It has been two months since my "simple" hemorrhoidectomy. I still have so much blood in my stool sometimes it scary. And it's bloody even with loose stools, which doesn't make sense to me. I'm calling my surgeon today to find out if something is wrong. The pain with every BM is still excruciating. I don't see how any of this can be normal. On top of all this, I have acute intermittent porphyria and I cannot take a lot of medications for pain and other things. Such is life, I guess. :-(
Check "hemorrhoid.net" for more information on PPH. I gather it does have less pain, but there's a chance of removing too much tissue. Be sure you have an experienced surgeon.
The people saying that this surgery was a mistake tend to be early in the recovery. For "minor surgery" this procedure has an incredibly long recovery time.
It's been a bit over two months for me. I still seem to be having an issue with stenosis: the site isn't getting flexible. But I'm in my 50s and I put off this surgery for half my life.
A lot of bleeding at 2 months isn't normal, I'd think. My surgery used the harmonic scalpel, and I had hardly any blood at all, compared to what the hemorrhoids were dropping.
The people saying that this surgery was a mistake tend to be early in the recovery. For "minor surgery" this procedure has an incredibly long recovery time.
It's been a bit over two months for me. I still seem to be having an issue with stenosis: the site isn't getting flexible. But I'm in my 50s and I put off this surgery for half my life.
A lot of bleeding at 2 months isn't normal, I'd think. My surgery used the harmonic scalpel, and I had hardly any blood at all, compared to what the hemorrhoids were dropping.
I have a porlapsed hemmoroid for the third time in 3 mos. and the Dr. gave me some prescription :-( cream, which I have tried, but it seems the 1st time it made it go back inside, where it still hurt, but nothing compared to the 2nd and 3rd time (currently dealing with third time this thing re-appeared). I am so uncomfortable that it gives me chills, and is burning. I am not comfortable sitting, standing, walking or even lying on my stomach. Everything hurts. I'm wondering if my doctor is just not proactive enough to tell me I need this surgery, or is he trying to save me from the pain that sounds worse from this surgery. I have cried after BM's, and don't know what to do. Preparation H does nothing. The prescription cream provides no relief, and I bought Tucks Medicated pads and they aren't working either, I feel disabled by this little b****r, and don't know what to do, or where to turn. How do you know when you need the surgery? Its so humiliating, I don't even want to ask people I know...
-Mo (rather not say my full name)
-Mo (rather not say my full name)
It's almost 4 weeks since my hemorrhoidectomy. I went to see the doc for a followup last week at 3 weeks. I have to say... since I hit the 3 week mark, the bleeding and pain has stopped. Now I have to deal with the itching and (diaper) rash in that area. But the doc gave me some cream which should help. It actually doesn't hurt to pass gas anymore. And I have no more bleeding with my bm's. Well... maybe just a little. But not nearly as much as before. I'm at the point where I'm not sitting there regretting the surgery. There is light at the end of the tunnel!! I see it! It's not as bad as others say. I'm not exactly sure what technique the doc used, but she must be really good. She said I'm healing quite nicely. She was referred to me by my family doctor. She was the "go to" doctor for this sort of thing. So for those of you who are scared to have this procedure done... maybe it depends on the skills of the surgeon and how well you follow instructions afterwards. You MUST keep your stool soft. And the squirt bottle with warm or hot (I prefer hot) water after BM's does wonders. Well... good luck all!!
If you don't need the surgery and the creams don't work, have you heard of ProctoFoam? It's a foam you put in that area. It's a prescription. It helped me before my surgery. It kinda numbs the hemorrhoids which makes the pain slowly go away for the meantime. Maybe you should ask your doctor about it.
Hi, I love to run too and lift weights. I just had my surgery on MArch 30th. I am still in pain. I think I mentioned to my husband a hundred times how much I regret getting the surgery but I had no choice. Mine were so bad and ugly, actually killing my self esteem. If yours are really big and bleeds a lot get it done but make sure that you have atleast 3 weeks to recover. I only had 10 ten days, and it sucks. It's hard to rest completely especially I have 2 kids that I had to attend to. I had to go back to school today but to my surprise I was fine. I felt some pain but not not as bad, considering I skipped my Vicodin and took 1000g Tylenol instead so I can drive to school.
