Tuesday July 16
It has been 10 days since my Hemorrhoidectomy. Since my last post, I have been recovering nicely with minimal pain or discomfort. Following the instructions outlined upon discharge has really helped. I have been consistent with the fiber drinks, good diet, sitz baths and Iburprofen schedule (in the last day or so I have been able to ease up on the Ibuprofen). I have not needed the percocet or valium in a number of days.
My BMs have been consistent (~every day) and although initially there was some pain - really more quick bursts of pain that quickly go by - the pain has reduced significantly. Sitz baths or showers post-BM have really helped with any pain.
I have been able to return to my normal schedule for the most part. I've been able to drive, do some light work around the house, and work (from home). Overall I would say the experience was no where near as bad as I had read about.
In fact, I would say I am glad to have had the surgery vs. waiting any longer. Even though I have not fully healed yet, there is a world of difference post-op in my experiences in the bathroom. To look down and not see a bowl full of blood - in fact my last few BMs have only had very minimal spotting on the toilet paper - is worth the pain. I can really see a whole new world ahead of me where I don't have to worry about 'cleaning up' after, staining pants, furniture, etc., no pain, etc.
I hope this Hemorrhoidectomy recovery story has helped someone. At this point I believe that the worst is behind me and I am sure the next few days/weeks will just be a matter of completing the healing.
I won't post again unless something significant comes up.
Good luck with your Hemorrhoidectomy and your recovery.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Day 6 AM
Had an early (4 AM) BM that was typically of what I usually have had pre-op. This was the worse pain so far, bursts of pain on a ~6-7 scale, but passed by quickly. The relief upon actually producing was second to none. Afterward, I took a nice long soak in hot water, an repacked my gauze. It was time for my Ibuprofen dose, so I took that, but didn't need any Percocet nor Valium. Went back to sleep and have been back to normal recovery this morning so far (10:30 AM now).
I am feeling pretty good and will work from home today in bed. Besides the short episode on the toilet, things are definitely manageable. Despite the pain, I am happier that I was able to produce a BM this morning vs. feeling constipated and anticipating having to pass that at some later date. Better to have some pain now vs. a lot more pain later.
I am able to help get the kids ready in the morning, feed them breakfast, get them dressed, feed the dogs, etc. and see them off before coming into bed. Hanging in there!
Had an early (4 AM) BM that was typically of what I usually have had pre-op. This was the worse pain so far, bursts of pain on a ~6-7 scale, but passed by quickly. The relief upon actually producing was second to none. Afterward, I took a nice long soak in hot water, an repacked my gauze. It was time for my Ibuprofen dose, so I took that, but didn't need any Percocet nor Valium. Went back to sleep and have been back to normal recovery this morning so far (10:30 AM now).
I am feeling pretty good and will work from home today in bed. Besides the short episode on the toilet, things are definitely manageable. Despite the pain, I am happier that I was able to produce a BM this morning vs. feeling constipated and anticipating having to pass that at some later date. Better to have some pain now vs. a lot more pain later.
I am able to help get the kids ready in the morning, feed them breakfast, get them dressed, feed the dogs, etc. and see them off before coming into bed. Hanging in there!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Day 5 Evening
I had a more 'real' BM tonight that registered up about a 6 on the pain scale. It knocked be back a bit, but after a good soak I started feeling a bit better. I was on schedule for my Ibuprofen so I took that soon after. Within about 1 hour after that I took a Percocet and a Valium and felt fine for the rest of the night. This was by far my worst pain so far but quickly passed. To date, nothing truly scary in my experience that matches anything I've read about in the other stories.
I had a more 'real' BM tonight that registered up about a 6 on the pain scale. It knocked be back a bit, but after a good soak I started feeling a bit better. I was on schedule for my Ibuprofen so I took that soon after. Within about 1 hour after that I took a Percocet and a Valium and felt fine for the rest of the night. This was by far my worst pain so far but quickly passed. To date, nothing truly scary in my experience that matches anything I've read about in the other stories.
Day 5
Today is a repeat of the past days. Manageable pain (about a 2), repeated sitz baths, one Percocet early (4:45 AM) this morning, and otherwise simply Ibuprofen. No BM yet today (it is ~1:30 but all else is good).
