Hemorrhoidectomy Recovery - how long will it take?

I had a hemorrhoidectomy and fistulotomy 6 days ago. The pain and discomfort were a "piece of cake" compared to what I'd read, heard and thought it would be like. I had a bowel movement 2 days after the surgery which was very soft then another bowel movement today. This one was much more painful and contained quite a bit of blood. I immediately took a sitz bath then continued to go 4-5 more times. I eventually took 600 mg. of Motrin and later, Norco. The pain/discomfort has subsided but I have no desire to go the bathroom anytime soon. My bowel now is very watery and greenish-yellow in color. My anal area is swollen and moving around is more difficult. I see my doctor in 2 days and pray by then, I feel better. This has been the most pain I've been in but still nothing like I imagined.

I had hemorrhoidectomy last month 1 vein removed.
Now I am having pain, burning sensation in my stomache. This pain started after I had a junk food
I had lost 10 pounds after the operation (hemorrhoidectomy )


My question to you is that did you loose weight after the operation, did you had burning sensation in your stomache. Please answer
Hoping a reply from you

I only lost 5 lbs. after the surgery. It was 3 weeks this past Thursday

and I am back to all my normal activites. I really can't believe how well

I progressed; I had heard so many horror stories but I was very blessed.

My Kudos also to TACOMAGUY - comprehensive and very informative - I am at day 15 post surgery for my external hemorhoids. My swelling goes down then comes back the next day after a BM. I am in the sitz bath 3 to 4 times a day as well. Worried about the seeping and when I will actually fell OK again. Still using meds to seep and sometimes during the day. I agree - this is THE WORST surgery ever...I will also be supplying TAOMAGUYs list to MY surgeon - 2 to 10 day recovery time my a** ....

In addition to the sitz baths, are you taking stool softeners daily and eating foods high in fiber? I'm really sorry you're in so much discomfort.

I had this procedure done 4 months ago. The first month was the worst. I used pain medication for the first 2 weeks and occasionally over the next month or so. I used sitz baths multiple times per day for the first few weeks. It gradually got better but occasionally had a bad day. I am just now feeling like I forget about any discomfort or pain. I do still have urgency with BM's at time. I cannot hold it at all when the urge comes. Its very spasmodic and painful. If I allow myself to become constipated, I may see blood in the stool but its rare. High fiber diet is a must. I had 3 internal hemmoroids removed. I am not sure it was worth the pain after all is said and done. My vote is still out there. I am hoping for continued improvement. I began working out back a the gym after a month post op without any problems. Good luck

Thank you to everyone who has posted re this surgery and the pain!! I had the hemorroidectomy 13 days ago -- and just started feeling human on about day 8 or 9. I agree with the posters who described passing stool as feeling as though they were passing shards of glass through their anus (I imagined a spiked ball, myself) -- and the poster who described the post-pooping pain as feeling much like a hot poker up his/her ass. Very good - nicely done, y'all - thanks! In my moments of horrendous, unimaginable pain, it really was helpful to know that others had also experienced much the same feelings - just to know that it was par for the course, and not representative of something having gone wrong.

I had my first follow-up appointment today -- and was told that I am healing well (which I finally feel), in spite of the, according to my surgeon, very very extensive work that was done. She said she took out much more than she expected - but wanted to be aggressive to have the best possibility for the hemorroids to be gone from my life. Today, I was appreciative - about a week ago, I was less sure that aggressive removals were a good idea!

I asked my surgeon about the recommendation (from one or more posters) to keep stools solid, in order to keep the anus open and avoid the possibility of it healing into too small a hole. She said in no uncertain terms that - in her opinion - that was very VERY BAD ADVICE. I am writing here not to admonish the earlier posters or their doctors - but to provide an alternative opinion. She said that believing that the anus has to be stretched after a hemorroidectomy is an antiquated belief in terms of medicine - that contemporary studies argue that it is not only not necessary, but also often detrimental. She said that hard, or even hardish poops run the risk of opening barely healing wounds or ripping out sutures, perhaps extending the healing process or, worse, requiring further surgery. She said that it is very very important to continue to keep stools very very soft. She said that studies show little to no problem with anuses returning to normal size on their own eventually and that the fear of the shrunken anus is based more on myth than reality.

