I will begin with some history,prior to life with hemmies, for those who care. Im aware those will be few and far between; so if you strictly just want to know about my surgery experience scroll on down. to (SURGERY). I simply spent 2 months reading horrible experiences prior to my procedure, so i said when i got the procedure all over and done I would be sure and make a post. So i kept a daily journey. And decided i would share the experience and any advice i had. though im no doctor and cant say whats best for whom, i certainly can say what helped me, and that allows you to check with your doctor. And enables you to maybe be as comfortable as possibly.
I am a 24 year old female. My first hemerroids came to visit me around age 14. I had I wouldn't say anymore than the usual constipation as a young girl, but It was certainly present. I can say prune juice was not my most favorite thing to drink, however I definitely had my share of it. As I got in my teen years I was a go at home kind of gal so I would hold bowel movements until I got home if at all possible. These few reasons are soley not to blame, as it seems my entire family is cursed by the annoyances. When I say whole
Family I mean my
Granny Has 8 'kids. All of which have them. With only my granny and two aunts (well and me) ever actually requiring surgery.
I continued to have the hems throughout my teenage years and they barely caused any discomfort. They would only appear to be external on rare occasions.
Fast forward to my first Pregnancy. They were pretty much apparent the whole time, however around 7 months they got pretty bad. Which is not really out of the ordinary, due simply to pressure from your organs from the pregnancy itself. When I delivered I had more problems with the hemerroids then with delivery itself. It was a big concern of my Doctors' and I was given all these creams to take home more for anal than vaginal. They soon shrunk to a more reasonable size. Say leaving about a pea or two, remaining external. It wouldn't be for a couple years before they made a horrendous come back. This was the summer of 2009. I went to my family dr. She sent me next door to the general surgeon because she thought I had an abscess. I get to the surgeon, he evaluates the situation (yippee) determines I just simply have bad hems- no abscess. I was given suppositories and looked in the eye and told " try this and if you see no improvement in a week, come back and we will get those out, you should know hemerhoid surgery is the most painful surgery that I do and prob one of the most all together." let's just say I was the farthest thing from "at-ease" I could have possibly of been. I toughed it out, got through the bad phase. They of course remained and remained external most of the time but were Manageable. A year later in the summer of 2010 to come back with a vengeance would be an understatent. I tried the same remedy that seemed to pull me through the previous year but was getting no where. So I talked with my gastroenterilogist who suggested I see the other general surgeon in town who specializes in colorectal as well.' so I made the appointment, went for a consult.I Was evaluated, told that i needed surgery but would no doubt be in the worst pain for two weeks. I ended up leaving with a cream and was told to get back with the surgeon if no improvement because he knew it was alot to consider. I struggled for two more months- terrified, horrified. I Missed work countless times due to the hemmmies and was overall fed up. So I made my decision, what was 2-3 weeks of suffering after all the weeks I had suffered, Thus far.? My entire bowels would feel as If they were flaring up and this was causing every thing to junk up and just causing belly pains and an overall blah. I had one hem that the nerves in it we're shooting numbness up and down my spine. I figured this out by eventually taking and squeezing the one that caused the issue and feeling the same symptoms I was feeling most of the time anyway . it just wasn't worth it, anymore. I could get through this even if I had to be drug by the head of my hair To do so.
So I got to the pre op appointment at the surgeons office to actually discuss this surgery, this go around. He informs me that it's very painful,(yet again) and that there is numbing pump that will provide upto 3 days of numbing medicine to be continuously released via a catheter, inserted during surgery. The only catch is, it isnt always effective. It works by blocking and numbing certain nerves and if the exact ones associated with your pain aren't blocked, it will not work. we discussed what I needed to do before surgery. I told him he had scared me beyond belief; and that I would certainly need somethihng to help get me to the surgery. He gave me script for an anxiety med to take morning of. I absolutely had myself an emotional disaster. It is so hard needing something done and struggling with it, but to know it is unimaginable what you're up against--I think that's the worst part. You've never experienced such Pain, so your so apprehensive of what exactly it is and how you will manage to live. I went to bed and and woke up worrying about every possible outcome. And reading post on e Internet certainly doesn't seem to help matters. Good stories are few and far between.
