Had 3 internal thrombosed hems surgically removed 10/31/08, emergency surgery. 1st month of recovery was awful, but kind of a blur because of percocet fog I was in, so thankfully this has helped me to forget the intensity of the pain.

I would like to pass along my advice to anyone considering this surgery:

First of all, it is worth it. I had suffered for 20 plus years with hem pain and all that goes along with it. I can now say I am pain free most of the time. It took 4 months for complete recovery but after 20 years 4months is nothing. Just be ready for a longer than expected time for complete recovery.

Make sure you take ibuprofen in between percocets to reduce swelling, because you WILL have swelling.

Take metamucil powder mixed in water. This helps you get more liquid. You need alot of water during the day.

Take sitz baths...I am still taking sitz baths 4 months later and am now pain free.

Keep moving as much as you can- getting up and walking about keeps your bowels moving.

I have not done this, but I have read where valium can help you to relax to have a BM if you have trouble going.

Hope this helps anyone considering surgery...it does get better but set your expectations appropriately.