Recovering from a haemorrhoidectomy . . . warning: TMI alert . . .

[Puffykins]

Has anybody ever had a heamorrhoidectomy, and if so, please can you tell me how long recovery took? I'm on day 12 now, and am still in considerable pain - I can't walk anywhere except the bathroom for the endless baths I take, can barely sit up unless I'm on my special donut cushion and even then only last up to 45 minutes. I have two young children, and I just feel that this is so unfair on them. And I'm getting kind of depressed about my lack of progress. I need someone to give me hope. Please?!
(P.S. If anyone is considering having one: strongly consider it. I've never experienced anything more painful than the first 4 days post op, EVER. I would gladly have given birth every day rather than going through the pain I was subject to.)

@Misssmith82 so sorry you are going through this too. I'm not sure what's wrong with your doctor? There's no way the pain after this op can be described as slight!! And I can't believe you were discharged without being given stool softeners.

I was given Movicol rather than lactulose but both are stool softeners which is definitely what you need after this operation. I've had lactulose in the past and find it gave me a lot of wind so prefer Movicol. I didn't actually have a BM until 3 days post op, I think the GA slows down the digestive system but did feel I needed to go the first day but it was actually just pressure so you may not be constipated. Do take the softeners though especially if you are taking codeine. I was given tramadol instead but have managed on paracetamol and ibuprofen since the first day so I didn't get constipated.

I'm now on day 17 and things are getting better, still up and down with pain when I have a BM but nowhere near as bad as it was. I've found the support on this thread so helpful. Although you don't want anyone else going through it, it's so comforting to know you aren't alone. Good luck!

@AniseedBall Yeah he gave me codeine, no truthful advice and I haven’t been signed off work, I’m back there tomorrow. He also said no baths but showers are ok and I’m reading that you all had baths to help! This thread is giving me all the advice I need thankfully!
I’m going to see if I can get some Movicol instead. I’m really hoping I don’t pass out at work tomorrow. What a nightmare!

@Misssmith82 I can't believe they didn't give you any post op advice, that's dreadful. Are you in the UK? How many haemorrhoids did you have removed? I had two internal ones and some prolapsed mucosal tissue removed.

I've been having several baths a day, they've been a real lifesaver after a BM. My Consultant said they were fine as long as it was just water or water with normal table salt added. I didn't dare stand in the shower until about day 6 when I was desperate to wash my hair!

I hope you get on ok at work. Is there anyway you can get some time off? I was told most people had two weeks off and from my experience and reading on here that isn't long enough for most people 😬 I'm lucky not to be working at the moment but am on my own with my kids for the first time tomorrow and a bit worried about how I'll manage.

Forgot to say @Misssmith82 you can get Movicol over the counter if you are in the UK or they might have Laxido which is the same thing.

@Misssmith82 I’m so sorry to hear your pain - I’m now 10 days post surgery and feel like finally things are getting better. Slowly. Saying that, I still can’t sit for longer than 15 mins on my donut cushion and still seem to need a BM about 8 times a day (still not much warning given) but the pain is so much less than a week ago. I too have been having a few baths a day after a BM as it really does instantly take that aching pain away. Reading other people’s experiences has actually really helped me put this recovery in perspective and it’s good to know it’s not just me having a low pain threshold! X

Hi guys, has anyone gone back to a desk job after a hemorrhoidectomy? Just wondered how much time people take off and how they cope with sitting for 8 hours a day... I have had a week off and due back Wednesday but I don’t feel ready... sitting is still sitting uncomfortable as is driving, and I don’t like being too far from the loo. I also seem to suffer most in the morning and need a rest and a bath and painkillers after a BM which doesn’t fit in with getting to work for 9am! I also find the whole recovery experience a rollercoaster with each day brining improvements but then new challenges! I’ve learnt not to get excited each time the pain subsides as I know it can come back a few hours later! I’m due to fly to Dublin at the end of the month (it will be 3 weeks post surgery) and I don’t know if I will be able? X