And finally comes the (SURGERY). I had cleaned myself out with both enemas, the night before and morning of. Took the prescribed medicine for anxiety, which slightly helped, and was on my way, ready or not. We arrive at the hospital, my husband and I. The pre op nurses get me ready. I.v.s, all of that good stuff. I sat there sick at my stomach and praying to God, that what I woke upto was not Going to be as bad as I expected, and that with his help I'd get through it, and manage it, but mostly that the numbing pump would be effective. The nurse informed me of the pain scale and that to score mine when I woke up. But to be sure and Take note that they would not be able to control all of the pain post surgery (and again thanks for the encouragement)!!!!
I went back for surgery
At around 11:30 am that morning, I remember waking up in recovery at 12:22 and being asked to rate my pain. My response- a 1. And it was. I was in recovery until 1:15 when I was rolled In the room with my sister and husband. I was conscious enough to know I was lucky and to thank God for answered prayers. And to be informed the pain pump could work 5 days as opposed to the three I went into surgery expecting. I had some issues with my heart rate, fever, and nausea from Pain meds so I didn't end up getting out of there to Around 6:30 that night.
Upon arriving home I wobbled in bed and it wasn't until around 11 ish probably before I felt the first pain. Now what pain I felt would probably be scored as a 4. Nothing excruciating yet, but present yes. This is when the rounds of pain meds started. Around the clock I would take them. I would take my meds then for an hour be sooo sick. ( pain medicine what few times ive had it have never
Agreed with my tummy)I tried combining the pain medicine with anti nauseas. They still remained to make me Ill. I would start hurting, take meds, be sick for an hour to an hour and a half, and then start the entire process ALL over. It was miserable. HOWever, the pain was not un bearable so I wouldn't complain.
The first few days I had to get the medicine in me and due to the nausea I was having trouble eating alot. I knew if I did eat alot it would help with the nausea but the nausea was so extreme I couldn't eat. So in the third day I caved and called the dr. And they switched it. This was miraculous. Now the pain was present. I would be lying if I said I wasnt in pain. It hurt and If i didn't stay on top of my meds then I was doomed. However.... never once did I think I was hopeless
And jsut wasn't gonna make it. I was sure to to take plenty of stool softeners As well. The pain pump remained in and I was eternally greatful. The hospital sent me home with a supposive sitz bath. It was a tub with an iv like bag you squeezed and let water run on your behind. Now I had had a sitz bath after my child was born and this was definitely not the same. What I had hooked to the sink faucet and had adjustable high pressure. I called every home health place in the area ad everyone one just had the iv. Until I realized I'll just have my ain't whom works at the other local hospital, (where I gave birth) just see if she could get her hands on one for me. Luckily she was successful and I was eternally grateful. I HIGHLY suggest you find one Of these prior to surgery. As you will want to use it alot, and even better get quite a bit of releif. The brand this one is is hygenique. So I suggest you google it or do whatever to try and get uour hands on it. Please believe it will be your best friend.
I wobbled and slept and took medicine the entire time. On day four I woke up less sore and could feel the pressure of a bowel movement coming on. I was apprehensive to say the least I knew it wouldn't be fun and very painful. At about 12 or 1 pm my first "attempt"
Started. I paced the floors with the pressure making me miserable. I would sit down, try to go, get in the shower, use sitz, anything to try to help. The pressure was so extreme and i would try so hard to evacuate and all my hiney would do is spasm, sharp quenching spasms. I was breaking out in cold sweats. My heart rate was up. I was holding my breath, trying to la maz. My body was doing funky things trying to evacuate this and it just wasnt happening. I finally tried to push a little and what I literally thought had to he a brick coming out of me dropped and it was the size of a dime... if that. I just cried.