Anyhow, just wanted to share that opinion. I very much respect my doctor - she was highly recommended by my midwifery group (that I found after months and months of research and comparison shopping). I respect her opinion and just wanted to offer it up to y'all as food for thought.

This is really awsome thanks for starting this. I have not read all the pages as the internet is being really slow today, so I apologise if this has already been posted.

I had a stapled hemorrhoidectomy and sphincterotomy for an anal fissure 2 months ago. After all the pain (and oh the pain) I was just wondering if anyone has evperienced this. After I have a bowel movement and I have wiped and it appears clean, yet half an hour later I can wipe again (without a bowel movement) and there will be a little bit of poo or it will be a bit moist. Like it leaks a bit. I really hope that it eventually goes away cos it is not really very nice.

Any advice?

thanks

sandra

Dear Fellow Sufferers!

Many thanks for all your posts – it is 11 days since my surgery and you are helping me cope! This is my story and I hope it helps others.
I am a 39 year Brit living in Estonia and have had ‘rhoids’ for about 18 years. My rhoids were initiated by a 9 year stint in the Army (UK Army ration packs are designed to constipate you). Also, 20 years of lifting very heavy weights and the last 5 years working in Iraq, Saudi and Nigeria has seen my condition gradually deteriorate! Oh I forgot to say I have been diagnosed with IBS – so if anyone was going to need an op it was me!
8 months ago an Estonian Dr said they were bad but an operation wasn’t required just yet. However, after 6 months in Nigeria with many stomach upsets which caused the rhoids to enlarge and bleed profusely it was time!
I went into an Estonian hospital and they spent the first day ‘preparing’ me by giving me enemas and making sure I didn’t eat etc. Day 2 was the op and had it done with an anaesthetic injected into the spine. After the op they said I had a very bad case (a 5/5 as they put it) removing internal and external critters and they told me it would be a couple of hours until I could move my legs. Soon afterwards I was told the pain would set in and to yell for pain killers! After 3 hours I was in pain and after 5 extreme pain! They injected me immediately and I was totally high but it made me sick. They then said they’d change the injections which proved to be less effective but didn’t make me vomit. My first night was a total nightmare – pain, pain and more pain and the urge to pee but I wasn’t able to. I got no sleep and finally peed in the morning and then felt incontinent but wasn’t! I decided to leave on Day 3 and the nursing staff were dubious about this and said “don’t you like it here?” They were all very kind but I don’t speak Estonian and my girlfriend was on hand to help me at home. As I was about to leave I needed a BM and passed brown water – the pain was UNBEARABLE and nearly I passed out. The nurse found me sweating profusely gave me injection pain killers and put me back to bed. I left that evening. My first night at home was very difficult and the pain-killers (Diclac 100mg) were not effective. I popped another and eventually had fitful sleep.
The following 4 or 5 days proved to be probably the toughest of my life. The general pain was just tolerable but the pain of having a BM and the stinging afterwards is unlike anything encountered so far in my life. As an ex soldier I know how to swear and to stop me screaming expletives I had to bite on a pencil (have snapped 2 clean through). On at least 2 occasions I cried with the pain and am not frightened to admit it. It was the stinging that caused the most distress and would jump in the shower to wash away the pain usually to have a 2nd or 3rd BM in the shower, not intentional but was thankful that I could shower immediately. I found days 3 and 4 very tough as I was having at least 4 BM’s a day. My insides are always in turmoil with my IBS but after the op they were totally out of synch.
I have found the build up of gas a real problem and have been taking charcoal tablets and some small yellow capsules (I forget the name) to reduce it. The pressure in my bowels is a permanent discomfort and if I can empty myself completely it is a huge, huge relief.
It is now 11 days after the op and I am still terrified of having a BM. I take all sorts of pills and herbal tea to keep everything loose but it is still painful and I still have to endure this darn stinging – like lemon juice on razor blade cuts! I have been off pain killers for 4 days now and pray it stays that way. My tags are agony and I have a lot of rectal leakage but the blood in it was greatly reduced. Today I woke up to find my bottom had discharged dark red blood and after my BM there was a LOT of blood. I honestly feel that I have regressed over the last few days but this is probably due to trying to live without pain killers. This post so far taken me nearly 3 hours to write due to the BM, showers, baths and general bouts of shooting pain.
My girlfriend has been amazing especially with cooking me natural food with fibre. However after day 11 she is tired with my bad moods, swearing at BM time if I forget my pencil and having disturbed sleep. She is the one who organised the op for me and translated for me and I am very grateful to her – I think!! She has booked me in with the Doctor tomorrow as the blood is a worry.
My great fear is the recovery time. I was told 2 weeks but reading all the posts that looks unlikely. I am due to fly to Nigeria in 5 days for a month’s work and am frightened about the flight and being able to do my job. I always have bowel problems after flying so I think I am doomed!
Would I recommend the operation – not unless you are in real pain, discomfort and distress. As of today I’d say it wasn’t worth it but I hope this viewpoint will change. If I had read these posts before my op I’d not have gone through with it.
I pride myself on being a tough individual – ex Army, ex Cop, ex novice boxer and now security operative but I have found my real pain threshold here and it has humbled me. I think of the dreadfully injured personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq miles from help and tell myself to stop being such a wimp!
God bless you all and I wish you swift recoveries.