There will be pain and yes a lot of it. So ask your surgeon for very strong pain meds. The people that posted their surgery pains here are not over exaggerating. I thought they were too until I had mine removed. BMs are "Oh, God!" every part of my body perspire during BM and after, I just go in fetal position for 30 mins or so and I get the shakes, maybe the effects of the pain. This happened for 7 days. The day after my surgery I had really bad diarrhea and I was vomitting, added to my pain. When I was at the ER they gave me Dilaudid thru my IV, oh and the pain just went away. I was so sad when they sent me home.
I can't wait to go back to running and normal exercise routine. Although this surgey made me lose 2 lbs so far. What concerns me now is that I can see my butt, and it seems like the surgeon did not remove all of the hemorrhoids. I have to see her tomorrow...I'll ask her. I hope she has a very good answer because I don't want to go thru this pain again.
So make sure that you ask your surgeon to remove and all the hemorrhoids and not leave any behind and again ask for strong pain meds, stool softener and have 3 weeks (atleast) to recover.
There will be pain and yes a lot of it. So ask your surgeon for very strong pain meds. The people that posted their surgery pains here are not over exaggerating. I thought they were too until I had mine removed. BMs are "Oh, God!" every part of my body perspire during BM and after, I just go in fetal position for 30 mins or so and I get the shakes, maybe the effects of the pain. This happened for 7 days. The day after my surgery I had really bad diarrhea and I was vomitting, added to my pain. When I was at the ER they gave me Dilaudid thru my IV, oh and the pain just went away. I was so sad when they sent me home.
I can't wait to go back to running and normal exercise routine. Although this surgey made me lose 2 lbs so far. What concerns me now is that I can see my butt, and it seems like the surgeon did not remove all of the hemorrhoids. I have to see her tomorrow...I'll ask her. I hope she has a very good answer because I don't want to go thru this pain again.
So make sure that you ask your surgeon to remove and all the hemorrhoids and not leave any behind and again ask for strong pain meds, stool softener and have 3 weeks (atleast) to recover.
Hello all....well it's been 2 weeks to the day since I had my surgery to remove 3 internal and 2 external hemorrhoids. I thought I would add some of my experience and hope to those of you out there who are suffering or possibly getting prepared for a hemorrhoidectomy.
I think I read almost every story on here and to be honest I was scared of the post-op recovery.
I truly believe the majority of "positive" posts never make it to this site and that is really unfortunate. I lived with extreme pain, bleeding and a number of other problems that my hemorrhoids put me through for about 7 years or so. I won't lie, there has been some extreme pain after surgery and especially during BM's but this is by far the best choice I could have made to finally have the hemi's taken care of for good. I have tried every cream known to man, laser procedures and ligations with no luck. I would say I am at about 50-60% right now as far as recovery goes. It is slow and I am still off work for another 2 weeks. The idea that some one can go back to work within a week or 2 is ridiculous!!! You must look at getting a minimum of 4-6 weeks folks...you will need it.
Back to some suggestions for recovery...Keep the stool as soft as possible...this can never be stressed enough. I found that a combination of Senekot-S, Metamucil (i got the generic at Wal-Mart) MiraLax and lots of water to be key to keeping the bm's soft. Soft foods such as soups, pudding and canned fruits are great for the first 2-3 days.
Make a schedule for all meds that you take along with the times. This is important to stay on a schedule and keep the pain from becoming too much. Warm or hot baths have been a lifesaver for me (I prefer hot) they relax the muscles and take the pain level down several notches very fast, especially after bm's...start the bath before the bm!!
I was prescribed Percocet and Vicodin...the percocet did much better. I took one of each one time and learned my lesson fast. Do NOT combine the two...they will come back up. I am only taking 2 a day now and Aleve will soon be the only pain killers I take. The morning BM's are still a bit rough but getting better. Bleeding is almost stopped from the external stitches but occasionally getting some on my wet-wipes...also a MUST! No toilet paper...I repeat NO toilet paper folks!! Flushable wet-wipes only.
Stay off the bottom as much as possible (sitting) and no squating either. Make time for plenty of bed rest or couch time but stay horizontal as much as possible for the first week or so. It has helped me and I am now doing walks around the block in the evening with my wife.
OK, I've written enough...I hope this helps someone who is going through the same things I went through and is considering surgery. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and things will get better. For those of you out there going through some of the horror stories I've read, my heart goes out to you. I wish you a speedy recovery.