I felt helpless to say the least and had no idea what in the world I was going to do. I laid around tried to avoid eating the best I could to avoid the re occurrence of such a horrid experience. I started taking two stool softeners Each time I ate, as opposed to the one each time I had Been taking since surgery. I
Slept on and off that day and avoided the bathroom.
The next morning (day 5) the pressure and pain woke me up. I paced the floors for 4 hours praying, hoping, wondering what I was going to do. I had another dime passing and decided it wasn't worth the four hours of putting my body through such stress to have no success. So I called the hospital
And left a message for the on call surgeon. He called me back and advised me to go to er asap and get an enema. He did not want me doing it at home.
I get to er. Get a soapsud enema. And let's just say I don't know that I've ever felt such relief. The golfball blocking everything from happening passed, and I was then able to defecate all of the soft that was trying its best to get out but couldn't due to the golfball. There was no doubt why I felt sooo much pressure. This is not pleasant conversation but if you're having this procedure you should be advised. I was sent home with another enema just in case. Now this occurrence may not be the case for anyone else. Your bowels may be soft all the way through. I hope so at least. For me they were not. The golfball was blocking, not budging, thus making my body go through a process that it felt was natural to eliminate, but what my body didn't know is that it wasn't going to happen. So I tell you this because if you have any trouble with this please see what your dr suggests. I wish he would have just sent me home with the enema and advised me to use it If need-be. Because this was the worst part of my whole experience and it could've easily been fixed and or prevented. I also requested something called epifoam from the er. Women if you've had this after child birth you know what amazing relief it gives....
Day 7 after surgery I hadnt had another bowel movement. It had been two days and I was feeling as though I needed too, but wanted to wait to see what my body would try to do, rather than automatically trying the enema.
So that night I went a few times. Very small amounts. Not excruciating but what I did feel was extreme itching/ burning. I soon tried to tie this to something and was so sure it was stitches as well as pressure and the feeling of the stool being in there. Never the less it was sharp and annoying. A royal pain in the ace! ;-).
Day 8 was much the same. It wasn't excruciating pain but it was sharp and itchy. I just assumed it was the stitches healing and took quite a few sitz that day. I'm not gonna lie. At this point I was frustrated. I was tired of being cooped up, tired of watching tv. I just wanted to feel "normal" soon. I was a grouch al lday and really shouldn't have been because I had so much to be grateful for, however I let the stress get to me.
Day 9- woke up not so itchy. Praise be to the lord. I was Needing to use the bathroom wondering if stool softeners just didn't work well with me. The amount I was consuming should've been producing more frequent bowel movements than I was experiencing. I knew it really couldnt be the medicine stopping me up anymore; as I was taking only half of one at night and ibuprofen as needed. So I waited it out, avoiding pushin at ll cost. O finally went and realized I'd taken tooo many stool softeners and really needed to figure out a balance, somehow.
For the next few days there after, bathroom visits became a little easier. I still felt the sharpness each time, however it's Similiar to a feeling you get when you've got to go really bad and feel like something kind of sharp is tryin to pass. Very bearable. I was taking one stool softener a day and producing 1-2 bm a day. The last few days before my two weeks follow up, my stitches were becoming a nuisance. They were sharp, itchy, and almost felt like they were tightening or pulling If that makes sense. So I was looking forward to having them removed but yet a little apprehensive.
My follow up came and the stitch removal was rough. But fortunately it only last a matter of seconds. I think mine were past ready to come out anyway due to all the itching, burning, etc. And it was quite a releif to have them gone, they has started tightening, almost givin me a tugging-sensation.
Must have survival kit from my experience
-God, on-q pain pump if available from your surgeon, hygenique sitz bath, epi foam. Stool softeners, and an enema on standby of course if your doctor allows. Oh and did I mention the grace of God?!????!
Sent from my iPhone
I am a 24 year old female. My first hemerroids came to visit me around age 14. I had I wouldn't say anymore than the usual constipation as a young girl, but It was certainly present. I can say prune juice was not my most favorite thing to drink, however I definitely had my share of it. As I got in my teen years I was a go at home kind of gal so I would hold bowel movements until I got home if at all possible. These few reasons are soley not to blame, as it seems my entire family is cursed by the annoyances. When I say whole
Family I mean my
Granny Has 8 'kids. All of which have them. With only my granny and two aunts (well and me) ever actually requiring surgery.