Hey @Kazabevron hope you are doing ok, it really is a rollercoaster. I am 3 weeks post op today and today was my first day back at work. I was initially signed off for 2 weeks by the surgeon then my doctor extended for another week upon request. My issues were and are exactly the same as yours - I too have a desk job and the mornings are the worst. I got up extra early today in the hope I would have a BM earlier but it didn't happen until gone 8am. I then had to sit in the bath till 9:15 which is really all I can do until the pain goes. I made it into the office for 10am and managed the whole day with regular painkillers and little walks. It's still uncomfortable sitting for long periods and can't say I got a great deal done but it was manageable! Luckily I have a very understanding manager who has agreed a kind of phased return now with a 10am start. You'll be brave to fly at 3weeks post op but I don't see why it can't be done with some prep and planning 😊 I've managed to get BM's down to one in the morning now which helps a lot! Are you perhaps overdoing it on the laxative, 8 times is a lot I do not envy you x

@AniseedBall sorry I've been quiet - it's been a bit of a mad time trying to recover as well as look after a toddler, no rest for the wicked is there! How are you doing? Has the constipation eased? Been inhaling lots of broccoli I hope 😆 xx

@Misssmith82 I hope your doing ok, shocked at the lack of support from your doc... slight pain?!?!? And no baths? I'm sorry that is a joke. Baths have been the only thing to relieve the pain, for the first week at least the painkillers didn't even touch the pain. I pretty much slept in the bath for the first few nights it was that bad.

Did you get some movicol? I find lactulose too much and I seem to go the other way 😭 which is just as bad as getting constipated, it was like shitting fire water. I'm actually cringing at the memory!!!

Sending lots of love and support please shout if you need anything this is a really lovely group and has really got me through the past 3 weeks 💗

@lollydarling thank you for your response - it’s good to know that you’ve managed to get back to work - I was thinking that going from lying around the house to 8 hours sat on my arse would be a bit much so a phased approach makes much more sense! I was trying to not give my boss TMI but what I really wanted to say is that I can’t come into the office until I’ve done my poop and had a bath for the pain, as that’s exactly what needs to happen!! My doc told me to take 2 movicol sachets each day at the beginning which I did, but day 3 when they all kicked in will be a day I’m likrly to never forget... oh my God, every 5 mins I was on the loo then the pain each time!!! I decided to cut back on those to half a sachet per day and then stopped them after a week. I’m eating a couple of dried prunes each day and making sure I eat what I should and do far (touch wood) my BMs are ok. I think the frequency is just my body getting back into a digestive routine so hopefully I’ll soon be back down to one a day!! I had loads of bleeding yesterday for some reason even though I thought that had stopped which is worrying but then, each day presents a new challenge!! By the way, this might sound weird but I haven’t been brave enough to survey the damage yet.. is that normal? Hope your return to work is going well and it’s getting easier each day x

@Misssmith82 hi there, I just wanted to say that when I asked my doc and then he nurses about baths they just shrugged and told me to just make sure I use ice packs which I did for the first week. At the weekend my husband ran me a bath and I wasn’t sure I should have one (I know that sounds stupid) so I googled it and read that it’s fine as long as you don’t have soap or bubble bath and that it’s not too hot. Oh my god, it was a game changer!! Why didnt they tell me this in hospital?!? The instant relief you feel (particularly after a BM) when you get in the bath is amazing!!!! I would highly recommend several a day!! X

Ooh just had a look... I had no idea that my arse was completely black with bruising!!! Has anyone else had this? I assume it’s not unusual??

Hi @Kazabevron sorry you find yourself here too!
What wrong with these doctors not mentioning baths? Something so simple and lifesaving!!

I had a big bruise on the side where the haemorrhoids had been removed so I think it's normal! Mine has gone now, I'll be 3 weeks post op on Thursday. I also had a lump that looked like a new haemorrhoid thankfully it was swelling and has got smaller.

@lollydarling glad to hear you have been able to start work later. I hope it gets easier as the week goes on. I still haven't tried sitting down for long!

I've been doing better the last couple of days. The BM pain isn't lasting as long and only a small amount of bleeding so I'm managing to do more round the house. I'm already glad I had it done though.

I'm still inhaling the broccoli 😀 but ended up with three BMs yesterday which wasn't pleasant. Only 2 today but the first one was still not as soft as I'd like! It's always the first one that's the problem - wish I knew which meal to adjust to improve it 😬 Is there anything particular you've done to get to the holy grail of one BM? Are you still taking Movicol? I'm having about a two thirds of a sachet, split morning and evening.

I hope everyone else recovering is doing ok.

@lollydarling how was at work? @AniseedBall better now??