I hope this is helpful to someone out there who had read the nightmare stories I've read and came away scared to death.
So far, although not a walk in the park, this has not been a terrible experience and I am feeling very positive about the next few weeks when I can start to feel better than normal (after all these years with bleeding, painful hemorrhoids).
I will continue to post over the next few days/weeks with updates as things progress. If you are reading this, I hope your recovery goes well!
Today is a repeat of the past days. Manageable pain (about a 2), repeated sitz baths, one Percocet early (4:45 AM) this morning, and otherwise simply Ibuprofen. No BM yet today (it is ~1:30 but all else is good).
I hope this is helpful to someone out there who had read the nightmare stories I've read and came away scared to death.
So far, although not a walk in the park, this has not been a terrible experience and I am feeling very positive about the next few weeks when I can start to feel better than normal (after all these years with bleeding, painful hemorrhoids).
I will continue to post over the next few days/weeks with updates as things progress. If you are reading this, I hope your recovery goes well!
Day 4.
No real change today. Continuing the pain medication, sleep, meditation, and sitz bathing. Taking it easy but able to go up/down stairs and be present for some parts of the day like dinner/bedtime.
Had a larger BM today but still not back to a 'standard'. Whereas the previous ones where nuggets this was more like one small log - so seemingly that is a good progression. BMs are painful for sure, but by taking it easy, not pushing, and using a measured cycle, it is not so bad. I would give this a 4 on the pain scale. Sitz baths immediately after really help.
One Percocet today only so again the pain is very manageable.
No real change today. Continuing the pain medication, sleep, meditation, and sitz bathing. Taking it easy but able to go up/down stairs and be present for some parts of the day like dinner/bedtime.
Had a larger BM today but still not back to a 'standard'. Whereas the previous ones where nuggets this was more like one small log - so seemingly that is a good progression. BMs are painful for sure, but by taking it easy, not pushing, and using a measured cycle, it is not so bad. I would give this a 4 on the pain scale. Sitz baths immediately after really help.
One Percocet today only so again the pain is very manageable.
Day 3.
Today I felt good enough to have a larger breakfast. I am continuing with the Ibuprofen and valium. Later in the day, I added a Percocet as the pain had jumped a bit to about a 4 for a short time. However, the Percocet worked almost right away and left me feeling fine. I was able to spend some time comfortably out of bed and visiting with my wife and kids. Ate a slice of pizza and salad for dinner and shared in some birthday cake for my daughter.
I sitzed throughout the day, which really helped with discomfort and had a small BM as well. Pain level overall for the day was a 2-3 and feeling good.
The worst of the pain is the occasional spasm which some infrequently and quickly passes. Even those I would only rate about a 4 and they quickly subside.
Today I felt good enough to have a larger breakfast. I am continuing with the Ibuprofen and valium. Later in the day, I added a Percocet as the pain had jumped a bit to about a 4 for a short time. However, the Percocet worked almost right away and left me feeling fine. I was able to spend some time comfortably out of bed and visiting with my wife and kids. Ate a slice of pizza and salad for dinner and shared in some birthday cake for my daughter.
I sitzed throughout the day, which really helped with discomfort and had a small BM as well. Pain level overall for the day was a 2-3 and feeling good.
The worst of the pain is the occasional spasm which some infrequently and quickly passes. Even those I would only rate about a 4 and they quickly subside.
Day 2.
Today I maintained a schedule of Ibuprofen ~6 hours with a valium every 8. My pain level today again was a 2-3. I was able to urinate throughout the day with no problems. I ate soup, crackers, ice tea, fruit, and a few small brownie bites. I took sitz baths throughout the day and in the evening was able to pass the gauze packed into my anal canal with minimal pain. I would say the pain for that procedure was a 3-4 but by taking my time, not pushing, and maintaining a meditative breathing pattern, it was much less painful than I expected. Along with the gauze I pooped a small amount, which was heartening as I was worried about constipation. There was some blood on the toilet paper (which I used to 'pad' not 'wipe'), which is to be expected, but it was not a lot.
