Hello,
I had a hemorrhoidectomy a little over 9 weeks ago for 4 internal and 3 external using a scalpel. My surgeon said the procedure was necessary and to be performed immediately due to a presumed abscess that he did not end up finding. The post-op recovery for the first two weeks was excruciating beyond words. After 3 weeks passed the pain became manageable and I stopped pain medication. I have been drinking Miralax every day, eating high fiber foods, avoiding straining, daily sitz baths, and plenty of water. I have also been careful not to exert any unneeded physical activity (such as taking elevators rather than stairs).
Before surgery, my surgeon told me recovery would be one week. Now...after my 4th follow-up visit today (9 weeks post-op) I still have one painful, slightly swollen lymph node that he refuses to acknowledge. My primary care doctor suggested that the swollen lymph node is related to the surgery, but my surgeon said that is incorrect.
I am still in pain during each bowel movements, which are regular and soft and the pain continues for usually around 2 hrs after. Today was his first attempt at an internal exam, but the pain was too severe. He said that my stools are still more narrow than usual because I have a small sphincter. He did not mention stenosis and after asking several times he assured me that I am healed on the outside and the pain is due to my small sphincter, not improper healing. He prescribed hydrocortisone suppositories that I am to use after each bowel movement to help with the pain.
The next step is to see him in a month. If he is still unable to give me an internal exam in his office, he wants to send me back to the hospital to go under anesthesia.
My major concern is that my surgeon is not suggesting the proper treatment or ignoring a problem that may get worse. It worries me that I am still in pain after this long and would like to know if anyone else has had a similar experience. My surgeon is very curt with his replies to my questions and I am in desperate need of some feedback.
Thanks.
Hello Melissapenny,
I was wondering what was the outcome. I had a internal and external hemorrhoidectomy Jan 16, 2013. I was told that recovery would be about 2 to 4 weeks. Since this operation I am still not able to be examined by the colon rectal surgeon that performed the operation. I see him about every 4 weeks. Unfortunately I am still bleeding, I must strain in order to have a bowel movement and it hits me suddenly and I have to immediately go. Hence I haven't been able to return to work. I have taken Miralax, stool softeners and the Dr prescribed Lactulose. Lactulose makes me extremely gassy which also hurts when I pass gas. My stools are softer but still very painful when going and I still have to strain to go. Yes I am drinking plenty of water. I am considering getting a 2nd opinion but that means someone else trying to examine me. The surgeon (my Dr.) also mentioned putting me under anesthesia to examine me. Ugh I don't know what my next step will be. Please advice what happened with you when you returned for the next examine.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Guest,
I wonder how are you doing now? I have similar problem, and had op 07.02.2013.