as well initially- the panty pads and furniture protection will help with any accidents. Until you're confident about your bm routine you may want to be sure you're close to a bathroom.
8. As with most surgeries, you will most likely be swollen for a time after the surgery, so it may seem like your hemorrhoids are still there and you may feel pressure from them as if you need to pass a bm. Since you may not have full control of your bm, it's always best to go try to pass a stool if you're not sure, but don't strain, just let it come naturally. I've had a few accidents where i thought it was just pressure from the swelling or just gas and it turned out to more than that. Best to try to avoid the inconvenience and embarassment of a nasty clean up job.
9. Try to walk a little each day, but don't over do it - friction from your bum cheeks can irritate the wounds. Your surgeon will probably shave the area too, so you'll have the discomfort of stubble growing near your wounds for a while.
10. Don't ignore your personal hygiene for the rest of your body. You can become preoccupied with your pain, discomfort and even fear of pain, but try to keep on top of things, shower or bathe daily if you can. Wash your hands frequently - before and after you deal with your wounds to avoid infections.
11. Distract yourself - get a good book, some movies or binge watch a new tv show to take your mind off your problems. If you're employed or volunteer going back to work will depend on the type of work you do. It will serve as a good distraction to get back to normal as soon as you can, but going back too soon may also be an issue so make sure you speak to your surgeon and get his opinion on when you can return to work.
12. Strings/sutures - my surgeon didn't mention these to me, he had told me there were no internal hemorrhoids in my pre op visit, but it seems like he must have tied something off inside, as a string with a loop in it came out of my anus about a week after surgery. Initially I had no idea what it was - a couple of weeks later had another one, so tugged on it and it came out too.
13. I found that it was good to have my husband take a look at the wounds every now and then to make sure it's all looking healthy.
14. If you have any problems or concerns or fears contact your surgeon - don't worry about bothering them - you're the customer remember. Going online to find information is great to ease your mind, but your surgeon is the expert and will address your specific needs. If you have any more serious issues go to the ER.
Basically everyone will experience the pain and recovery process a little differently, some people find the pain intolerable, some people find it easy to cope with, some people have no issues and recover well and some people develop complications. If you keep the wounds clean and healthy you'll have a better chance of a healthy and quicker recovery and I hope that these tips will help you do that. I'm happy to answer any questions if anyone needs more information. Good luck and have a speedy recovery.
I developed hemorrhoids during childbirth 30 years ago. Over the past few years they become more severe to a point where i lost blood from them every time I had a pee or bm. Though they were only occasionally painful, I was concerned about hygiene and infection and decided to go for the surgery, even though my surgeon cautioned me about the pain and long healing process.
It took me a while to find a surgeon that I trusted. My first couple of consults weren't stellar - the doctor's office wasn't clean - he had a bucket overflowing of soiled paper towels from previous anal exams and he explained he was saving money by not having a cleaning lady. After my exam he asked me to come back in 6 months to see how they (the hemorrhoids) were doing - I thought this was just an excuse to bill for another consult - they had been there for 30 years, so 6 months was not going to change much.
His receptionist was also not patient centered as she yelled out my personal information to me across a waiting room full of patients. We have a right to privacy, and this kind of sloppiness sends a general message to me that the patients aren't respected.
My family doctor finally referred me to a surgeon who was more experienced and more mature and professional. Dr. Gilas at TEGH for anyone who is interested.
Dr. Gilas insisted on a colonoscopy prior to the surgery - a good preventative practice to make sure everything is healthy before the surgery. For both the colonoscopy and the surgery the staff were all very professional and adept. Both procedures went without any problems. I am diabetic and they made sure they paid attention to my blood sugar levels. As well, they noticed that I may have sleep apnea and the anesthesiologist paid close attention to my breathing during the procedures, making a recommendation to my family doctor for follow up on this. I couldn't have asked for a more dignified, professional and comfortable experience for both of these procedures. Although like many others, I feel that there was a lack of post operative guidance, although I was told what was necessary- take sitz baths and pain killers - there are also many other 'nice to know' tips that I have found for myself that would have been helpful. I like to be prepared, not only is it more convenient, it also helps eliminate stress and worry.
Since the surgery my first week was the worst and each week has gradually improved. Week 4 and I've been more or less pain free for the entire week, though my bm schedule is still erratic.