It is very important that you try your best to maintain your drinking, fiber supplements, fruit and fiber intake, etc. From all I've read you do not want to bulk up for a few days and have to push a large BM out. I am hoping that this small BM means that things are starting to work correctly. That being said, I have read a few stories saying it could take a few days before a BM.
Immediately after the BM, I took a nice long sitz bath, repacked the surgical area with lidocaine and gauze, and went to sleep.
Throughout the day, the pain level was about a 2, maintained with Ibuprofen, meditation/sleep, and sitting in a comfortable position. My wife bought me a hemorrhoid pillow, which does help in certain sitting situations.
Today I maintained a schedule of Ibuprofen ~6 hours with a valium every 8. My pain level today again was a 2-3. I was able to urinate throughout the day with no problems. I ate soup, crackers, ice tea, fruit, and a few small brownie bites. I took sitz baths throughout the day and in the evening was able to pass the gauze packed into my anal canal with minimal pain. I would say the pain for that procedure was a 3-4 but by taking my time, not pushing, and maintaining a meditative breathing pattern, it was much less painful than I expected. Along with the gauze I pooped a small amount, which was heartening as I was worried about constipation. There was some blood on the toilet paper (which I used to 'pad' not 'wipe'), which is to be expected, but it was not a lot.
It is very important that you try your best to maintain your drinking, fiber supplements, fruit and fiber intake, etc. From all I've read you do not want to bulk up for a few days and have to push a large BM out. I am hoping that this small BM means that things are starting to work correctly. That being said, I have read a few stories saying it could take a few days before a BM.
Immediately after the BM, I took a nice long sitz bath, repacked the surgical area with lidocaine and gauze, and went to sleep.
Throughout the day, the pain level was about a 2, maintained with Ibuprofen, meditation/sleep, and sitting in a comfortable position. My wife bought me a hemorrhoid pillow, which does help in certain sitting situations.
Day 1. First Night
Upon coming home from the day of the surgery, I went right to bed. My pain was about a 2 on a scale of 1-10. I was able to eat some crackers and soup, drink some water, and around 10 PM I took my first dose of Ibuprofen. I was able to urinate and also took a bath to soak the surgical area. The gauze plug did not come out, but I put some lidocaine around it, added some gauze on top and went to bed around 12:35. I took some valium at that time as a precautionary measure. I was able to sleep with minimal pain.
Upon coming home from the day of the surgery, I went right to bed. My pain was about a 2 on a scale of 1-10. I was able to eat some crackers and soup, drink some water, and around 10 PM I took my first dose of Ibuprofen. I was able to urinate and also took a bath to soak the surgical area. The gauze plug did not come out, but I put some lidocaine around it, added some gauze on top and went to bed around 12:35. I took some valium at that time as a precautionary measure. I was able to sleep with minimal pain.
General: Meditation
One of the things that I believe has greatly assisted me in pre and post op recovery has been meditation. I am no expert and have no formal training, but here's what has worked for me. (This has worked for me other times as well, whether in trying to reduce stress, or just easing my way into falling asleep; I've also used it with my kids on occassion.) I truly think that teaching yourself this kind of relaxation technique can go very far in pain management.
My own meditation process is very simple. I close my eyes and visualize one of my favorite places. Not only how it looks, but I visualize myself at that place in time. For example, I visualize my favorite beach. I picture myself walking out of the house, and 'see' all that is around me as I walk toward the beach - such as the other houses, 'feel' the bright sunshine on my face and the pebbles beneath my feet. I see the seagulls flying overhead, kites swooping, smell the beach air, feel the breeze on my skin, the sand on my feet and the waves on my toes. I hear the airplanes flying overhead, kids laughing, and waves crashing. All during this time, I am taking deep, measured, and relaxing breaths. If I am feeling pain, I try to 'put it away' and focus on another aspect of the 'location' I am imagining such as the water around my legs or the sun on my back. After doing this for some time, I have now become practiced at it and am able to get into this meditative state quickly and easily.
I used this technique pre-op in the hospital while getting ready for the procedure, and I feel that it helped me keep my stress level down and worry at a minimum - again, I am not an expert, but I feel sure that going into a procedure with less stress on the body provides for a better recovery.
