I am a 51 year old female who developed hemmorhoids 20 years ago with my first (twin) pregnancy and delivery.  They did not cause any problems until about 5 years ago, getting progressively worse. I have to admit, I was terrified to have the surgery, but after dealing with both internal and external rhoids controlling my life, I had no choice.  I would need to lie down after every BM (after having to push prolapsed rhoids up) for them to stay put and not fall out and bleed.  I could not exercise.  Luckily, I only had rhoids excised on two of the three columns (both right), even though she told my husband after surgery she did band one, but I don't know where.  I read MANY blogs to educate myself and didn't have the surgery in Feb, as scheduled because I had been told 1-2 weeks and felt that I realistically needed 2-3, maybe even 4 weeks.  I just had the surgery 6 days ago, June 4th.  Today is Day 7 and the entire experience has been much better than expected.  I was sent home with Percaset? and Vallium? (not sure on the spellings) and told to take 1-2 Percaset (P)every four hours and 3 Vallium (V) a day.  I could also supplement with Ibuprophen (Ib) every 8 hours, if I needed more relief.  I had the surgery around noon and was still fairly numb at 10pm.  I was told to take the meds as soon as I felt anything as to stay ahead of the pain.  Not knowing what to expect and needing to go to sleep, I took 1 P and 1V and went to sleep at 10:30.  Not sure I should have taken both at the same time.  Woke up in the middle of the night with more of an ache vs. pain, so took 2 Ib and went back to bed.  Got up at 7 to begin my pain regimine I had planned out and didn't feel bad at all, so decided to wait.  I have managed with only Ib ever since.  (2 in AM, 2 in afternoon, 2 at bedtime - decreasing to 1 in afteroon after a few days.)  This morning I did just 1 in the AM.  I have not had great pain and very little bleeding.  Like everyone else, I was dreading that aweful first BM which happened about 45 hours after surgery.  It was painful, although not nearly as bad as anticipated.  It was very soft due to all I was doing to have soft stool, so that was key.  I soak in the tub in the morning after my BM and also again before bed.  Each day the BMs are getting less painful. I have spent the last week just laying around, and perhaps that has helped.  Below is my advice I would give to others based upon my experience and all I have read.

* Have the surgery performed by someone specializing in this area vs. a general surgeon.  My surgeon is only collo/rectal.

*Make sure to have soft stool.  I struggle in this area always, so I am probably doing more than most would have to do.  I was told to do Citracel 3x/day, Kondramul (mineral oil laxative) in the morning and Miralax at night.  I also drink about 8oz. of prune juice a day along with 6 prunes and lots of water.  With all this, I only have 1 BM each day.

*My surgeon said NOT to use sitz bath as they put too much pressure on that tender area.  She recommended baths instead (2-3) in warm water.  Have this ready before going to the bathroom so you can just get in after.  Make sure it is not too hot.  I believe I had the water too hot yesterday morning because it stung a little and I did have a little bleeding afterward yesterday.

*I was instructed to only try and have a BM when I knew I HAD to go.  Sitting unsupported on the toilet is the worst thing for recovery.  She said if I couldn't get done what I needed to get done in 3 minutes ("take a timer with you") get up and wait.  This has not been a problem.  1st thing in the morning I HAVE to go and it only takes a min or two.  I had read that others had better luck having BMs in the shower standing up, but luckily I have not had to resort to this.  I have brought in a crate to put my feet up on as some suggested and I believe this is helpful.

*To avoid getting a yeast infection if applying antibaterial ointment, make sure the area is dry after bathing.  I dab gently with a towel and then use a hair dryer on the cool setting to make sure completely dry.  I also spent some time with nothing on after applying for the first few days.  I have avoided feminine pads because they can be so absorbant and hold moisture I was afraid it might cause a problem.  I was sent home with sterile guaze which I have used.  Since I am just laying, it works.

*Try avoiding the perscription pain meds that cause constipation, if possible.  I understand this is not possible for some, based upon what I have read.

*Eat light beginning a couple days before the surgery.  She told me I needed a normal, high fiber diet after surgery to keep things moving.  I have stayed away from red meat which can cause inflamation as well as corn and nuts and other things that are difficult to digest and just "pass through".  I have also avoided other bad foods such as fats, deep fried foods, desserts, etc.  I also avoided salt and caffine.

*Allow others to help.  I had friends bring meals to my family and it has been a blessing.  I also explained to my family what I had read and told them I would need their help and that they really couldn't expect much from me for the next couple weeks.  They have been very helpful and understanding.

*Perhaps most important - PRAYER!!  I have many people praying for me and I believe it has made all the difference!

While I still have a way to go, every day is better.  I just pray for no infection.  I believe one of my stitches came out last night because I had a little bleeding and a little stinging in one area.  I'm glad one week is almost behind me and expect to be back close to normal by the end of next week.