Here are some tips that I hope will help you.
1. First of all - a few days before the surgery go on a light diet or even a clear fluid diet if you can handle it - it makes those first post surgery bms a lot easier. A clear fluid diet is simply anything that you can see through - broth, water, apple juice, jello, gummy bears. It's not the healthiest diet, but it's much easier on the wounds and the bowels.
2. Pain killers can make you constipated especially narcotics. Hard dry stools are very painful to pass, so eat healthy, and don't overeat.
Make sure you get fruit and veg and fibre, cut down on the carbs - they add to constipation, drink 6-8 glasses of water a day (other drinks don't count) Stay off the booze, it dehydrates you.
3. Get lots of sleep - try to stay relaxed and rested.
4. Get a sitz bath and use it frequently. I used it every time I went for a pee or bm as well as first thing in the morning and before bed. It's inexpensive (mine was $12). It's basically a basin that sits right on the toilet, you fill it with warm water and sit on it. It helps to keep your wounds and anus clean. The warm water is soothing on your wounds - find temperature that feels good for you, and a sprinkle of salt in the water helps prevent infections.
Sitting in the warm water also relaxes your muscles and encourages bm if you're having problems going. I find the sitz bath is a lot easier than filling a bathub each time and you use a lot less water.
5. Stay on top of your pain meds - I found that a combination of Tylenol and Advil worked best, I used the narcotics that I was prescribed for a couple of days till they ran out then switched to extra strength Tylenol and Advil combo. It's safe to take these two drugs together.
Ice packs can also be helpful, I found that a frozen banana (in a zip lock bag) was just the right shape to put on my bum crack, you don't want to put it right on the wound as the wounds will freeze onto the ice pack.
6. Wear a long panty pad and change them when they get soiled - yes even if you're a guy. Try not to get the one's with a plastic cover - the cheaper one's usually have a fibre type of covering and lets your bum/wounds breath a lot easier. The plastic covered one's are pretty much like sitting on a plastic bag.
Your wounds will probably weep while they're healing, this discharge liquid is clear but can also be slightly pink - the pads will absorb the weeping while the wound is healing and protect your bed and furniture from soiling.
I also purchased bed pads that I put under my bed sheet and on the sofa where I sat, just to keep everything clean in case of accidents, but a couple of layers of an absorbent towel will also work to protect your furniture.
7. Your bm schedule may change and you may have a variety of constipation and diarrhea. You may not have full control over your sphincter as well initially- the panty pads and furniture protection will help with any accidents. Until you're confident about your bm routine you may want to be sure you're close to a bathroom.
8. As with most surgeries, you will most likely be swollen for a time after the surgery, so it may seem like your hemorrhoids are still there and you may feel pressure from them as if you need to pass a bm. Since you may not have full control of your bm, it's always best to go try to pass a stool if you're not sure, but don't strain, just let it come naturally. I've had a few accidents where i thought it was just pressure from the swelling or just gas and it turned out to more than that. Best to try to avoid the inconvenience and embarassment of a nasty clean up job.
9. Try to walk a little each day, but don't over do it - friction from your bum cheeks can irritate the wounds. Your surgeon will probably shave the area too, so you'll have the discomfort of stubble growing near your wounds for a while.
10. Don't ignore your personal hygiene for the rest of your body. You can become preoccupied with your pain, discomfort and even fear of pain, but try to keep on top of things, shower or bathe daily if you can. Wash your hands frequently - before and after you deal with your wounds to avoid infections.
11. Distract yourself - get a good book, some movies or binge watch a new tv show to take your mind off your problems. If you're employed or volunteer going back to work will depend on the type of work you do. It will serve as a good distraction to get back to normal as soon as you can, but going back too soon may also be an issue so make sure you speak to your surgeon and get his opinion on when you can return to work.
12. Strings/sutures - my surgeon didn't mention these to me, he had told me there were no internal hemorrhoids in my pre op visit, but it seems like he must have tied something off inside, as a string with a loop in it came out of my anus about a week after surgery. Initially I had no idea what it was - a couple of weeks later had another one, so tugged on it and it came out too.
13. I found that it was good to have my husband take a look at the wounds every now and then to make sure it's all looking healthy.
14. If you have any problems or concerns or fears contact your surgeon - don't worry about bothering them - you're the customer remember. Going online to find information is great to ease your mind, but your surgeon is the expert and will address your specific needs. If you have any more serious issues go to the ER.