Post-op, I have been listening to 'Body Scan - Guided mindfulness meditation' on MP3.... there are two different meditations on this MP3, one is Sona and one is Vidyamala. Body Scan - Guided Mindfulness Meditation This MP3 got very good reviews on Amazon. Specifically for me, I have been able to use them to both fall asleep and manage pain. Also, my visualization technique includes the waves 'washing away the pain'. I visualize my breathing as waves on the beach - as the waves come up, they grab the points of pain and pull them back away from my body leaving a smooth beach (and less pain). It might sound crazy, but it works for me. Give it a try, please!
One of the things that I believe has greatly assisted me in pre and post op recovery has been meditation. I am no expert and have no formal training, but here's what has worked for me. (This has worked for me other times as well, whether in trying to reduce stress, or just easing my way into falling asleep; I've also used it with my kids on occassion.) I truly think that teaching yourself this kind of relaxation technique can go very far in pain management.
My own meditation process is very simple. I close my eyes and visualize one of my favorite places. Not only how it looks, but I visualize myself at that place in time. For example, I visualize my favorite beach. I picture myself walking out of the house, and 'see' all that is around me as I walk toward the beach - such as the other houses, 'feel' the bright sunshine on my face and the pebbles beneath my feet. I see the seagulls flying overhead, kites swooping, smell the beach air, feel the breeze on my skin, the sand on my feet and the waves on my toes. I hear the airplanes flying overhead, kids laughing, and waves crashing. All during this time, I am taking deep, measured, and relaxing breaths. If I am feeling pain, I try to 'put it away' and focus on another aspect of the 'location' I am imagining such as the water around my legs or the sun on my back. After doing this for some time, I have now become practiced at it and am able to get into this meditative state quickly and easily.
I used this technique pre-op in the hospital while getting ready for the procedure, and I feel that it helped me keep my stress level down and worry at a minimum - again, I am not an expert, but I feel sure that going into a procedure with less stress on the body provides for a better recovery.
Post-op, I have been listening to 'Body Scan - Guided mindfulness meditation' on MP3.... there are two different meditations on this MP3, one is Sona and one is Vidyamala. Body Scan - Guided Mindfulness Meditation This MP3 got very good reviews on Amazon. Specifically for me, I have been able to use them to both fall asleep and manage pain. Also, my visualization technique includes the waves 'washing away the pain'. I visualize my breathing as waves on the beach - as the waves come up, they grab the points of pain and pull them back away from my body leaving a smooth beach (and less pain). It might sound crazy, but it works for me. Give it a try, please!
Day 1. Discharge Instructions
I was provided with 2 pages of instructions around pain control, bowel function, bathing, urination, etc. Very clear and easy to understand and mostly focused on maintaining an easy recovery.
I was provided with scrips for Ibuprofen, Percocet, Valium, Lidocaine, and advised to take Miralax and Metamucil doses. I was not limited in diet, but they recommend high fiber, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and plenty of liquids.
The Ibuprofen was the mainstay of the pain management, to be taken every 6 hours as needed. I could also take Percocet every 4 hours, which while providing the extra benefit of additional pain medication, could also cause constipation. So I didn't take that on a regular schedule, rather only when my pain levels reached up into the 4-5 range. Valium was allowed every 8 hours or a bedtime, and as a muscle relaxer it was good to help with the painful anal spasms that sometimes occur.
Miralax was to be taken once per day. It is mixed into a drink and is flavorless, so you can have it with water, ice tea (as I did), gatorade, etc. Metamucel was a 3 times/day routine. An orange flavored powder, you mix it with water and drink it. It tastes a bit like a thicker tang and it pleasant enough.
Lidocaine is a lotion that can be placed directly on the surgical site for some topical pain relief.
Finally, but for me one of the most important, sitz baths are recommended. This is simply taking a warm water soak in the tub for 15 minutes or more. These have definitely helped me throughout the recovery so far.
I was provided with 2 pages of instructions around pain control, bowel function, bathing, urination, etc. Very clear and easy to understand and mostly focused on maintaining an easy recovery.