I know there are "good" stories out there but once again I do not think many get posted here. God Bless and take care. :D
John
**edited by moderator**
I think I read almost every story on here and to be honest I was scared of the post-op recovery.
I truly believe the majority of "positive" posts never make it to this site and that is really unfortunate. I lived with extreme pain, bleeding and a number of other problems that my hemorrhoids put me through for about 7 years or so. I won't lie, there has been some extreme pain after surgery and especially during BM's but this is by far the best choice I could have made to finally have the hemi's taken care of for good. I have tried every cream known to man, laser procedures and ligations with no luck. I would say I am at about 50-60% right now as far as recovery goes. It is slow and I am still off work for another 2 weeks. The idea that some one can go back to work within a week or 2 is ridiculous!!! You must look at getting a minimum of 4-6 weeks folks...you will need it.
Back to some suggestions for recovery...Keep the stool as soft as possible...this can never be stressed enough. I found that a combination of Senekot-S, Metamucil (i got the generic at Wal-Mart) MiraLax and lots of water to be key to keeping the bm's soft. Soft foods such as soups, pudding and canned fruits are great for the first 2-3 days.
Make a schedule for all meds that you take along with the times. This is important to stay on a schedule and keep the pain from becoming too much. Warm or hot baths have been a lifesaver for me (I prefer hot) they relax the muscles and take the pain level down several notches very fast, especially after bm's...start the bath before the bm!!
I was prescribed Percocet and Vicodin...the percocet did much better. I took one of each one time and learned my lesson fast. Do NOT combine the two...they will come back up. I am only taking 2 a day now and Aleve will soon be the only pain killers I take. The morning BM's are still a bit rough but getting better. Bleeding is almost stopped from the external stitches but occasionally getting some on my wet-wipes...also a MUST! No toilet paper...I repeat NO toilet paper folks!! Flushable wet-wipes only.
Stay off the bottom as much as possible (sitting) and no squating either. Make time for plenty of bed rest or couch time but stay horizontal as much as possible for the first week or so. It has helped me and I am now doing walks around the block in the evening with my wife.
OK, I've written enough...I hope this helps someone who is going through the same things I went through and is considering surgery. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and things will get better. For those of you out there going through some of the horror stories I've read, my heart goes out to you. I wish you a speedy recovery.
I know there are "good" stories out there but once again I do not think many get posted here. God Bless and take care. :D
John
**edited by moderator**
I must say, while all of these stories are incredible tough, they are helpful to know I am not experiencing something unusual or something that will never go away. I am 19 days since my procedure.
I have had four hemerroid bandings, with the last one, my doctor declared I would be set free for a long while. Unfortunately, that wasn't true as I developed two more external ones within a couple of months with one of these bleeding every time I had a BM. They were not hurting and I was religious on Metamucil and actually was in my best fitness of my life(38 yrs old). But I went ahead and scheduled an appointment for taking care of these. The visit went standard and my doctor banded the larger of the two...and asked afterwards if I wanted a prescription of pain medicine. In the other 4, he had never asked me this. So, I said, "Well, I don't know, I usually am in pain for a day, but then fine" He said, well go ahead and take this prescription. That was an omen of the pain to come.
I drove on home in pain, but not worse than average. But the pain stayed at the peak level where my wife picked up the pain medicine. He had prescibed me 3.25 Mg Tylenol3 w/Codone, like a weak Vicodine. On top of this, this medicne kept me up most of the night vs making me drousy. The next day, going to the bathroom was nearly imossible and very painful. I went to work and was in pain all day. Same thing the next day. On Friday, I had a 7:00am meeting I needed to lead and got up early and acted as if nothing was the problem...but it was. That morning's BM was devestating and sent my colon into a spasm(didn't know what that was at the time). I tried to lead the meeting but wrythed in pain off and on during the first 2 hours of the meeting, finally leaving and going to my desk. Unfortunately, the pain kept on and on even with my pain meds. This medicine didn't work at all any day. I called my doctor but they took the day off though I left them a message. I knew I needed help as the pain was unbearable. My wife picked me up and drove me to the office. The admin there, said go to the emergency room at the hospital where my doctor was there. There, he checked me out, said it was spasms and prescribed more of the same meds.
