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.
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