Guy - So sorry for you - the good news is it does get better - had my surgery 12/19 so it is about 5 weeks(?) since -
First of all - cancel your trip - at least for a few weeks. I also had a VERY important meeting planned based on what my doctor had said (2 to 10 days - my Lord) - had to cancel, very bad for my career but good for my health. I would say the recovery is 2 to 3 weeks, at a minimum for any kind of "H" surgery. I had internal and externals removed and agree -the first week was brutal - all day on the toilet and sitz baths like crazy, while on Vicodin, Vicodin, Vicodin. Went off the meds after 2 weeks but still used them the next weeks when needed.
The swelling went down after about 2 weeks - I still have some minimal swelling if I exert myself too much - hoping THAT goes away as a major reason I DID this was so that I COULD exercise (have some weight to lose...)
The BMs became painless (but will always be scary, I suppose) during week 3 as well. You may have a tougher time since it sounds like you were "loaded" with the buggers.
Can't say enough about fiber - take it everyday as a supplement - I will be for life. I missed two days last week and wound up with a hard BM that made me bleed a bit - so I will NEVER miss again.
Best of luck, my friend and colleague - IT GETS BETTER!

I had my surgery last Thursday. It was a skin tag not a roid. It had always bothered me for numerous reasons and it took me many years to pluck up the courage to have the surgery. Having this type of surgery is extremely painful and the recovery time is slower that what the Dr originally told me. Think about it... an injection, a cauterizing pen and stitches on your anus...not exactly a day at the beach!! Yes, this surgery hurts!! The meds leave me constipated but I have found that by eating lots of fiber, drinking plenty of fluids and taking a gentle laxative, the BM's have been easier. It hurts like Hell to have a BM but I'm sure it would be ten times worse if I was completely constipated. I would recommend taking sitz baths... very simple and very soothing. I will tell anyone having this surgery to expect the worse and to just "grin and bear it". I am much happier now that I do not have "The Star of India" on my butt...it was worth the pain, it's a joy to look normal. Good luck to everyone and I wish you and myself a speedy recovery! ;-)

Hi everyone! I've been reading these posts for 2 days straight, taking lots of notes, and re-reading things several times. I was VERY afraid to proceed with my surgery, but decided to do it none the less. As the pain associated with my hemorrhoids was to the point of intolerable. Consequently, I had surgery 3 days ago and overall my experience was a HUGE success. I’ve taken a lot of great advise from this forum, so feel my part to give back to help others…..Many bloggers have requested comments from someone with a GOOD EXPERIENCE, and I want to share lessons learned so others may benefit. 2 things are very important, 1. Be prepared in advance 2. Commit to an after care plan.