I actually then ran a 10K the next day(It is interesting that running relieves the pain during the run), but was in pain before and after, throbbing pain where only laying down helped. Hot Baths definitely work. The next week, I was in pain each day after the BM, and was using baby wipes to help. Despite this, I burned for hours after each BM. Then on the following Friday, I had a BM, hurt, then had to go again. Unfortunately, this sent me into a major pain frenzy again. We had to drive to Houston, and I nearly lost my mind being in so much pain. I finally had to get in the back to lie down. I took 4 baths over the course of the next 24 hours. My area settled down enough but I had to take it easy the rest of the weekend. I couldn't sit or stand. Very little movement.
Going on the 3rd week, I took each BM with as little effort as possible. Still, following the BM each day, I had pain and burning for about 4-6 hours following. Today, is the first day, no burning and only periodic pain. I actually got off the stool softener and focused on eating balanced food with some yogurt each day. The stool softener works for the first week when you need to enable an exit, but after that appears to contribute to the burning sensation.
This has been a horrible experience and I didn't even have the Surgery. Must have had a huge hemerroid removed by banding. I have one more to go and I am scared that it could trigger this again. I put off the appointment and it isn't for 4 more weeks. If this every relapses, I am interested in a pain med that works. The other stories have helped with finding the right creams with numbing. Thanks and best wishes to all.
I have had four hemerroid bandings, with the last one, my doctor declared I would be set free for a long while. Unfortunately, that wasn't true as I developed two more external ones within a couple of months with one of these bleeding every time I had a BM. They were not hurting and I was religious on Metamucil and actually was in my best fitness of my life(38 yrs old). But I went ahead and scheduled an appointment for taking care of these. The visit went standard and my doctor banded the larger of the two...and asked afterwards if I wanted a prescription of pain medicine. In the other 4, he had never asked me this. So, I said, "Well, I don't know, I usually am in pain for a day, but then fine" He said, well go ahead and take this prescription. That was an omen of the pain to come.
I drove on home in pain, but not worse than average. But the pain stayed at the peak level where my wife picked up the pain medicine. He had prescibed me 3.25 Mg Tylenol3 w/Codone, like a weak Vicodine. On top of this, this medicne kept me up most of the night vs making me drousy. The next day, going to the bathroom was nearly imossible and very painful. I went to work and was in pain all day. Same thing the next day. On Friday, I had a 7:00am meeting I needed to lead and got up early and acted as if nothing was the problem...but it was. That morning's BM was devestating and sent my colon into a spasm(didn't know what that was at the time). I tried to lead the meeting but wrythed in pain off and on during the first 2 hours of the meeting, finally leaving and going to my desk. Unfortunately, the pain kept on and on even with my pain meds. This medicine didn't work at all any day. I called my doctor but they took the day off though I left them a message. I knew I needed help as the pain was unbearable. My wife picked me up and drove me to the office. The admin there, said go to the emergency room at the hospital where my doctor was there. There, he checked me out, said it was spasms and prescribed more of the same meds.
I actually then ran a 10K the next day(It is interesting that running relieves the pain during the run), but was in pain before and after, throbbing pain where only laying down helped. Hot Baths definitely work. The next week, I was in pain each day after the BM, and was using baby wipes to help. Despite this, I burned for hours after each BM. Then on the following Friday, I had a BM, hurt, then had to go again. Unfortunately, this sent me into a major pain frenzy again. We had to drive to Houston, and I nearly lost my mind being in so much pain. I finally had to get in the back to lie down. I took 4 baths over the course of the next 24 hours. My area settled down enough but I had to take it easy the rest of the weekend. I couldn't sit or stand. Very little movement.
Going on the 3rd week, I took each BM with as little effort as possible. Still, following the BM each day, I had pain and burning for about 4-6 hours following. Today, is the first day, no burning and only periodic pain. I actually got off the stool softener and focused on eating balanced food with some yogurt each day. The stool softener works for the first week when you need to enable an exit, but after that appears to contribute to the burning sensation.
This has been a horrible experience and I didn't even have the Surgery. Must have had a huge hemerroid removed by banding. I have one more to go and I am scared that it could trigger this again. I put off the appointment and it isn't for 4 more weeks. If this every relapses, I am interested in a pain med that works. The other stories have helped with finding the right creams with numbing. Thanks and best wishes to all.