Hi gang @AniseedBall @IAMC1997 @Kazabevron

So I spoke to soon.. I've been signed off again today. Been in loads of pain since this morning. Loads of blood and pain with morning BM and then another BM late morning and was basically just blood, nearly passed out I was shaking and sweating with it. Just horrendous. Pain is only just subsiding now after lots of baths and rest.

It really is frustrating you feel like your getting somewhere then it all goes wrong again. Luckily spoke to a very nice doctor this time who prescribed me stronger painkillers/anti inflammatory' as I ran out on Sunday and that's the only thing I've changed , I swapped back to paracetamol and ibuprofen.

I am seriously swollen and uncomfortable, the whole area is puffed up and bruised and is so achy and tender ☹️

@AniseedBallso glad to hear you are feeling better.. I take one sachet of movicol in the morn and one in the eve, any less I seem to get stuffed up! Apart from that nothing different , today is the first day in a while that I've had two BM's. I've got a lot of pressure still but think this is just swelling and not a sign of things to come

Wishing you all a speedy recovery x

@lollydarling sorry to hear what you underwent... I know about these workplaces rules... But I'd suggest you to take a clean sweep until you get well completely... Hope you'll recover back and the pain subsides like how it was some days ago...

@lollydarling - I’m sorry to hear things didn’t go well at work. It’s so frustrating and upsetting when you feel like you’re getting better and then you get pain and bleeding again. I suppose we will each recover in our own time and our bodies will tell us when we can get back to normal. I’m taking another day off then going back Thursday... I already know I can’t do a full day as I can’t sit for more than an hour! I read somewhere that people can go back to the gym after 3 weeks - that made me laugh! The gym!!! I can’t run, definitely can’t sit on a bike (ooouch) and can’t lift weights - walking is about it, and even that makes me desperately need a poop so can’t stray too far!! Hope you guys all start to heal quickly and that we’ll be back to normal in time for Xmas drinkies x

Hi fellow sufferers! Boy did I completely underestimate this procedure. I’m currently on day 5 having had 3 haemorrhoids removed on Thursday - one was grade 4 and was removed surgically and the other two weren’t as bad so were banded . I’m pretty sure I’ve got stitches as I can feel them but didn’t see the surgeon after the op to get details. I was sent home with a discharge letter which says ‘Follow-up Arrangements - Not Applicable’. When I queried the nurse about this she said see the GP if you need to and if you start bleeding heavily go to AandE. I’m feeling I need a lot more support than that!
I’ve read everyone’s posts on this thread and would like to say thank you for all sharing the detail! I’ve learned a lot and I’m less worried about all my bits and thinking - is this normal?

It’s 6 pm and I’m not feeling too bad but the mornings are absolutely horrendous. I did 3 BMs in under two hours and then spent the whole day curled up in bed feeling so sore. I was sweating I was in so much pain, the pain makes me feel really sick so I’m finding it difficult to eat anything and if I take the pain medication and antibiotics on an empty stomach then I really feel sick. When I wake up i need to go pretty much immediately so don’t have time to eat something, take painkillers run a bath etc. The pain in my bottom isn’t the worst part it’s the whole dragging, heavy feeling of that whole region. Everything just aches so badly. I’m also getting quite severe stomach cramps too and I can feel I’m just tightening up which probably isn’t helping. Is this the Movicol, antibiotics or painkillers? I’m sure this is why I’m struggling with a sensation of wanting to go for a wee but not being able to until I’m really desperate.

I managed to finally finish going to the loo, clean up, eat something, drink something, take all medication by 11.30 this morning which is ridiculous having been awake since 7.30. Then went to sleep exhausted and woke up at 4.30!
I can’t believe how much I’m pooping - there is no way I’ve eaten that much! I’m so tempted to not eat apart from the minimum it takes to allow me to not have an empty stomach for all the medication. The advice I was given in hospital was that this isn’t a good idea or it will lead to CONSTIPATION 😱😱😱😱.

On the plus side I’m not bleeding much - just a little on wiping. And.... no that’s it. I can’t think of any more plus points.
Has anyone found anything that helps with the awful dragging ache sensation? Has anyone thought (and tried) of cutting down on the movicol so they don’t have as many bowel movements? Pre op I used to go once a day with quite a soft stool without any trouble and can’t help thinking that if I could go back to that I’d heal a lot quicker. My hems are from childbirth and not from being constipated.