I continued to have the hems throughout my teenage years and they barely caused any discomfort. They would only appear to be external on rare occasions.
Fast forward to my first Pregnancy. They were pretty much apparent the whole time, however around 7 months they got pretty bad. Which is not really out of the ordinary, due simply to pressure from your organs from the pregnancy itself. When I delivered I had more problems with the hemerroids then with delivery itself. It was a big concern of my Doctors' and I was given all these creams to take home more for anal than vaginal. They soon shrunk to a more reasonable size. Say leaving about a pea or two, remaining external. It wouldn't be for a couple years before they made a horrendous come back. This was the summer of 2009. I went to my family dr. She sent me next door to the general surgeon because she thought I had an abscess. I get to the surgeon, he evaluates the situation (yippee) determines I just simply have bad hems- no abscess. I was given suppositories and looked in the eye and told " try this and if you see no improvement in a week, come back and we will get those out, you should know hemerhoid surgery is the most painful surgery that I do and prob one of the most all together." let's just say I was the farthest thing from "at-ease" I could have possibly of been. I toughed it out, got through the bad phase. They of course remained and remained external most of the time but were Manageable. A year later in the summer of 2010 to come back with a vengeance would be an understatent. I tried the same remedy that seemed to pull me through the previous year but was getting no where. So I talked with my gastroenterilogist who suggested I see the other general surgeon in town who specializes in colorectal as well.' so I made the appointment, went for a consult.I Was evaluated, told that i needed surgery but would no doubt be in the worst pain for two weeks. I ended up leaving with a cream and was told to get back with the surgeon if no improvement because he knew it was alot to consider. I struggled for two more months- terrified, horrified. I Missed work countless times due to the hemmmies and was overall fed up. So I made my decision, what was 2-3 weeks of suffering after all the weeks I had suffered, Thus far.? My entire bowels would feel as If they were flaring up and this was causing every thing to junk up and just causing belly pains and an overall blah. I had one hem that the nerves in it we're shooting numbness up and down my spine. I figured this out by eventually taking and squeezing the one that caused the issue and feeling the same symptoms I was feeling most of the time anyway . it just wasn't worth it, anymore. I could get through this even if I had to be drug by the head of my hair To do so.
So I got to the pre op appointment at the surgeons office to actually discuss this surgery, this go around. He informs me that it's very painful,(yet again) and that there is numbing pump that will provide upto 3 days of numbing medicine to be continuously released via a catheter, inserted during surgery. The only catch is, it isnt always effective. It works by blocking and numbing certain nerves and if the exact ones associated with your pain aren't blocked, it will not work. we discussed what I needed to do before surgery. I told him he had scared me beyond belief; and that I would certainly need somethihng to help get me to the surgery. He gave me script for an anxiety med to take morning of. I absolutely had myself an emotional disaster. It is so hard needing something done and struggling with it, but to know it is unimaginable what you're up against--I think that's the worst part. You've never experienced such Pain, so your so apprehensive of what exactly it is and how you will manage to live. I went to bed and and woke up worrying about every possible outcome. And reading post on e Internet certainly doesn't seem to help matters. Good stories are few and far between.
And finally comes the (SURGERY). I had cleaned myself out with both enemas, the night before and morning of. Took the prescribed medicine for anxiety, which slightly helped, and was on my way, ready or not. We arrive at the hospital, my husband and I. The pre op nurses get me ready. I.v.s, all of that good stuff. I sat there sick at my stomach and praying to God, that what I woke upto was not Going to be as bad as I expected, and that with his help I'd get through it, and manage it, but mostly that the numbing pump would be effective. The nurse informed me of the pain scale and that to score mine when I woke up. But to be sure and Take note that they would not be able to control all of the pain post surgery (and again thanks for the encouragement)!!!!