I had the surgery at the beginning of March. On April 1, I ran in a half marathon! I am 58 and, needless to say, a runner.
The first week of recovery was very uncomfortable, but I never felt the need to take any of the perscription pain killers; Motrin (600mg ibuprofen) was enough. Being a runner, I was very eager to try running, but confined myself to walking during that first week. I believe the exercise helped. I took lots of sitz baths and kept ice in the area the rest of the time (when I was lying down). I followed ALL of the surgeon's instructions regarding 'butt care', and I absolutely did not 'sit' during the first five days (except on the toilet).
By the second week, I was able to resume jogging, gradually increasing my milage. I was back at work (half-days), and continued the sitz baths as often as possible, now with epsom salts (by doctor's orders). The third week I was back to full time work, sitting on a pillow at my computer. I made sure I got up and walked a bit as frequently as I could. And as I said earlier, after the fourth week, I was able to run a very successful half marathon. Finally, though I am still not 100% after 6+ weeks, I continue to progress.
My perspective: (1) try to use an experienced surgeon; (2) do everything you can to aid the recovery. Follow all instructions (tempered with common sense). Get lots of rest, but also get some exercise; (3) This last may sound silly, but if possible, get into shape before having the surgery. My doctor and his nurses all agreed that my being in good shape made a positive difference in the nature and speed of my recovery.
When I think back to what it was like before the surgery, I certainly have no regrets whatsoever.
The first week of recovery was very uncomfortable, but I never felt the need to take any of the perscription pain killers; Motrin (600mg ibuprofen) was enough. Being a runner, I was very eager to try running, but confined myself to walking during that first week. I believe the exercise helped. I took lots of sitz baths and kept ice in the area the rest of the time (when I was lying down). I followed ALL of the surgeon's instructions regarding 'butt care', and I absolutely did not 'sit' during the first five days (except on the toilet).
By the second week, I was able to resume jogging, gradually increasing my milage. I was back at work (half-days), and continued the sitz baths as often as possible, now with epsom salts (by doctor's orders). The third week I was back to full time work, sitting on a pillow at my computer. I made sure I got up and walked a bit as frequently as I could. And as I said earlier, after the fourth week, I was able to run a very successful half marathon. Finally, though I am still not 100% after 6+ weeks, I continue to progress.
My perspective: (1) try to use an experienced surgeon; (2) do everything you can to aid the recovery. Follow all instructions (tempered with common sense). Get lots of rest, but also get some exercise; (3) This last may sound silly, but if possible, get into shape before having the surgery. My doctor and his nurses all agreed that my being in good shape made a positive difference in the nature and speed of my recovery.
When I think back to what it was like before the surgery, I certainly have no regrets whatsoever.
Hi,
I came across this post/forum the night before my hemorrhoid surgery, I had 3 large (a 9 on a scale to 10 according to my surgeon) externel 'roids removed, a fissure fixed and also a sphincterotomy because apparently that muscle was too tight and causing all these problems. When I read all those posts on here I totally flipped. I was afraid and my Dr said these stories are 'unfortunately true'. I went through with the surgery anyway and I am so glad I did. My recovery so far (day 3 post-op) is nothing like people on here describe. I take a percocet every 4 hours (set an alarm at night) and sometimes some advil (600 mg) if needed or to stretch the time between the percocet a bit longer.
With this, I am between a 0 and a 3 on the pain scale I would say. It is NOTHING compared to the pain that my abscessed fissure caused me in the first place. I have had a couple of really runny BMs that I did not feel at all - no pain whatsoever. This morning I had a very small more normal BM that also didn't hurt. I am sure at some point as the BMs get bigger and more normal in size there will be some pain, but so far so good.
I take a colace with every meal (3 a day) and I started eating slowly and chewing really really well. Being hungry is so far the worst of it!
I take Sitzbaths a couple of times a day, maybe 5 times, and after the BMs I sat in the tub because people on here recommended it and it is quite nice and relaxing.
My butt is still pretty swollen but there aren't any major skin tags left (part of the surgery was to remove those skin tags caused by my hemorrhoids).
I am hoping the swelling will go down in a couple more days and I can get off the percocet so I can drive.
One person on here recommended to walk a little and not just lie around and I second that. I felt best after taking a 30 min slow walk yesterday around the neighborhood.