When has everyone else had to go for a follow up appointment? I’m in London and was under a really good surgeon in a decent NHS hospital who has a private practice too. Im really surprised that I’ve not been given even a time period to see my gp. I got the impression that I’d only need to see someone if something was wrong. Everything feels very wrong now but after reading everyone’s experiences I’m guessing this is normal!
Wishing everyone on this thread lots of sympathy - we need it!!

@lollydarling @Kazabevron @AniseedBall
Hello! Sorry for the late reply.
Well, I ended up going to the walk in clinic on Sunday night. I know this sounds extreme but the doctor who did my surgery gave me no advice, just the codeine and sent me on my way lol. I felt like I was actually going to die when I tried to go to the loo it was insane. Absolute blood bath and the pain was unbelievable.
Anyway the walk in centre lady gave me glycerin suppositories which changed my life haha I went to the loo terrified and wow was it easy lol I nearly cried happy tears! She also took the codeine off me and said he should never have given me those and she gave me naproxen instead. Amazing.
She asked when my follow up appointment is, I said I don't have one which also shocked her. So I'm just going to book one with my own doctor for next week.
I have a temp job so I've managed to phone in sick for 2 days but I will have to go back tomorrow. Dreading it 😫
Hope you're all doing ok x

@Dogwalker1 I'm in London too and have no follow up appointment or after care advice. It's ridiculous!

It is totally ridiculous. Even advice on when to make an appointment with you GP would have been helpful. London hospitals generally have a good reputation but when I tried ringing the number on the discharge letter it said that the number didn't exist! I’m going to ring my GP tomorrow to ask for a telephone appointment just so I can ask a few questions. For example I’m not sure if I can get more Dihydrocodeine tablets when I run out (I thought they were addictive) and if I need to keep taking the Movicol after the supply I was given runs out.

@Dogwalker1 - I’m so sorry for you as that first week is utter hell. I felt okay for the first couple of days after surgery (I had one grade 3 removed and 2 grade 2’s repositioned and stapled with some procedure I can’t remember the name of...) but then the laxatives kicked in day 3 and it was utter agony! Pooping constantly and each time so painful with aching everywhere... I think it’s the general anasthetic that messes with your need to pee - often I wasn’t sure if i needed to or not, and I’d dread trying in case I had another BM and the agony started all over again!!! I found that if I crouched over the loo, not sat on it, and squeezed the area around my bladder, I could encourage a pee without the other... the separation does get easier after a bit of time so don’t worry. I cut back on the movicol to one a day then half every other then kind after a week but it really depends how your BMs are as you don’t want to get constipated... I felt bunged up one day and it really panicked me... took a couple of days then unblocked itself gradually but I’m watching that I don’t eat binding foods like white rice, pasta, white bread, processed food as that can make it worse. If you need to sleep, just sleep as Your body needs it. In the first week the BMs were so painful each time that I would take a nurofen, apply the anasthetic gel they gave me, get a pack of peas on the area and then breathe deeply (and cry usually) until the pain subsided.... it does get better I promise!!! The ice is great as it numbs the whole area and is instant so it gives the pain killers time to kick in.

I am so shocked that you and @Misssmith82 and many others were just discharged after your op with a pack of painkillers and no follow up appointment!!! I can’t believe they think that’s acceptable!! To be honest I went private as my husband has medical with work and the support has been brilliant. When my op was over I met with the surgeon again so I could ask him any questions and then the nurse gave me a huge pack of medicine to take with me - I had the high dose ibuprofen and paracetamol, tramadol, anti-biotics, huge box of instillagel (anasthetic gel for the area) and laxatives. After a few days a nurse from the hospital called to see how I was doing and answered my questions, and I have a follow up appointment booked for Tuesday. I would definitely make sure you see your gp after a few weeks just to check all is at it should be. I really hope you all feel much better soon xx

@Dogwalker1 - sorry typo - Stopped movicol altogether after a week is what i meant

@Misssmith82
I can’t believe you are having to go back to work so soon. I hope that you manage the day ok.

@kazabevron
Thanks for the sympathy! As the op is a bit embarrassing I didn’t tell anyone but now I’m having to cancel things I’ve had to let people know. I’m sure they don’t understand - Hemorrhoids are a bit of a joke subject.
I’m going to try to get some of the numbing gel you mentioned. That would be an absolute godsend. I’ve had two previous ops (for other things) and this is the first time I’ve had an op on the NHS. I have to say the staff were wonderful at the time but I need some after care support now!

@kazabevron
How long ago was your op?