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.)

[OMGimscared]

Hi all, I am not going to tempt fate and tell you all how I feel today (sending mind powers forward I feel so much better!) infection seems to be slowly doing one. I have not had bm since yesterday morning so am a tad worried about when it comes but I have been feeling that poorly I haven't really eaten much at all. I am now on day 7 and I feel like I have completely lost a whole week of my life. ATM my pain is controllable, my 17 year old daughter is not working today so she has taken 12 year old to Aldi in an uber with a list to do my weekly shop, I may just have to start renting them out 😹. Reading your posts on how far post op you are and the problems you are still having is not allowing me to be as positive as I was before the infection kicked in, I realise that today so far may be good but it probably will all go tits up again. @CareBear50 I do hope your infection is getting easier?

@Disneylover1 I am not looking forward to the itch!

I am about to go have a Dead Sea salt bath (they are so soothing) then I intend to wash my hair, it feels like a nest I am worried something feathery may try to make a home from it, besides I look like something from wild Borneo!

I do really appreciate the support you are all giving me, I too am quite private and don't tend to let even my family see me anything but ok with everything so it's really good to be faceless yet receive support xx

[OMGimscared]

@Disneylover1 you poor thing. Anyone's bum would be sore going as many times but you really are suffering. Have you got the Dead Sea bath salts? I find it really soothing, and it's supposed to be healing and helpful to itches. And as an added bonus it makes your skin really soft. I have had more baths these past few days than I have in the past 10 years, never have time for one.

I hope it stops soon for you xx

[Disneylover1]

@OMGimscared - glad to hear that the infection seems to be getting under control. I hope that CareBear's is too.
You definitely loose life trying to recover from this operation. For me, trying to get the right food/supplement balance has been the main thing. I think I did the right thing in stopping the fybogel and movicol as I was just pooing sooooo much. However, the 2 magnesium tablets yesterday have set me back a little today, so I'll learn, tweak and see what tomorrow brings. I'm sure my first recovery was easier than this. I just remember one day going to the toilet with no pain and blood. It just happened, even though the previous day had been pain and blood. I guess that each day the wound healing gets that little bit stronger until one day it actually holds. After that, recovery was swift - it's just getting to that stage.
Just reading about Dead Sea Salts and they sound good! I was advised not to put anything in the bath, but as I'm 16 days in and have no open external wounds, I'm guessing it should be okay. So, I've just ordered a bag from Amazon that will be here tomorrow. Don't you love Amazon prime? 😊
You might not get the itch as badly as I've had it, and I hope you don't. If you do, don't take piriton. I'm sure that set me back as I was constipated at day 12. We don't need set backs as they just delay healing. Staying strong is hard, but we will all get there eventually x

[Disneylover1]

Another thing I've even thinking about is that they give everyone pretty much the same laxative/fibre combo to take without any regard to what the individuals normal diet, bowel movements etc are like. It's almost like they assume we all different from constipation and strain to go to the loo which is why we have hemmies in the first place. For a lot of us, that's not the case and they're a horrible side effect of pregnancy and birth. I diligently took to prescribed dosage of fybogel and movicol and it was far too much for me as I eat a healthy, fibre rich diet anyway. It took me a while to realise, but I'm convinced all the BMs I've had have been due to that. And that in turn had delayed my recovery. I know it's unrealistic, but I think they should look at people's eating and BM habits and tailor the post-op regime accordingly. I was basically eating fibre, then adding 2 fibre drinks, then pouring laxative on top of it all. No wonder I was constantly on the loo and producing so much!

Still waiting for this morning's loose BM pain to subside. Getting there though and then I'll head downstairs for lunch and to join the land of the living.

[Disneylover1]

I really should proof read before posting 😂
Edits:
*I've BEEN thinking about
*they assume we all SUFFER from

[Disneylover1]

Sorry, I know I ramble, but I find it helps 😊

[CareBear50]

Guys thanks for the kind thoughts.

Now day six post op. Last night was my worst night yet.....was feeling v low but taking it very easy today.

Brilliant advice about put a folded piece of cotton wool between bum cheeks to catch any discharge. So sorry to hear about some of you who itchy can't even use cotton wool.....that sounds horrific. I asked the Dr yesterday if I could have something for the itch.....she said no.......said it was too red and raw looking and wouldn't recommend anything.