I went back for surgery
At around 11:30 am that morning, I remember waking up in recovery at 12:22 and being asked to rate my pain. My response- a 1. And it was. I was in recovery until 1:15 when I was rolled In the room with my sister and husband. I was conscious enough to know I was lucky and to thank God for answered prayers. And to be informed the pain pump could work 5 days as opposed to the three I went into surgery expecting. I had some issues with my heart rate, fever, and nausea from Pain meds so I didn't end up getting out of there to Around 6:30 that night.
Upon arriving home I wobbled in bed and it wasn't until around 11 ish probably before I felt the first pain. Now what pain I felt would probably be scored as a 4. Nothing excruciating yet, but present yes. This is when the rounds of pain meds started. Around the clock I would take them. I would take my meds then for an hour be sooo sick. ( pain medicine what few times ive had it have never
Agreed with my tummy)I tried combining the pain medicine with anti nauseas. They still remained to make me Ill. I would start hurting, take meds, be sick for an hour to an hour and a half, and then start the entire process ALL over. It was miserable. HOWever, the pain was not un bearable so I wouldn't complain.
The first few days I had to get the medicine in me and due to the nausea I was having trouble eating alot. I knew if I did eat alot it would help with the nausea but the nausea was so extreme I couldn't eat. So in the third day I caved and called the dr. And they switched it. This was miraculous. Now the pain was present. I would be lying if I said I wasnt in pain. It hurt and If i didn't stay on top of my meds then I was doomed. However.... never once did I think I was hopeless
And jsut wasn't gonna make it. I was sure to to take plenty of stool softeners As well. The pain pump remained in and I was eternally greatful. The hospital sent me home with a supposive sitz bath. It was a tub with an iv like bag you squeezed and let water run on your behind. Now I had had a sitz bath after my child was born and this was definitely not the same. What I had hooked to the sink faucet and had adjustable high pressure. I called every home health place in the area ad everyone one just had the iv. Until I realized I'll just have my ain't whom works at the other local hospital, (where I gave birth) just see if she could get her hands on one for me. Luckily she was successful and I was eternally grateful. I HIGHLY suggest you find one Of these prior to surgery. As you will want to use it alot, and even better get quite a bit of releif. The brand this one is is hygenique. So I suggest you google it or do whatever to try and get uour hands on it. Please believe it will be your best friend.
I wobbled and slept and took medicine the entire time. On day four I woke up less sore and could feel the pressure of a bowel movement coming on. I was apprehensive to say the least I knew it wouldn't be fun and very painful. At about 12 or 1 pm my first "attempt"
Started. I paced the floors with the pressure making me miserable. I would sit down, try to go, get in the shower, use sitz, anything to try to help. The pressure was so extreme and i would try so hard to evacuate and all my hiney would do is spasm, sharp quenching spasms. I was breaking out in cold sweats. My heart rate was up. I was holding my breath, trying to la maz. My body was doing funky things trying to evacuate this and it just wasnt happening. I finally tried to push a little and what I literally thought had to he a brick coming out of me dropped and it was the size of a dime... if that. I just cried.
I felt helpless to say the least and had no idea what in the world I was going to do. I laid around tried to avoid eating the best I could to avoid the re occurrence of such a horrid experience. I started taking two stool softeners Each time I ate, as opposed to the one each time I had Been taking since surgery. I
Slept on and off that day and avoided the bathroom.
The next morning (day 5) the pressure and pain woke me up. I paced the floors for 4 hours praying, hoping, wondering what I was going to do. I had another dime passing and decided it wasn't worth the four hours of putting my body through such stress to have no success. So I called the hospital
And left a message for the on call surgeon. He called me back and advised me to go to er asap and get an enema. He did not want me doing it at home.