Basically everyone will experience the pain and recovery process a little differently, some people find the pain intolerable, some people find it easy to cope with, some people have no issues and recover well and some people develop complications. If you keep the wounds clean and healthy you'll have a better chance of a healthy and quicker recovery and I hope that these tips will help you do that. I'm happy to answer any questions if anyone needs more information. Good luck and have a speedy recovery.
Loading...
Hi,I realize you had your op a long while ago now,but I have to ask,how long was it b4 you had your first bm? I'm on day 4 & have only eaten 2 west a box due to being so scared to go
Loading...
Hi,I'm on day 4,Iv not eaten for fear of my first bm,can you tell me how long it was b4 you went & is it just as bad as I'm expecting yhanks
Loading...
Hi I'm on day 4,haven't eaten a thing since the night b4 my op & I'm terrified of having my first bm,I can feel I need to go & even tried until I couldn't stand the pain any longer so I stopped myself and I'm now holding myself,
Loading...
Hi Sam, I did the same thing, wasn't hungry for the first week and very apprehensive about taking a bm, so tried hard to hold it in, but eventually it will happen wether you want it to or not. It does get better after the first week or so. Good luck.
Loading...
It was about day 5 when i finally went, i hadn't been eating much for the first week. It's much easier to have a bm in warm water, like in the sitz bath - it relaxes you and your muscles so you're not as tense. As you're afraid of even more pain from the bm, you get tense and it makes it all more difficult so try to find something that will relax you. Keep up your fluids. You can take a stool softener too.
Loading...
Thank you for your reply
I'm just dreading the pain,I had had 1 weetabix yesterday but I doubt I'll be trying anything else today,I can see me making things even worse from not eating & try to hold onto it,just bloody terrified
Xx
I'm just dreading the pain,I had had 1 weetabix yesterday but I doubt I'll be trying anything else today,I can see me making things even worse from not eating & try to hold onto it,just bloody terrified
Xx
Loading...
Ok,so day 5,my body was telling me I had to go today,I took neurofen about half hour b4 I knew I was going to attempt this,run
The bath (having read others comments this
Seemed the best way) nice & hot,I squatted & within 3 mins it was over with,& quiet a big 1 too,now while it was happening I felt light headed,weak & on the verge of passing out,but not much pain?? My body was obviously going thru it to react like that but not much pain
It's wiped me out,I am now in pain cannot move bed ridden again & so sleepy which makes sence
Still won't be eating any time soon
The bath (having read others comments this
Seemed the best way) nice & hot,I squatted & within 3 mins it was over with,& quiet a big 1 too,now while it was happening I felt light headed,weak & on the verge of passing out,but not much pain?? My body was obviously going thru it to react like that but not much pain
It's wiped me out,I am now in pain cannot move bed ridden again & so sleepy which makes sence
Still won't be eating any time soon
Loading...
I know what you mean, but at least have some clear soup and jello - you need to keep your nutrition up or your body will become to weak to fight against the pain and infections. There is a brand of polysporin ointment that has an anesthetic in it - it numbs the area a bit to help releive the pain too.
Loading...
Iv done a lot of research since my op(if I'd have done this before there's no way on earth I'd have had to operation) "easily digested food"so had a small peice of chicken breast & also half of slimfast shake just for some type of goodness, nurofen seems to be the way forward regarding managing the pain,yesterday (day 4)was a good day I was out of bed all day but it's the bm that's put me back at least 3 days,again I'm dreading the next 1 & so there after,
Loading...
I had surgery 12/15 and it is now 6/16. I have to take 2 to 3 cap full of Mya lax every day to have a BM. Been to 2 docs for several tests and they have no idea why I can't have a normal BM. Last doc said that is how it is going to be for the rest of your life. Tried all kinds of products and food to have a normal BM. Nothing works except Mya Lax. Should never had the surgery.
Loading...
Wow 6 months & you still no better? I hope to god I havnt gone & done anything that will have a lasting effect on me although you don't seem to be the only one who has,in my eyes no the surgery isn't worth going thru with,not by a long shot,in fact I think it really should be advised against
When you do go is it still painful?
I'm struggling so bad still with the pain even a week in I'm still in bed all day trying to cope with everything
When you do go is it still painful?