I am sorry for those whose recovery was so nasty, I am writing this post to give a different perspective for those considering the surgery. I am sure so far that I will not regret doing this.
I came across this post/forum the night before my hemorrhoid surgery, I had 3 large (a 9 on a scale to 10 according to my surgeon) externel 'roids removed, a fissure fixed and also a sphincterotomy because apparently that muscle was too tight and causing all these problems. When I read all those posts on here I totally flipped. I was afraid and my Dr said these stories are 'unfortunately true'. I went through with the surgery anyway and I am so glad I did. My recovery so far (day 3 post-op) is nothing like people on here describe. I take a percocet every 4 hours (set an alarm at night) and sometimes some advil (600 mg) if needed or to stretch the time between the percocet a bit longer.
With this, I am between a 0 and a 3 on the pain scale I would say. It is NOTHING compared to the pain that my abscessed fissure caused me in the first place. I have had a couple of really runny BMs that I did not feel at all - no pain whatsoever. This morning I had a very small more normal BM that also didn't hurt. I am sure at some point as the BMs get bigger and more normal in size there will be some pain, but so far so good.
I take a colace with every meal (3 a day) and I started eating slowly and chewing really really well. Being hungry is so far the worst of it!
I take Sitzbaths a couple of times a day, maybe 5 times, and after the BMs I sat in the tub because people on here recommended it and it is quite nice and relaxing.
My butt is still pretty swollen but there aren't any major skin tags left (part of the surgery was to remove those skin tags caused by my hemorrhoids).
I am hoping the swelling will go down in a couple more days and I can get off the percocet so I can drive.
One person on here recommended to walk a little and not just lie around and I second that. I felt best after taking a 30 min slow walk yesterday around the neighborhood.
I am sorry for those whose recovery was so nasty, I am writing this post to give a different perspective for those considering the surgery. I am sure so far that I will not regret doing this.
I had hemorroid surgery March 14-07, and which I had done it sooner!
All the horror stories I had heard , didn't happen for me. I was in so much
pain ( 3 very large ones), I was thanking the surgeon coming out of the
recovery room. I did everything he said I was to do , sitzs baths, stool softeners. The only problem I had , was I did some heavy lifting this
weekend, and now I have some bleeding and swelling, so back to the sitz
baths. I highly recommend the surgery. Now my life doesn't center around
my rearend. ( 2 1/2 weeks off work & half days for the first two weeks,
because I have to be on my feet all day)
All the horror stories I had heard , didn't happen for me. I was in so much
pain ( 3 very large ones), I was thanking the surgeon coming out of the
recovery room. I did everything he said I was to do , sitzs baths, stool softeners. The only problem I had , was I did some heavy lifting this
weekend, and now I have some bleeding and swelling, so back to the sitz
baths. I highly recommend the surgery. Now my life doesn't center around
my rearend. ( 2 1/2 weeks off work & half days for the first two weeks,
because I have to be on my feet all day)
Hi again,
I am now on day 6 of my recovery and pretty much completely off the pain killers. I might take a dose of 600 mg of ibuprofen if I get some burning.
I have a couple more insights I want to share. I took WAAYY too much colace, and drank some prune juice, which resulted in crazy revenge of the montezuma style diarrhea. Don't preemptively go and take 4 colace in a day. That was just stupid. The BMs still didn't hurt except one which was kind of solid and caused minor burning that didn't last long at all (couple of seconds).
I found that if you're really stressed out about it, go directly in the sitzbath. This is totally gross, but you can wash up right after and it really reduced the burning a lot.
Also, I got some pus from the stitches on the toilet paper, so I decided to blot with a cotton ball soaked in peroxide solution and then dab on some antibiotic ointment. This seemed to have helped a lot! I figure that's what I do with any other infected wound, so why not try.
So in my experience, less colace, drink some prune juice, if you need 'help' in that department. Also more walking has further improved how I feel - I did like an hour with the stroller yesterday. I don't take fiber yet - my surgeon said to wait on that, right now it's important that the BMs are soft, not that they're bulky.
I still do like 6 sitzbaths a day and the swelling went down considerably, I can sit fairly comfortably though I try not to.
HTH
I am now on day 6 of my recovery and pretty much completely off the pain killers. I might take a dose of 600 mg of ibuprofen if I get some burning.