I get to er. Get a soapsud enema. And let's just say I don't know that I've ever felt such relief. The golfball blocking everything from happening passed, and I was then able to defecate all of the soft that was trying its best to get out but couldn't due to the golfball. There was no doubt why I felt sooo much pressure. This is not pleasant conversation but if you're having this procedure you should be advised. I was sent home with another enema just in case. Now this occurrence may not be the case for anyone else. Your bowels may be soft all the way through. I hope so at least. For me they were not. The golfball was blocking, not budging, thus making my body go through a process that it felt was natural to eliminate, but what my body didn't know is that it wasn't going to happen. So I tell you this because if you have any trouble with this please see what your dr suggests. I wish he would have just sent me home with the enema and advised me to use it If need-be. Because this was the worst part of my whole experience and it could've easily been fixed and or prevented. I also requested something called epifoam from the er. Women if you've had this after child birth you know what amazing relief it gives....
Day 7 after surgery I hadnt had another bowel movement. It had been two days and I was feeling as though I needed too, but wanted to wait to see what my body would try to do, rather than automatically trying the enema.
So that night I went a few times. Very small amounts. Not excruciating but what I did feel was extreme itching/ burning. I soon tried to tie this to something and was so sure it was stitches as well as pressure and the feeling of the stool being in there. Never the less it was sharp and annoying. A royal pain in the ace! ;-).
Day 8 was much the same. It wasn't excruciating pain but it was sharp and itchy. I just assumed it was the stitches healing and took quite a few sitz that day. I'm not gonna lie. At this point I was frustrated. I was tired of being cooped up, tired of watching tv. I just wanted to feel "normal" soon. I was a grouch al lday and really shouldn't have been because I had so much to be grateful for, however I let the stress get to me.
Day 9- woke up not so itchy. Praise be to the lord. I was Needing to use the bathroom wondering if stool softeners just didn't work well with me. The amount I was consuming should've been producing more frequent bowel movements than I was experiencing. I knew it really couldnt be the medicine stopping me up anymore; as I was taking only half of one at night and ibuprofen as needed. So I waited it out, avoiding pushin at ll cost. O finally went and realized I'd taken tooo many stool softeners and really needed to figure out a balance, somehow.
For the next few days there after, bathroom visits became a little easier. I still felt the sharpness each time, however it's Similiar to a feeling you get when you've got to go really bad and feel like something kind of sharp is tryin to pass. Very bearable. I was taking one stool softener a day and producing 1-2 bm a day. The last few days before my two weeks follow up, my stitches were becoming a nuisance. They were sharp, itchy, and almost felt like they were tightening or pulling If that makes sense. So I was looking forward to having them removed but yet a little apprehensive.
My follow up came and the stitch removal was rough. But fortunately it only last a matter of seconds. I think mine were past ready to come out anyway due to all the itching, burning, etc. And it was quite a releif to have them gone, they has started tightening, almost givin me a tugging-sensation.
Must have survival kit from my experience
-God, on-q pain pump if available from your surgeon, hygenique sitz bath, epi foam. Stool softeners, and an enema on standby of course if your doctor allows. Oh and did I mention the grace of God?!????!
Sent from my iPhone
Loading...
WOW!! Thank you for your thoughtful post. I am scared of the recovery process. You helped me see that I will make it through. It will be rough, but it will not kill me. Also, you giving glory to God has really helped me<3 . I too am a believer and I told my husband that with God I know it will be more bearable.
Again, thank you for your post and for being so honest!!! :-D
Loading...
GOD love you. I really feel for you. I to, are experiencing hemi's, except mine are related to extreme severe constipation. I cannot even contemplate having to go through what you have described. I am having a hard enough time handling removing the impactions I get from the constipation. ( I have to do this at least twice a week, myself) and it hurts sooo bad, I just grind my teeth.My rectum bleeds huge clots with the removal, but it has to come out somehow, it won't come out alone. I understand what you are talking about when you say it was the size of a dime. Believe me, I do understand. There is really no pain like this pain, (is there?) But I wanted to thank you for the fair warning related to the hemi removal procedure, because I do know that is in my future,( if a colostomy doesn't get me firs)t. I pray every day and night for relief from this problem, and that the latter doesn't happen first. Good luck to you with your healing. And GOD SPEED. I plan on working on getting my survival kit started.
Loading...