Anyway.....it is a beautiful day......and once again this is a great place to chat/vent about a v solitary embarrassing issue! J

[Disneylover1]

@CareBear50 - I've risked taking a Loratadine today as the itch just about had me on the ceiling! Creams weren't working. I'm praying it doesn't constipate me like the piriton did, as it has worked. Maybe you could try that too rather than a cream?
Take it easy today and hopefully you'll continue to improve as the antibiotics kick in x

[OMGimscared]

Imagine this conversation in a pub 😹😹😹. I wonder what people who stumble across this thread are thinking 😹😹😹. 17 yo started to be that vile teenage girl thing so she is now in her room not allowed out! 12yo however is in the kitchen (after putting the shopping away) cooking a chicken dinner 😬 I wrote all the timings and Instructions down for her she is happily watching her programme being a chef, think I might have to play on this every Sunday 😜 And finally my hair is clean yay xx

[Disneylover1]

@OMGimscared - your 12 year old sounds wonderful! Bless her for being so helpful. Sounds like she's up for a challenge too with all the cooking etc. Pity the 17 year old can't follow her lead.
It's great having clean hair again isn't it? Just makes you feel a bit more human again. I'm downstairs again, but I'm starting to get achy hips after spending 16 days laying on them. Hubby is watching Starsky and Hutch DVDs - quite funny to have in the background.
I'm looking forward to simple things now, like taking the dog for a walk, cooking a meal etc. Hopefully the next week will bring about further recovery 🤞

[OMGimscared]

As I am not eating much I only had 2 potatoes and a bit of chicken, but had a lovely plate of veg. My kid sure can cook a good roast. Pic attached as I am so proud. @Disneylover1 no chance of taming the 17 year old, she has gone off to work in a right sulk cause I wouldn't let her out this afternoon. I am wondering if I am actually allowed to be ill? 12yo has straightened my nice clean hair, so the feral curls no longer look like a nest, she is now painting my toenails for me. However, I have just lost a stitch and the pain is ouch ouch ouch, are the stitches supposed to fall out yet, had a look with the mirror and it is all raw and red 😱 had 3 removed but they only stitched 2 of them! What's that all about? Xx

[Janice2019]

@Disneylover1 : I totally got what you said to your kids. My constipation started when I was young. However everything was still manageable until my first pregnancy and aging I guess. Both my kids were through C section and here I am, still so miserable. But I'm sure natural birth would make the hemorrhoid worse. My 4 yr old daughter also has tendency of constipation so I am already worried she would go through what I have gone through.
Sounds like I might also go through a 2nd round in the future like you. Loud cry in my heart!!

[Disneylover1]

You have stitches???? I thought they only stitched in the US as I've never read about anyone in the UK having stitches. I haven't had stitches with either of my ops and can't think of how painful they must be. You poor thing. Unfortunately I can't give any advice, but they should be dissolvable so will come out when they're meant to I guess.

I'm totally in love with your 12 year old. She sounds so sweet and caring 💖

I've just walked 30 lengths of our house to try and get a bit of exercise - approx 500m. Going to try and do a bit every day if possible, maybe a few times a day depending on how the day goes. Can't really have anything against my bum yet due the sensitivity causing itching, so I've got loose PJ bottoms on and walk whilst holding them away from my bum! I'd like to walk outside, but don't really think I want to advertise my sore bum to the world 😂

[Disneylover1]

@OMGimscared - I just replied to you, but forgot to tag you in. Hope you see it x

[OMGimscared]

@Janice2019 don't think because you had c sections that you little lumpy friends would be any worse. Any number of factors can make them bad, I suffered constipation for years had 1 natural birth and 1 section, but mine were probably just as bad as someone who stands all day for a job xx

@Disneylover1 I have always said that she was swapped at birth she can't be mine 😹😹😹
Didn't know I had stitches until the 3rd day when I had a look! Yep I know gross but I really had to see, I too was shocked as I thought they were all going to be open wounds. I couldn't say if they were painful as I only assume the pain I have is to be expected. I do know that the raw open wound now is stinging like a b..ch. to top it off I have developed a horrid cold, my bum kills each time I sneeze or cough. Just my luck. Need a fast forward button like now xx

[Disneylover1]

Hi @Janice2019 - oh dear, it sounds like you've really struggled with constipation. I never have particularly, but am very careful with my diet to try and keep my bum as healthy as possible - fruit, veg, whole grains, white meat only, brown bread, pasta and rice, plus making sure I drink at least 2 litres of water a day. I find the water essential. I also don't drink alcohol. I sound like great fun don't I? 😂
Walking also helps loads as it keeps things moving. If I'm busy at work and end up desk based for a few days, I can really tell. Walking the dog is great for me, but sometimes hubby does it alone if I'm busy. I bought a step so that I can use that in the house if I miss my walk. Although, if you've suffered all your life, I'm sure you've tried pretty much everything. I'd do anything to avoid going through this again.

[Disneylover1]

@OMGimscared - oh, I looked too and look quite often as I've been putting cream on to try to help with the itch. I have no visible open wounds at all and my bum looks perfectly normal. All of my cutting has been internal. I did have an external wound last time as it was needed to avoid stenosis. However, it looked fine, not raw, red, weepy etc. My infection set in around day 6-7 and it was very mild as I caught it so early, so even then it looked fine. When are you meant to go back to see your consultant?