I have a couple more insights I want to share. I took WAAYY too much colace, and drank some prune juice, which resulted in crazy revenge of the montezuma style diarrhea. Don't preemptively go and take 4 colace in a day. That was just stupid. The BMs still didn't hurt except one which was kind of solid and caused minor burning that didn't last long at all (couple of seconds).
I found that if you're really stressed out about it, go directly in the sitzbath. This is totally gross, but you can wash up right after and it really reduced the burning a lot.
Also, I got some pus from the stitches on the toilet paper, so I decided to blot with a cotton ball soaked in peroxide solution and then dab on some antibiotic ointment. This seemed to have helped a lot! I figure that's what I do with any other infected wound, so why not try.
So in my experience, less colace, drink some prune juice, if you need 'help' in that department. Also more walking has further improved how I feel - I did like an hour with the stroller yesterday. I don't take fiber yet - my surgeon said to wait on that, right now it's important that the BMs are soft, not that they're bulky.
I still do like 6 sitzbaths a day and the swelling went down considerably, I can sit fairly comfortably though I try not to.
HTH
I had my surgery on 4/19 and I feel terrible. I cannot sit at all and BMs are impossible without severe pain - I cry and sweat before I even start the pain is so bad. I do not eat anything - only liquids with fiber in them- I am using stool softener and I have been using Milk of Mag and using enemas in order to pass stools. I dream of diarrhea. I cannot even think of going if it is not a complete emergency because any pushing at all and I would pass out from the pain. Even with all these meds and an all liquid diet, I dread every BM - everyone one of them has been solid - typing this is giving me anxiety.
The pain killers suck because the good ones cause constipation. Also I live in a small apartment with a stand up shower only.
I am now terrified that they will recur. I cannot sleep because I fear never being able to ride my bicycle again and that I will never eat solid for the rest of my life.
Sorry for anyone reading who has not had the surgery yet - I would rather have my teeth drilled daily.
If this goes on much longer I will have a complete breakdown.
If I am not infinitely better after this it will not have been worth it; I can think of no compensation large enough for my suffering. On the lifetime pain scale:
-I have had teeth drilled and extracted without novacaine
-I suffer from migraines
I would always choose either of the above every morning over having to BM after 'roid surgery.
The pain killers suck because the good ones cause constipation. Also I live in a small apartment with a stand up shower only.
I am now terrified that they will recur. I cannot sleep because I fear never being able to ride my bicycle again and that I will never eat solid for the rest of my life.
Sorry for anyone reading who has not had the surgery yet - I would rather have my teeth drilled daily.
If this goes on much longer I will have a complete breakdown.
If I am not infinitely better after this it will not have been worth it; I can think of no compensation large enough for my suffering. On the lifetime pain scale:
-I have had teeth drilled and extracted without novacaine
-I suffer from migraines
I would always choose either of the above every morning over having to BM after 'roid surgery.
I am on day 5 and I am trying to figure what to eat. I have been living on juice - prune, blueberry, orange, etc - and I think I need to get some other stuff in my diet before I freak out. To be honest my BMs are very painful, still. What were you eating the first 5 - 6 days?
Also, I was considering some Neosporin + Pain relief for my bum to improve the cleanliness and maybe dull the pain a little. What ointment did you use?
Also, I was considering some Neosporin + Pain relief for my bum to improve the cleanliness and maybe dull the pain a little. What ointment did you use?
Sounds to me like the people who don't eat suffer more. I ate rice (brown), carrots and some peas for a day. Chicken soup from a can. Chew really really well. The next day I ate corn and potato chowder. Then some tortellini with peas. I repeat - chew very well.
I have had since sushi (with wasabi) and yesterday a burger and fries.
Today I had a 'real' BM and while that didn't hurt to pass, it does burn quite a bit now and I took one percocet to get through it.
I am still glad I had the real BM because I don't want to get the narrowing of the anus (stenosis) down the road I would rather deal with the burning now.
If my one year old wasn't home sick and could go to daycare, my life would be pretty good right now (-;
I have had since sushi (with wasabi) and yesterday a burger and fries.
Today I had a 'real' BM and while that didn't hurt to pass, it does burn quite a bit now and I took one percocet to get through it.
I am still glad I had the real BM because I don't want to get the narrowing of the anus (stenosis) down the road I would rather deal with the burning now.
If my one year old wasn't home sick and could go to daycare, my life would be pretty good right now (-;