I was provided with scrips for Ibuprofen, Percocet, Valium, Lidocaine, and advised to take Miralax and Metamucil doses. I was not limited in diet, but they recommend high fiber, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and plenty of liquids.
The Ibuprofen was the mainstay of the pain management, to be taken every 6 hours as needed. I could also take Percocet every 4 hours, which while providing the extra benefit of additional pain medication, could also cause constipation. So I didn't take that on a regular schedule, rather only when my pain levels reached up into the 4-5 range. Valium was allowed every 8 hours or a bedtime, and as a muscle relaxer it was good to help with the painful anal spasms that sometimes occur.
Miralax was to be taken once per day. It is mixed into a drink and is flavorless, so you can have it with water, ice tea (as I did), gatorade, etc. Metamucel was a 3 times/day routine. An orange flavored powder, you mix it with water and drink it. It tastes a bit like a thicker tang and it pleasant enough.
Lidocaine is a lotion that can be placed directly on the surgical site for some topical pain relief.
Finally, but for me one of the most important, sitz baths are recommended. This is simply taking a warm water soak in the tub for 15 minutes or more. These have definitely helped me throughout the recovery so far.
Day 1. Day of Surgery
My pre-op instructions were relatively easy. No food or drink after midnight the night before, and take two fleet enemas in the morning of my surgery. One when I woke up and one one hour before I was to report to the hospital.
I was OK with the no food or drink. I had a light meal the night before, drank a few glasses of water, and went to bed.
In the morning, attempting to take the Fleet enema was something of a problem. My hemorrhoids were pretty bad. I had both internal and external hemorrhoids, and attempting to insert the 'comfort tip' and use the enema solution was next to impossible. The hemorrhoids were so large that it was next to impossible to find my anal canal. And of course, it hurt a bit as well - seemed somewhat counterintuitive to stick a tube up my butt given that I was heading to the hospital to fix that exact location! In any event, I did what I could upon waking up and tried again with little success later that morning.
I got to the hospital around 9 AM and by the time I had gone through all the usual check in and preop procedures it was about 11 AM. They had me put the standard gown on, gave me an IV, checked my vitals, and started the anesthesia drip.
They rolled me into the operating room and I remember just seeing the lights in the ceiling before falling asleep. The procedure took about 1 hour during which the Dr. performed an exam under anesthesia and removed 3 hemorrhoids.
I awoke feeling a bit groggy but not terribly uncomfortable. My pain scale was about a 1 on a scale of 1 - 10; about the same as when I went into the hospital.
My wound was dressed minimally with some gauze around it, and some gauze rolled up and packed into the anal canal. It did not feel terribly uncomfortable.
Recovery in the hospital was easy. I was able to eat some crackers and have some soda and water. I was able to sit up in bed and talk, and slowly the grogginess wore off. I could get up and walk around the room with little issue.
Towards the later part of the day, the nurse gave me a good shot of painkiller into my IV that should have lasted me for a while (and did).
As the day wore on, they told me I could not be discharged until I could urinate. This was important (as I later learned) because anorectal surgery causes spasm not only of the anal sphincter, but of the muscles that control your ability to urinate. If you are unable to urinate for a prolonged period of time, you may need to go to the emergency room for a foley catheter.
This was frustrating, as I must have had 5 or so large styrofoam cups of soda, water, etc. and could still not go. The nurse said this was normal, as my body was likely just absorbing liquid lost during the surgery. Although I didn't feel like I had to go, I did feel like I 'could have gone' - sort of like when you make a quick pit stop on a long drive because you don't want to have to stop again down the road. In any event, feeling like I 'could have gone' did not work for a number of frustrating hours, even after trying every 15 - 30 minutes.
Finally, the nurse recommended not trying until it felt like I absolutely had to go. I gave it another hour or so, and then finally was able to produce. They have you urinate into a measured container - and, although she didn't tell me beforehand, I produced just enough - 200ccs of fluid - to allow me to be discharged.
All in all, the time from awaking in recovery to discharge was approximately 5 hours, mostly due to the need for that 200ccs. Discharge was simple. I was provided with some detailed instructions, a set of prescriptions, and a wheelchair ride down to the exit. Even at that time, the pain was moderate (about a 2) and I was able to sit on the chair while waiting for my ride.