I'm struggling so bad still with the pain even a week in I'm still in bed all day trying to cope with everything
Loading...
It's been 17 days since my surgery. They took 2 out of 3 out and the pain is still intense or bm. It's been 3 days since my last by and I'm trying not to be stressed by it. I keep taking stool softener, tea and other laxatives....waiting for the urge to push. I know, have to believe that things will get better....right?
Loading...
You're further on than me,I'm on day 8,yesterday was my first day out of bed,I'm starting to feel a little better in between bms,but my god when I do have get the edge the pain is great,Iv found if you take too much laxative & stool softners they all start to work at once & theres no holding back,
Since I had the op Iv eaten very little,a weetabix an Apple not much more than that,I think it's helped with the recovery because I'm not needing the loo Iv had time to heal,I think I literally would have died if I'd have needed a bm before day 6 !!!!!!
I think they should stop doing to bloody operation as I have yet to come across 1 person that's said it's been worth it !!!!!!! It sure as he'll isn't worth it for me
Since I had the op Iv eaten very little,a weetabix an Apple not much more than that,I think it's helped with the recovery because I'm not needing the loo Iv had time to heal,I think I literally would have died if I'd have needed a bm before day 6 !!!!!!
I think they should stop doing to bloody operation as I have yet to come across 1 person that's said it's been worth it !!!!!!! It sure as he'll isn't worth it for me
Loading...
i just searched for all about " pain free after hemorrhoidectomy "last two weeks. well now i am pain free.
i just had surgery for laser hemorrhoidectomy on June13th 2016,almost 3weeks ago. i only took 2days off from work i guess becoz its just the laser they used on me not scapel or blade stuff like that ,and I didn't go to my doctor appointment though,since i read that all he was going to do is checking here and there ,and i have only lil bit bleeding But the most bothering thing for me was ,i guess just like everybody else ,the excruciating pain and burnt like you ate something really spicy meal whenever i pooped.it last about a couple hours but then gone like nothing happened for a whole day . so since i tried to look for the answer from the internet everywhere how long it will last ,how long i will feel normal ,and there is no specific answer ,i guess whoever already normal ,they didnt come to post anything on internet anymore,or they already carried on their lives in the normal way.
so here i am, i just want to share the experience that works for me i was pain free since last week.
i took daflon twice aday,and danzen twice aday . please if anyone have the same problem like i had, ask your doctor to prescribe them for you,or i think you can get them over the counter like i did. it really is BIG DIFFERENT.
of course you might say i was getting better quicker because it was laser treatment,yes it was.but what i was talking about here is how to get rid of those pains everytime you go to toilet.
FYI i live in bangkok,my surgery was in medical school,and i didn't do the sitz bath stuff like that .just tylenols and a few brufen were my best friends,untill i found out about these two new friends, i plan to take them up untill next week and that's it.
hope all the best who have hemorrhoids,and hope this information helps.
i just had surgery for laser hemorrhoidectomy on June13th 2016,almost 3weeks ago. i only took 2days off from work i guess becoz its just the laser they used on me not scapel or blade stuff like that ,and I didn't go to my doctor appointment though,since i read that all he was going to do is checking here and there ,and i have only lil bit bleeding But the most bothering thing for me was ,i guess just like everybody else ,the excruciating pain and burnt like you ate something really spicy meal whenever i pooped.it last about a couple hours but then gone like nothing happened for a whole day . so since i tried to look for the answer from the internet everywhere how long it will last ,how long i will feel normal ,and there is no specific answer ,i guess whoever already normal ,they didnt come to post anything on internet anymore,or they already carried on their lives in the normal way.
so here i am, i just want to share the experience that works for me i was pain free since last week.
i took daflon twice aday,and danzen twice aday . please if anyone have the same problem like i had, ask your doctor to prescribe them for you,or i think you can get them over the counter like i did. it really is BIG DIFFERENT.
of course you might say i was getting better quicker because it was laser treatment,yes it was.but what i was talking about here is how to get rid of those pains everytime you go to toilet.
FYI i live in bangkok,my surgery was in medical school,and i didn't do the sitz bath stuff like that .just tylenols and a few brufen were my best friends,untill i found out about these two new friends, i plan to take them up untill next week and that's it.
hope all the best who have hemorrhoids,and hope this information helps.
Loading...