A cold on top of this must be awful. As it is, when I cough or sneeze I hold my buttocks together in an attempt to reduce the pressure. You really are going through it and I feel so bad for you. I'd love a fast forward/rewind button too x

[OMGimscared]

@Disneylover1 think I am booked in for 6 weeks from op date. Also think I now may have thrush from the antibiotics and to top it off I really can sympathise with you now, just had bm nearly didn't make the loo and it was like molten lava, 100mph pure liquid heat! And I stopped taking the lactulose. Jesus Christ I think the whole street heard me scream. And here was me thinking that bm's were painful but bearable. I can feel my belly going grumbly again so am petrified it's going to blow again, just call me mount Etna 😹😹. I have had such a good day too. Jumped straight in the bath crying in pain, my poor daughter at bathroom door crying seeing if I am ok. Think I might stick to soup for a few days as lovely as my dinner was it wasn't that nice second time round 😹😹 feeling very sorry for myself and emotional now 😿😿xx

[Disneylover1]

@OMGimscared - oh, you poor thing. I really do feel for you. The liquid ones really are the worst, even though you'd hope they'd be easier as they pass more freely, but they're truly awful. I guess with your gastro issues, getting the balance can be tricky too. Figuring out what food/suoolements work for you is key to recovery, as I've discovered over the past couple of weeks. You really have my sympathy for how you're feeling currently x

[Disneylover1]

Morning! How is everyone feeling today? @OMGimscared - did you have any more explosions or have things calmed down?
@CareBear50 - is the infection settling down now?
@Dizzyali77 - you've got your consultant appointment today haven't you? I hope it's not too painful and you get the answers you're after. Let us know how you get on.
@Janice2019 - hope you're doing well.
I had a better night. Got up just once to wee, so that was a relief. The Loratadine started to wear off in the early hours though, so there was a bit of itching, but not as bad as before. Looks like I definitely had a reaction to something as this morning when I checked my bum, I've got all this dead skin coming off the buttock area surrounding my hole (how else do I describe that!?!?). So, not the hole or surgery area, but the buttock skin. I think once that's off, I'll have fresh new skin and feel much better. The cotton wool and water isn't as irritating now, but I'm going to stick with that rather than try anything else.
Bum is feeling spiky today post BM, and I'm still having trouble weeing properly until my bowels have fully emptied. Mentally, I feel brighter though. However, I think I'm going to have to close my office for another week :( I was hoping to be able to start replying to emails tomorrow, but I don't think I'm there yet. Still not actually tried sitting properly but might later today once the BM/spiky feeling wears off.
Thoughts are with everyone x

[OMGimscared]

Morning everyone, @Disneylover1 you do make me laugh, yes mount etna has erupted again, although I now knew what to expect so didn't quite shock me as much. I am a bit better again today, but I won't hold my breath for too long. Starving though too scared to eat 😢. I do hope everyone else is ok? Xx

[Disneylover1]

@OMGimscared - I'm glad I can bring some light relief to the horror of recovery 😊
Sorry that you erupted again, but hopefully it's all out now. I know what you mean about being scared to eat though as I've been there. I also really think about everything I'm eating too, trying to figure out what effect it might have. Are there any foods that you found safe to eat pre-op? That you knew wouldn't upset you and would pass easily?

[Dizzyali77]

@Disneylover1 yes I’ve been to see the consultant, external wound is all healed, inside just taking it’s time but he’s very confident that it’s all going well and healing, he said 6-8 weeks realistically and he says the bleeding should get less and stop in time. He’s put me on metrodiazonle for 7 days also. It wasn’t the most enjoyable experience but I wasn’t screaming the walls down, it just felt sore whilst he examined me and still feel sore now but nothing I cant manage with. He also said to go back to taking lactulose even if it’s once a day, ughhh so just gonna have to see how I get on with it. He also mentioned this is the most painful surgery anyone can have and I was like ha ha yeah I know!
Glad you’re feeling brighter isn’t it lovely when you get to late afternoon and it’s starts to feel a bit normal again, I find mine eases mid to late afternoon and I feel like a normal person ha ha until start all over again the next day.
Hope everyone else is doing ok today to? X

[Disneylover1]

@Dizzyali77 - glad to hear that it's all looking good and wasn't too painful. I was on metrodiazonle for 7 days post surgery. It made me feel quite sick, and I did actually throw up once, so had to get some anti nausea tablets from the Dr to counteract that.
I think I'm a tiny bit constipated today 😞 Had a BM this morning as normal, then just been having small BMs hourly and bum is feeling spiky. Not sure if it's due to the Loratadine I took yesterday or if I do need a softer/mild laxative. Getting the balance is so hard. I just know I feel like a different person once my bowels are empty. Such a simple bodily functions shouldn't be this difficult!
Do you think you'll be able to return to work soon? I'd hoped to start answering emails again tomorrow, but am going to extend my office closure a bit more. Hopefully another week will do it🤞

[CareBear50]

Afternoon everyone. Day seven post op. Thus morning has been the worst yet. So much so I have reluctantly taken cocodamol......which I really don't like. Now v v scared re next BM.....but I am taking laculose

Was just lying in bed crying with pain. Am in bath just now and have a spikey shooting pain up my bum. I think Infection is improving but I'm not really sure.

Out if interest.......how do people manage to look up their own bum.....I'm not sure if it's possible unless your a contortionist!

Oh I am so looking forward to the day where I no longer have bum issues!!!