I had internal and external rhoids removed, of which I've suffered off and on for 14 years. I've never had children, but the initial onset was due to heavy weight lifting during college. Then after that, athletics. I'm a fitness junky! I know it wasn't my diet because I eat plenty of fiber, veggies and only white meats.

So early prior to the surgery, I planned ahead by converting to a liquid high fiber diet 2 days prior, to flush my system. I also drank 4-5 liters of water a day. Then after surgery, I converted to liquid only diet, or very soft foods (banana, baby food). NO SOLID foods. I only ate chicken broth, vegetable broth, Jell-O, warm beverages (hot chocolate, tea) and anything else that's mainly liquid. In addition, I didn't use the hydrocodone that was prescribed. I read all the posts about constipation and that sounds horrific. SO, I opted for 800mg ibuprofen. Yes, I do have a little pain because it's not as strong as narcotics, but it prevents the "long term" pain associated with constipation. And that's worith it to me. Small pain now, to prevent major pain later. Ironically the ibuprofen was my husband's prescription for his back injury, so I didn't have any from the doctor, but will suggest/request some at my first follow-up. I hole-heartedly believe this has been the life saver for me. Yes I've had a little burning and pain as some mention, but I stay ahead of it by taking 2 ibuprofens a day (am and pm). I had my first BM today, and it was not as painful as the bms prior to my surgery, and it was very small and soft (because I've been on all liquid diets).

Although I couldn't avoid the pain killers from the actual surgery, I started drinking liquids the MINUTE I woke up and have been doing so every since. I drink 5-6 liters of water a day, and more if possible. The only negative is I pee alot. However, it's a small sacrifice to keep my body hydrated and healing.

I've really managed and tolerated my pain and contribute it to the liquid diets. I will continue this practice until my stitches and rectum is 100% healed. Yes it sucks b/c I’m craving all the good stuff. I am hungry alot, but I just drink more liquids, eat Jell-O, a popsicle, a banana or whatever I can find that's soft or close to liquid as possible. Mostly anything that the body absorbs easily but doesn't pass. I believe stressing that area with solid foods when it's already under so much stress from surgery, is even worse. I will be back to solid foods soon, but when things are more healed down there. No need to delay this healing process with hard bms, so it's a small sacrifice for the end result!

Lastly, I lay on my stomach most of the day to keep the pressure down and alleviate some pain as well.

I hope this advise helps, it's worked great for me and so far I'm doing very well. I'll keep you all posted on my progress. Best of luck to everyone and hang in there. Just remember, drink, drink, drink!

Jill :-)

i had this operation on the 3rd jan 08,and im fully recovered 2 weeks now,no problems.i was in agony.i felt near suicidal after reading all the long recovery times some people experienced.but 2 things.
first and most important
WARM SALT WATER BATHS 2-3 TIMES DAILY.200 GRAMS NORMAL SALT PER BATH.

2)everyone is different and it may not take too long to recovery.i was out walking 4 days after the operation.


i put my quick recovery down to the salt water,i cannot stress this enough

good luck to you all

Gary

I was reading the posts, and nobody writes about how long they had to wait to have sex after hemorrhoidectomy, so it's not painful, but pleasurable?

Good morning, I had the operation a week ago today. I fill sorry for the folks who are having server pain but I wanted to say that every person is different. I have passed blood during BM's for 10 years now. Due to this, the surgery was greatly needed but I was terrified. I am now grateful that I finally went through with it. I am still in a little bit of pain but I was up walking the day after surgery and start back to work today.

Good luck to all