My pre-op instructions were relatively easy. No food or drink after midnight the night before, and take two fleet enemas in the morning of my surgery. One when I woke up and one one hour before I was to report to the hospital.
I was OK with the no food or drink. I had a light meal the night before, drank a few glasses of water, and went to bed.
In the morning, attempting to take the Fleet enema was something of a problem. My hemorrhoids were pretty bad. I had both internal and external hemorrhoids, and attempting to insert the 'comfort tip' and use the enema solution was next to impossible. The hemorrhoids were so large that it was next to impossible to find my anal canal. And of course, it hurt a bit as well - seemed somewhat counterintuitive to stick a tube up my butt given that I was heading to the hospital to fix that exact location! In any event, I did what I could upon waking up and tried again with little success later that morning.
I got to the hospital around 9 AM and by the time I had gone through all the usual check in and preop procedures it was about 11 AM. They had me put the standard gown on, gave me an IV, checked my vitals, and started the anesthesia drip.
They rolled me into the operating room and I remember just seeing the lights in the ceiling before falling asleep. The procedure took about 1 hour during which the Dr. performed an exam under anesthesia and removed 3 hemorrhoids.
I awoke feeling a bit groggy but not terribly uncomfortable. My pain scale was about a 1 on a scale of 1 - 10; about the same as when I went into the hospital.
My wound was dressed minimally with some gauze around it, and some gauze rolled up and packed into the anal canal. It did not feel terribly uncomfortable.
Recovery in the hospital was easy. I was able to eat some crackers and have some soda and water. I was able to sit up in bed and talk, and slowly the grogginess wore off. I could get up and walk around the room with little issue.
Towards the later part of the day, the nurse gave me a good shot of painkiller into my IV that should have lasted me for a while (and did).
As the day wore on, they told me I could not be discharged until I could urinate. This was important (as I later learned) because anorectal surgery causes spasm not only of the anal sphincter, but of the muscles that control your ability to urinate. If you are unable to urinate for a prolonged period of time, you may need to go to the emergency room for a foley catheter.
This was frustrating, as I must have had 5 or so large styrofoam cups of soda, water, etc. and could still not go. The nurse said this was normal, as my body was likely just absorbing liquid lost during the surgery. Although I didn't feel like I had to go, I did feel like I 'could have gone' - sort of like when you make a quick pit stop on a long drive because you don't want to have to stop again down the road. In any event, feeling like I 'could have gone' did not work for a number of frustrating hours, even after trying every 15 - 30 minutes.
Finally, the nurse recommended not trying until it felt like I absolutely had to go. I gave it another hour or so, and then finally was able to produce. They have you urinate into a measured container - and, although she didn't tell me beforehand, I produced just enough - 200ccs of fluid - to allow me to be discharged.
All in all, the time from awaking in recovery to discharge was approximately 5 hours, mostly due to the need for that 200ccs. Discharge was simple. I was provided with some detailed instructions, a set of prescriptions, and a wheelchair ride down to the exit. Even at that time, the pain was moderate (about a 2) and I was able to sit on the chair while waiting for my ride.
Introduction
I was scheduled for hemorrhoidectomy surgery on Friday, July 6, 2012. I went online the night before searching for some advice on easing my recovery and was blown away by all the absolutely horrible, scary stories regarding the surgery and resulting pain. After a few hours of searching, I could only find 1-2 stories that were in any way positive. I was almost ready to cancel my surgery in fear of the hell I came to expect after reading these stories.
I determined that after my surgery I would present my story in the hopes that it would help someone else.
I was scheduled for hemorrhoidectomy surgery on Friday, July 6, 2012. I went online the night before searching for some advice on easing my recovery and was blown away by all the absolutely horrible, scary stories regarding the surgery and resulting pain. After a few hours of searching, I could only find 1-2 stories that were in any way positive. I was almost ready to cancel my surgery in fear of the hell I came to expect after reading these stories.
I determined that after my surgery I would present my story in the hopes that it would help someone else.
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